Will Ferrell’s 1994 SNL Audition Got A Brutal Reaction From Modern Viewers – Looper

A portion of Will Ferrell’s 1994 audition for “Saturday Night Live” found its way onto social media, and many Twitter users cut the comedic actor’s performance to shreds with their brutal reactions. “That was a disaster,” @hugh_jolley tweeted. The 81-second video features Ferrell as an office worker of some importance — undoubtedly an executive — who begins his routine by telling an imaginary secretary he’s not to be disturbed. “I’ve got a lot of paperwork I’ve got to do,” Ferrell insists.

“His version of comedy is equivalent to Amy Schumer’s comedy style, both just cringey and awful lol,” @BillieArianas wrote. Rather than working, Ferrell scoops up a jingly cat toy, gets on his knees, and begins playing with it much like a real feline would. “He’s not funny at all really,” @SportsGuido commented. “More like awkward and cringey.” As the skit continues, Ferrell suddenly averts his attention from the plaything and pretends to talk to his secretary once more over the intercom.

The executive tells his assistant to put Mr. Don Jacobs on hold because he’s just too swamped with work to speak to the caller. Ferrell then immediately takes hold of a fake rat or mouse, falls onto the floor, and begins slapping it between his hands. “Not funny,” @paulwolfer42 posted. Once Ferrell concludes his audition, he smiles and thanks the unseen “SNL” panel who viewers can hear laughing and applauding his tryout. “Why is he a thing?” @Tomnaughtylist asked.