A Comedic Bond

At the recent U.S.-Ireland Alliance’s Oscar Wilde Awards in February 2025, comedy veteran Will Ferrell took a moment to honor his long-time collaborator, John C. Reilly. The duo has shared the screen in several beloved films, including Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby and Step Brothers.

A Memorable Confession

During his tribute, Ferrell recalled a particularly humorous moment from the filming of Talladega Nights. He shared how Reilly unexpectedly confessed to posing for Playgirl under the alias “Mike Honcho,” revealing an unforgettable, improvised scene that caused Ferrell to genuinely laugh on set.

“John comes to me to confess that he once posed for Playgirl under the name of Mike Honcho. And yes, he did spread his buttcheeks,” said Ferrell. “That was all improvised, and I swear you just see me hanging on for dear life.”

First Impressions

Ferrell also reminisced about their initial meeting during auditions for Anchorman. Although Reilly did not land the role, his talent left a lasting impression on Ferrell, who was struck by Reilly’s unique blend of acting prowess and comedic skill.

“We could not get over how funny he was, that someone who was so capable as an actor could also be as funny,” Ferrell recalled. “He, of course, blew it as he took a part in this movie Gangs of New York.”

Collaborative Success

The comedic chemistry between Ferrell and Reilly extends beyond Talladega Nights. Their collaboration continued in Step Brothers, where Ferrell credited Reilly for significantly contributing to the film’s success.

“John made Step Brothers,” Ferrell affirmed. “And it just shows the enormous talent that my friend has.”

A Lasting Legacy

The duo has shared the screen in several projects since, including Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues and Holmes & Watson, along with cameos in Tim & Eric’s Billion-Dollar Movie. Their continued collaboration highlights their strong comedic partnership.