He's kind of a big deal, so it's no surprise that "Anchorman" actor Will Ferrell received a star Tuesday on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The ceremony Tuesday in the 6700 block of Hollywood Boulevard was attended by John C. Reilly, who co-starred with Ferrell in "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby" and "Step Brothers," and Ferrell's "Saturday Night Live" castmate Molly Shannon. Both joined him in speaking at the ceremony in front of the Hollywood Wax Museum.

"Maybe some day, in 50 years, people will look down on the sidewalk and say the things that we say today about some of these people: 'Who the f--- is this guy?" Reilly said. "But I hope not. This man is deserving of all the praise we give him today."

Shannon called him one of the most genuine people in the industry. She recalled him worrying about a possible career demise during their time on "Saturday Night Live."



"He said, 'I don't know, what if acting doesn't work out? What if animation totally takes over and they don't need real human actors?'" Shannon said. "I said I don't think that's going to happen, and he said, 'I could just have a simple life, driving a truck or living on a farm and driving that truck on that farm.' So, he had a backup plan."

LA Mayor Eric Garcetti and Kevin Hart, Ferrell's co-star in his latest movie, "Get Hard," also were scheduled to attend the ceremony, which comes three days before the release of "Get Hard."

"I've never had a mayor say nice things on my behalf," Ferrell said. "I've had plenty of mayors say horrible things about me. I mean horrible, hateful things."

Born July 16, 1967, in Irvine, where he was raised, Ferrell graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in sports information, but instead pursued a career in comedy. He was a member of the famed improv group "The Groundlings," where he was discovered for "Saturday Night Live."

During his seven seasons on "SNL," Ferrell is remembered for his portrayals of Craig the Spartan Spirit Cheerleader, middle school music teacher Marty Culp and impressions of then-President George W. Bush, then-Attorney General Janet Reno, "Jeopardy!" host Alex Trebek, singer Neil Diamond and the late Chicago Cubs announcer Harry Caray.

Ferrell received Emmy nominations in 2001 for outstanding individual performance in a variety or music program and outstanding writing for a variety, music or comedy program.

Ferrell's move starring roles include "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy" and its sequel, "Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues" -- he cowrote both -- "The Campaign," and the Spanish-language telenovela spoof "Casa de mi Padre."

Ferrell's other film credits include "Elf," "Zoolander," "Old School," and "The Producers," which earned him his first Golden Globe nomination for best supporting actor. Ferrell received a second Golden Globe nomination in 2006, for best actor in a comedy or musical, for his portrayal of IRS agent Harold Crick in "Stranger Than Fiction."

Ferrell received a Tony Award nomination for his Broadway debut, headlining the one-man show "Will Ferrell: You're Welcome America, A Final Night with George W Bush." At the end of its Broadway run, Ferrell performed the show, live, in its entirety on HBO, earning Emmy Award nominations for outstanding variety, musical or comedy special and outstanding writing for a variety, musical or comedy special.

