Will Ferrell Declares he Won’t Perform in ‘Drag For Comedy’ Again

Will Ferrell has made it clear that dressing in drag for comedy is no longer on his agenda. The actor and comedian recently addressed this topic during an appearance on The New York Times podcast, The Interview, alongside Saturday Night Live writer Harper Steele. Their conversation was part of the promotion for their upcoming Netflix documentary, ‘Will & Harper’.

Ferrell reflected on his past role as U.S. Attorney Janet Reno on SNL, a character for which he donned lipstick, prosthetic breasts, and a wig. He stated unequivocally, “That’s something I wouldn’t choose to do now,” signalling a shift in his approach to comedy. This statement highlights Ferrell's awareness of how comedic practices and societal sensitivities have evolved over time.

Image Courtesy: The Talk

Harper Steele, a trans woman and collaborator on the documentary, echoed this sentiment, noting that societal views on drag have progressed significantly. Steele pointed out that the humour derived from seeing someone in drag often relies on outdated stereotypes. 

“I understand the laugh is a drag laugh,” she said, “It’s, ‘Hey, look at this guy in a dress, and that’s funny.’ It’s absolutely not funny.” She emphasised that such humour is not aligned with the way society should view and respect individuals.

Image Courtesy: Deadline

Steele further explored the implications of comedy and representation, reflecting on her experiences with artists who portrayed queer characters. She mentioned Robin Williams in ‘The Birdcage’, questioning whether such portrayals were genuinely humorous or if they might have perpetuated hurtful stereotypes. Steele has heard mixed opinions from the gay community and is concerned that limiting comedic expression might restrict the creative range of artists.

In discussing their documentary, Steele expressed hope that it will contribute to a more inclusive society. She believes that the film will help normalise the presence of queer individuals and foster a greater understanding of the trans community. “It is in comedic language that she and Will are known for,” Steele said, highlighting their shared commitment to addressing these issues through their work.

Steele also candidly shared her feelings about not wanting to cater to those who have long held prejudiced views. Instead, she hopes the documentary will encourage others to be more empathetic and open-minded. “Maybe if you’re a father who loved Anchorman and you’ve got a trans kid now, maybe you’re going to open yourself up,” she suggested.

Overall, the conversation between Ferrell and Steele underscores a significant shift in how comedy engages with issues of gender and representation. Their work aims to push boundaries and encourage a more thoughtful and inclusive approach to both comedy and societal attitudes.

-Sushmita Sarkar