Will Ferrell's Hilarious 'Not Like Us' Moment: What Happened At SNL 50?
There are moments in live television that just stick with you, aren't there? Well, a very recent one had everyone talking, especially when comedy legend Will Ferrell stepped onto the stage at Saturday Night Live's 50th anniversary celebration. It was, you know, a surprise that pretty much no one saw coming, and it quickly became a huge buzz online. People were really wondering, like, "Did Will Ferrell just sing 'Not Like Us'?" And the answer, actually, is a resounding yes, in his own unique, hilarious way.
This particular performance, featuring Ferrell alongside his long-time comedic partner Ana Gasteyer, brought back their much-loved characters, the Culps. These two, basically, are a pair of old married music teachers known for their incredibly earnest yet often off-key renditions of popular songs. Their return to the SNL stage for such a big event was, in a way, a nostalgic treat for long-time fans.
But what really made this moment explode was their choice of song. They tackled Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us," a track that, as a matter of fact, was right in the middle of a very public rap feud with Drake. This unexpected cover, delivered with the Culps' signature style, really just added another layer of humor and cultural commentary to the whole thing. It was, you know, a classic Ferrell move, blending sharp wit with pure absurdity.
Table of Contents
- Who is Will Ferrell? A Look at the Comedy Legend
- The Culps Return: A Musical Comedy Treat
- The 'Not Like Us' Phenomenon: Rap Beef Meets SNL
- Why This Moment Mattered
- The Enduring Appeal of Will Ferrell's Comedy
- Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Will Ferrell? A Look at the Comedy Legend
Will Ferrell, born John William Ferrell, on July 16, 1967, in Irvine, California, is an American actor, comedian, writer, and producer. He's really known for his leading roles in comedy films, and for his extensive work as a television producer. His career, you know, basically kicked off in a big way as a cast member on Saturday Night Live.
During his seven-year run on SNL, he was one of the few cast members to ever be nominated for an Emmy for a performance. He became famous for his spot-on impersonations, notably of Alex Trebek and, very famously, George W. Bush during the 2000 elections. He has appeared in every major comedy film for the last two decades, it seems. His impact on comedy is, pretty much, undeniable.
Ferrell has received various accolades throughout his career, including six Primetime Emmy Awards. He even got a British Academy nomination, which is, you know, a big deal. He's not just a performer; he's also a creative force behind the scenes. For example, Ferrell will star and produce Peter Atencio’s upcoming comedy movie 'Street Justice' for 20th Century Studios. Based on a story by Dave Callaham, the film has Ferrell playing a dirty character, which sounds like, basically, classic Ferrell.
Personal Details & Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | John William Ferrell |
| Born | July 16, 1967 |
| Birthplace | Irvine, California, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actor, Comedian, Writer, Producer |
| Known For | Leading roles in comedy films, SNL impersonations (George W. Bush, Alex Trebek), television producer. |
| Accolades | Six Primetime Emmy Awards, British Academy nomination. |
| Career Highlight | Seven-year run on Saturday Night Live, Emmy nomination for performance. |
The Culps Return: A Musical Comedy Treat
The return of the Culps, played by Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer, was a real highlight of the SNL 50th anniversary concert. For those who might not remember, the Culps are a married music teacher duo, Marty and Bobbi Mohan-Culp. They were a recurring sketch on SNL, known for their unique and often awkward interpretations of popular songs, usually with Bobbi on vocals and Marty on keyboard. Their performances were always a bit of a train wreck, but in the most endearing and hilarious way possible.
Their comedy comes from their earnestness and their slightly off-kilter musical arrangements. They'd take well-known hits and, you know, give them a kind of lounge-singer, middle-school-assembly vibe. It's that blend of familiar tunes with their very specific, kind of dorky delivery that made them so memorable. Seeing them back on stage, after all these years, was like getting a visit from old, funny friends. It really was a special moment for fans of the show.
Ana Gasteyer, who plays Bobbi Culp, actually told People magazine that she and Ferrell had thought about performing the song for the "Homecoming concert" before the SNL 50th anniversary. This suggests they had been, you know, contemplating this particular comedic gold for a while. Their chemistry as the Culps is, basically, unmatched, and it's clear why they decided to bring these beloved characters back for such a milestone event.
The 'Not Like Us' Phenomenon: Rap Beef Meets SNL
The real twist, and what made the "Will Ferrell not like us" moment so viral, was their choice to cover Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us." This song, you know, was a key part of the very public and intense rap feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake. Lamar's explosive diss track had been making huge waves in the music world, and for Ferrell and Gasteyer to tackle it was, basically, pure genius.
During the SNL 50th anniversary special, Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer hilariously urged Drake and Kendrick Lamar to "hug it out" after Lamar’s explosive super bowl diss. This performance was not like anything anyone expected. It happened last night, February 14, and comedy legends Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer truly delivered a memorable moment. They reprised their roles as the Culps to sing ‘Not Like Us’ and, you know, kind of roast Kendrick Lamar and Drake's rap beef at ‘SNL 50.’
The Culps' rendition was, of course, a comedy version of the song. It wasn't about musical accuracy; it was about the humor of these earnest, slightly out-of-touch music teachers attempting to navigate the complexities of a modern rap battle. Watch in awe (and confusion) as he hilariously attempts to rap 'not like us' and other tunes. It was a brilliant move, kind of taking a very serious, intense cultural moment and filtering it through their unique, lighthearted comedic lens. The post "Will Ferrell & Ana Gasteyer cover “Not Like Us” at SNL 50th anniversary concert" first appeared on Consequence, highlighting the buzz it created. It's almost like they decided to bring a little calm to the rap storm, in a very funny way.
The performance itself was a masterclass in comedic timing and character work. They didn't just sing the song; they performed it with all the Culps' quirks, complete with awkward dance moves and earnest facial expressions. It was, you know, a very specific kind of humor that only Ferrell and Gasteyer could pull off. DJ Scheme even played ‘Not Like Us’ at Drake’s venue in Toronto, which was the same venue that canceled Schoolboy Q’s show. This just goes to show how much the song, and now this SNL moment, has permeated pop culture.
Why This Moment Mattered
The "Will Ferrell not like us" moment at SNL 50 really mattered for a few reasons. First off, it was a fantastic example of SNL's enduring ability to tap into current events and pop culture. By having the Culps cover a song so central to a major rap feud, the show proved it can still be, you know, incredibly relevant and timely. It showed that SNL, even at 50, can still surprise and delight its audience with fresh takes on trending topics.
Secondly, it highlighted the comedic genius of Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer. Their ability to bring back beloved characters and make them feel fresh and hilarious, even decades later, is a testament to their talent. It wasn't just a nostalgic trip; it was a genuinely funny performance that stood on its own. The old married music teachers even sung Kendrick Lamar's track, which was, you know, just priceless.
Moreover, the performance created a huge buzz online. Will Ferrell's hilarious rendition of 'Not Like Us' for SNL 50 quickly went viral, with Hot 97 being one of many outlets sharing the clip. The Culps are back to catch us up on the past 20 years in music (and more recent music feuds) during SNL50. This kind of viral moment helps keep SNL in the cultural conversation, introducing its humor to new generations while pleasing long-time fans. It was a moment that blended classic SNL with contemporary music, creating something truly unique and memorable. It wouldn't be an SNL anniversary celebration if the show's breakout superstars didn't come back to do their notable skits from the comedy program in honor of SNL's legacy.
The Enduring Appeal of Will Ferrell's Comedy
Will Ferrell's comedic style is, basically, one of a kind, and the "Not Like Us" performance is just another example of why he remains such a beloved figure in comedy. He has this amazing ability to commit fully to absurd characters and situations, making even the most ridiculous scenarios feel, you know, kind of real in the moment. His impersonations, like George W. Bush or Alex Trebek, weren't just about mimicry; they captured the essence of those figures with a comedic twist.
He's known for his leading man roles in comedy films, and he's also a television producer, showing his range beyond just acting. Ferrell has a knack for finding the humor in the everyday, often by pushing it to its absolute limits. Whether he's playing a clueless news anchor or an overly enthusiastic Elf, he brings a unique energy to every role. His comedy often involves a blend of physical humor, deadpan delivery, and a touch of the unexpected, which is, you know, really effective.
The "Not Like Us" performance with Ana Gasteyer as the Culps perfectly encapsulates this. It's a testament to his versatility and his willingness to embrace current trends, even if it means putting a very silly spin on a serious rap feud. He makes you laugh, but he also makes you appreciate the craft of comedy. It's why news about Will Ferrell, including commentary and archival articles published in the New York Times, always draws attention. His impact on comedy is, pretty much, undeniable, and this SNL 50 moment just reinforced that.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Will Ferrell sing at SNL 50?
Will Ferrell, alongside Ana Gasteyer, reprised their roles as the Culps and performed a hilarious comedy version of Kendrick Lamar's song "Not Like Us" at the Saturday Night Live 50th anniversary concert. It was, you know, a very unexpected choice that got a lot of people talking.
Who are the Culps on SNL?
The Culps are a fictional married music teacher duo named Marty and Bobbi Mohan-Culp, played by Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer. They were a recurring sketch on Saturday Night Live, known for their earnest, often awkward, and slightly off-key musical performances of popular songs.
Why did Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer cover 'Not Like Us'?
They covered "Not Like Us" as a comedic take on the ongoing rap feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake. Their performance, delivered in the Culps' signature style, hilariously urged the two rappers to "hug it out," adding a lighthearted, satirical twist to the intense musical beef.
Learn more about Will Ferrell's comedic genius on our site, and link to this page for more SNL 50th anniversary highlights.
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