Andrew Pace
Will Ferrell is an actor and comedian known for his comedic performances in sports-themed films. In 2015, a video went viral of Ferrell throwing a basketball at a cheerleader's face during a Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans game. The incident was part of a scene for his upcoming film, Daddy's Home, in which he stars as a mild-mannered stepfather. Ferrell was also dressed as his character from the 2008 film Semi-Pro, a sports comedy set during the final season of the American Basketball Association, during a Golden State Warriors game in 2022.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Incident | Will Ferrell threw a basketball at a cheerleader's face |
| Incident Date | 22 January 2015 |
| Incident Location | Los Angeles Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans game |
| Movie | Daddy's Home |
| Co-star | Mark Wahlberg |
| Movie Release Date | 25 December 2015 |
| Character | Brad |
| Character Description | A mild-mannered radio executive who is determined to become the best stepfather to his new wife's children |
| Uniform | Ferrell wore a basketball uniform similar to the one in the film Semi-Pro |
| Ejection | Ferrell was faux-ejected from the stadium |
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What You'll Learn
- Will Ferrell's basketball throw at a cheerleader's face during a Lakers game
- Ferrell's character in the 2008 film 'Semi-Pro'
- Ferrell's on-court shenanigans during the filming of 'Daddy's Home'
- Ferrell dressed as his 'Semi-Pro' character while warming up with the Golden State Warriors
- Ferrell's half-court shot during the Lakers vs Pelicans game
Will Ferrell's basketball throw at a cheerleader's face during a Lakers game
In January 2015, a video went viral showing Will Ferrell throwing a basketball at a cheerleader's face during a Lakers game. The incident occurred during halftime of a Los Angeles Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans game and was actually part of a scene for his upcoming film, Daddy's Home. In the movie, Ferrell plays Brad, a mild-mannered radio executive who is determined to be the best stepfather to his new wife's children. In the scene being filmed at the Lakers game, Brad is drunk and attempts a half-court shot to win tickets to Disney World, accidentally hitting a cheerleader in the face with the basketball. Ferrell was then faux-ejected from the stadium.
Ferrell later commented on the scene, saying that it was a "blast" to film and that the crowd's energy and momentum were "spectacular." However, he also expressed surprise at the extent of the viral reaction to the scene, stating that he had "blinders on" when asked if the production expected fan footage to spread so widely. Director Sean Anders similarly commented on the unexpected reach of the video, anticipating it might be on YouTube but not "all over Yahoo and Google" the next morning.
The stunt sparked mixed reactions from viewers, with some finding it entertaining and others criticizing the use of perceived violence against women for comedic effect. Ferrell addressed the backlash, noting that even those who understood the scene was fictional questioned his use of a real basketball. However, he clarified in interviews that the ball was actually a soft, Nerf-style ball.
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Ferrell's character in the 2008 film 'Semi-Pro'
In the 2008 sports comedy film Semi-Pro, Will Ferrell plays Jackie Moon, a singer famous for the disco hit "Love Me Sexy". In the film, Jackie Moon uses the profits from his only hit single to purchase a basketball team, the Flint Michigan Tropics, who are the worst team in the league. The team is also at risk of folding when the ABA and NBA announce their merger plans.
Jackie Moon is the owner, player, and coach of the Tropics, and he is determined to turn the team's performance around and secure their survival in the league. He is also known for wrestling a grizzly bear named Rocky in the film to promote his basketball team. The character is considered one of Ferrell's weaker cinematic efforts, although his performance received praise despite the film's generally negative reviews.
The film also stars Woody Harrelson as Ed Monix, an aging point guard and former NBA Champion; André Benjamin as Clarence Withers, who dreams of playing in the NBA; and Maura Tierney as Lynn, Ed Monix's love interest. The film was directed by Kent Alterman and written by Scot Armstrong. It was shot in Los Angeles, Detroit, and Flint, Michigan, and released on February 19, 2008, grossing $15 million in its opening weekend in the United States and Canada.
In one memorable scene, Ferrell's character nails a cheerleader in the face with a basketball, which some viewers may confuse with a real-life incident where Ferrell threw a basketball that hit a cheerleader during a Lakers game. However, that incident was not related to the film Semi-Pro but instead occurred during the filming of the 2015 movie Daddy's Home.
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Ferrell's on-court shenanigans during the filming of 'Daddy's Home'
Will Ferrell's on-court antics during the filming of "Daddy's Home" certainly caused a stir and generated plenty of buzz for the upcoming movie. The incident took place during halftime of an NBA game between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Los Angeles Lakers at the Smoothie King Center in Louisiana. Ferrell, who was 47 at the time, was filming a scene for the movie when he appeared to lob a basketball that hit a cheerleader in the face. The cheerleader was played by stuntwoman and wrestler Taryn Terrell.
In the scene, Ferrell's character wins a chance to make a half-court shot for prizes. His intoxicated character becomes belligerent and pelts the cheerleader with the ball before being hauled off the court by security. Ferrell's co-star, Mark Wahlberg, was also present and watched as his fellow actor was taken down hard and fast by security. The crowd, unaware that this was a movie scene, was caught off guard, adding to the authenticity of the scene.
Ferrell later reflected on the experience, calling it "a blast." He also noted that the energy and momentum of filming during halftime of an NBA game, with Kobe Bryant also making an appearance, created a unique and exciting atmosphere. The viral video and the subsequent media coverage generated significant publicity for "Daddy's Home," which was released on December 25, 2015.
"Daddy's Home" is an American buddy comedy film directed by Sean Anders and written by Anders, Brian Burns, and John Morris. The movie stars Ferrell as a mild-mannered stepfather who competes for the affection of his wife's children when their freeloading father, played by Wahlberg, re-enters their lives. The film grossed $242.8 million worldwide, making it Ferrell's highest-grossing live-action film at the time.
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Ferrell dressed as his 'Semi-Pro' character while warming up with the Golden State Warriors
In 2022, Will Ferrell dressed as his character Jackie Moon from the 2008 movie "Semi-Pro" while warming up with the Golden State Warriors before their game against the Los Angeles Clippers. Ferrell stayed committed to the bit, dressing in the full fictional Flint Tropics uniform, complete with knee pads, wristbands, and a headband. The appearance added a touch of levity for the Warriors, who had lost five games in a row and seven of their last eight before Tuesday's contest.
Star shooter Klay Thompson broke into a huge smile when he saw Ferrell cross the court to greet him. The two exchanged a fist bump as they remained on the court together, loosening up before the game. Ferrell also hit a half-court shot and set up shop on the free-throw line, where he worked on his foul shots alongside Warriors star Stephen Curry, shooting underhand.
Ferrell joked that he may have a future with the Warriors, saying, "I'm under contract. So this is the very first tryout with the team, let's see what happens." Curry said Ferrell also gave a speech to the team before the game to help give off some "good vibes."
This was not the first time Ferrell had made an appearance at an NBA game. In 2015, he went viral for filming a scene for his upcoming movie "Daddy's Home" at a Los Angeles Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans game. During the scene, Ferrell, acting drunk, threw a basketball that hit a cheerleader in the face.
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Ferrell's half-court shot during the Lakers vs Pelicans game
Ferrell's half-court shot showcased his commitment to his craft and his willingness to embrace spontaneous moments to enhance the entertainment value of his performances. This specific incident also highlights the impact of unscripted, genuine moments in the digital age, as fan-captured footage circulated widely online and attracted a range of reactions from amusement to criticism. The stunt sparked discussions about the appropriateness of perceived violence against women in comedy and the potential risks of using real basketballs in similar scenarios.
Beyond the Lakers vs Pelicans game, Ferrell has also brought his unique brand of humour to other basketball-related events. In March 2022, he dressed up as his character Jackie Moon from the movie Semi-Pro to join the Golden State Warriors for warm-ups before their game against the Los Angeles Clippers. Ferrell's presence added levity and helped lift the team's spirits after a series of losses. He interacted with players like Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry, even attempting foul shots and successfully making a half-court shot during the warm-up session.
Ferrell's ability to create unexpected and humorous moments, whether it's drilling a cheerleader with a basketball or reprising his Semi-Pro character, showcases his talent for injecting comedy into sports culture. These instances not only entertain fans but also contribute to the lore of Ferrell's comedic genius and his willingness to embrace spontaneous moments to create unique and memorable experiences.
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Frequently asked questions
Will Ferrell's basketball throw is linked to his 2015 film, Daddy's Home, where he stars as a mild-mannered radio executive who tries to be the best stepfather to his new wife's children.
During halftime at a Los Angeles Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans game, Will Ferrell, dressed as his character Brad, attempted a half-court shot that went straight into a cheerleader's face. He was then faux-ejected from the stadium.
No, it was a Nerf-style soft ball.
