The Cast of “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy”: Where Are They Now?
The classic film premiered 20 years ago today! Find out what the cast of 'Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy' has been up to since
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'Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy' cast in 2004It may be hard to believe, but Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy is 20 years old!
Directed by Adam McKay, the film wielded some serious star power, with Will Ferrell, Christina Applegate, Paul Rudd, David Koechner and Steve Carell at the helm. However, it didn't just have a strong starting lineup; the supporting cast featured the likes of Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, Luke Wilson and Kathryn Hahn (plus a brief appearance by Jack Black), who brought their comedic superpowers and helped make it an instant hit at the box office and quoted over the following two decades.
Now, to commemorate the film's anniversary, find out what the cast of Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy has been up to since the film premiered on July 9, 2004.
Will Ferrell as Ron Burgundy
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Will Ferrell in 2004's Anchorman and in 2024Inarguably one of the best character actors of our time, Will Ferrell led the film playing the egotistical, politically incorrect news anchor Ron Burgundy. Quirky as he was, the character resonated with audiences and remains one of Ferrell's most beloved roles.
"I'm so proud of the legacy,” Ferrell told PEOPLE of Anchorman while at the premiere of Despicable Me 4 back in June. "And I think at the time, we couldn't believe we were getting to make such a weird, bizarre movie,” he added. “So I'm just so happy that it has kind of stayed in the zeitgeist all these years.”
Ferrell reprised the role in the film's sequel, Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues and has also worn the colorful suits and thick mustache on several occasions — including at the recent roast of Tom Brady.
In his personal life, Ferrell has been married to wife Viveca Paulin since 2000. The two share three kids — sons Magnus, 20, Mattias, 17, and Axel, 14.
Steve Carell as Brick Tamland
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Steve Carell in 2004's Anchorman and in 2024Playing weatherman Brick Tamland was Steve Carell, who brought his famous brand of offbeat humor to the film and flawlessly complemented Will Ferrell.
Of course, audiences would further fall in love with Carell when he played bumbling regional manager Michael Scott in The Office, but he also won audiences with his lead role in The 40-Year-Old Virgin. After leavingThe Office in season 7 of the show, Carell took on some dramatic roles in The Big Short and Foxcatcher.
The star and his wife Nancy Carell have been married since 1995. The long-term couple has two children, daughter Annie, 23, and son John, 19.
Christina Applegate as Veronica Corningstone
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Christina Applegate in 2004's Anchorman and in 2023Playing Ron Burgundy's co-anchor and reluctant love interest, Christina Applegate added sass, ambition and of course, humor to Veronica Corningstone, who manages to match Burgundy's brashness.
By the time Applegate was in Anchorman, she was already a household name in her own right. A former child star, the actress played Kelly Bundy in Married ... with Children. She also has other classics on her résumé, including playing Rachel's sister Amy on Friends, plus roles in Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead, Bad Moms, Hall Pass, Dead to Me and more.
In 2021, Applegate revealed she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.
"It's been a strange journey. But I have been so supported by people that I know who also have this condition," she said in part when she announced the news via Twitter. "It's been a tough road. But as we all know, the road keeps going. Unless some a--hole blocks it."
Applegate is a proud mom to daughter Sadie Grace, 13, whom she shares with husband Martyn LeNoble. The two wed back in 2013.
Paul Rudd as Brian Fantana
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Paul Rudd in 2004's Anchorman and in 2024Paul Rudd showcased his comedic skills as Brian Fantana, co-worker to Rob Burgundy and a wanna-be ladies' man who once wore a cologne "made with bits of real panther" in an effort to win Veronica's favor.
Rudd's star has only risen since Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy. Not only is the seemingly ageless actor a bonafide superhero in the Marvel Universe and egotistical star in Only Murders in the Building, but he was also named PEOPLE's 2021 Sexiest Man Alive.
Prominent as he is in the limelight, Rudd has managed to keep his private life under lock and key. The actor has been married to his wife Julie Yaeger since 2003 and welcomed son Jack Sullivan in 2006, followed by daughter Darby Rudd in 2010.
David Koechner as Champ Kind
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David Koechner in 2004's Anchorman and in 2023Though he touted himself as a fun-loving guy, like most of his colleagues, Champ Kind often erred on the side of political incorrectness. Still, the character, played by David Koechner, is one of the most memorable from the franchise, especially since his catchphrase, "Whammy!" fits in almost all scenarios.
Koechner's résumé includes appearances in Get Smart alongside Carell, Thank You for Smoking, American Dad, Bless This Mess, Superior Donuts, Twin Peaks and many other TV shows and movies.
He shares five children with Leigh Koechner, whom he married in 1998. The actor filed for divorce from Leigh in 2021.
Vince Vaughn as Wes Mantooth
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Vince Vaughn in 2004's Anchorman and in 2024Following his stint as Ron Burgundy's main antagonist in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, Vince Vaughn was in a string of other box office hits, including Mr. & Mrs. Smith, The Break-Up, Wedding Crashers, Couple's Retreat and Fred Claus.
Vaughn married his wife, Kyla Webber in 2010. The lovebirds welcomed their daughter Locklyn Kyla on Dec. 18, 2010 and followed up with son Vernon Lindsay born on Aug. 7, 2013.
Ben Stiller as Arturo Mendez
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Ben Stiller in 2004's Anchorman and in 2023Another nemesis of Ron Burgundy's, Arturo Mendez worked for the Spanish Language News Team and was vying for the top spot. The character was portrayed by Ben Stiller, who at that point had already solidified his comedic prowess with Zoolander, Along Came Polly and Meet the Parents.
Stiller continued churning out more hits, among them Night at the Museum, Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, Madagascar, Little Fockers, Tower Heist and many more.
The actor has been married to actress Christine Taylor since 2000. The two share two kids: daughter Ella Olivia, 22, and son Quinlin Dempsey, 18.
Luke Wilson as Frank Vitchard
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Luke Wilson in 2004's Anchorman and in 2024Frank Vitchard's story took some unexpected turns, but Luke Wilson ensured the character was as nutty as the others.
Aside from Anchorman, Wilson was of course one of the most popular rom-com actors of the early aughts, with a repertoire including films such as Legally Blonde, Blonde Ambition and Alex and Emma.
Chris Parnell as Garth Holliday
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Chris Parnell in 2004's Anchorman and in 2024A familiar face, Chris Parnell starred as Ed Harken's assistant, Garth Holliday.
The veteran actor and former SNL star has been in projects such as Senior Year, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and 21 Jump Street, among others.
Parnell also has an illustrious voice-acting career, with credits in Rick and Morty: Virtual Rick-ality, Dawn of the Croods, Hotel Transylvania 3, Curious George and many more notable projects.
Kathryn Hahn as Helen
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Katherine Hahn in 2004's Anchorman and in 2024Kathryn Hahn played Veronica Corningstone's bestie, Helen.
Of course, her brand of comedy has since garnered her major praises, with a meme of her exaggerated wink from WandaVision going viral back in 2021. Hahn's credits include appearances in Parks and Recreation, We're the Millers, This Is Where I Leave You, Girls, Tiny Beautiful Things, Glass Onion and more.
Hahn married fellow actor, writer and producer Ethan Sandler in 2002 and they have two kids, son Leonard and daughter Mae.
Fred Armisen as Tino
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Fred Armisen in 2004's Anchorman and in 2023Another Saturday Night Live alumnus, Fred Armisen played Tino, a bar owner and friend of Ron Burgundy.
Outside of SNL and Anchorman, Armisen also appeared in Portlandia and Easy A. These days, Armisen showcases his musical talents as the band leader on Late Night with Seth Meyers.
Fred Willard as Ed Harken
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Fred Willard in 2004's Anchorman and in 2018By the time Fred Willard scored the role of Channel 4 News company man Ed Harken in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, he was already a well-known, respected comedic actor.
The Hollywood veteran's résumé included appearances in Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle, Best in Show, A Mighty Wind, Friends, Everybody Loves Raymond, Modern Family and many others.
Fred was married to his wife Mary Willard until her death in 2018. The couple shared a daughter named Hope and grandson, Freddy. Willard died of cardiac arrest in 2020.
Tim Robbins as Public TV News Anchor
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Tim Robbins in 2004's Anchorman and in 2024Though he was uncredited, per IMDd, Tim Robbins brought the funny as "Public TV News Anchor."
The actor had already forged a steady career before snagging the role in Anchorman; he had credits in The Shawshank Redemption, Top Gun, High Fidelity, and Mystic River. He's continued working, scoring roles in Green Lantern, Portlandia, Castle Rock and most recently, Silo.
Robbins was previously in a relationship with Susan Sarandon, whom he split from in 2009. They have two children together, sons John "Jack" Henry, 34, and Miles, 31.
Robbins went on to wed Gratiela Brancusi, but the couple split up in 2021.
Seth Rogen as Eager Cameraman
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Seth Rogen in 2004's Anchorman and in 2024A baby-faced Seth Rogen made a brief appearance in the film, playing the "Eager Cameraman."
Rogen has since become a noted director, writer and producer after making big splashes with 2007's Superbad and 2008's Pineapple Express. He's been a driving force behind cult favorites such as Neighbors, The Interview, Sausage Party and This Is the End.
Rogen has also lent his talents to films such as 50/50, Kung Fu Panda, Shrek the Third, The Disaster Artist and many more.
The actor is married to actress, screenwriter and director Lauren Miller Rogen. They tied the knot in 2011.
Danny Trejo as Bartender
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Danny Trejo in 2004's Anchorman and in 2024With a history of playing bad guys on screen, Danny Trejo added some heart and humor to his usual trope for his role as Bartender in Anchorman.
Of course, we recognize Trejo for his roles in From Dusk Till Dawn, Machete and Death Wish 4: The Crackdown from the early beginnings of his career, but the actor has also been in The Legend of La Llorana and The Last Exorcist.
Trejo made appearances in Breaking Bad, Brooklyn Nine-Nine and American Horror Story and has lent his recognizable voice to cartoons such as Family Guy, The Patrick Star Show, Minions: The Rise of Gru and most recently, Mr. Birchum.
Darcy Donavan as Hot Blonde
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Darcy Donavan in 2004's Anchorman and in 2022Darcy Donovan had a small but memorable role, playing "Hot Blonde" in the film.
The actress later appeared in Wake Up, Ron Burgundy and also snagged roles in My Name Is Earl, Entourage, Bones, All My Children, The Carrie Diaries and Parks and Recreation, among other works.
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