Parks and Recreation actress and comedian Mara Marini puts Anchorman 2 co-stars Will Ferrell and James Marsden head to head in our weekly debate and asks you to decide: Who’s hotter?
Will Ferrell
Born on July 16, 1967, in Irvine, California, Will Ferrell’s father was a musician with The Righteous Brothers and his mother was a teacher. Ferrell saw the instability of show business through his father’s experiences, so he wanted to get a steady job. But after a couple failed attempts, he realized he wanted to do what he enjoys most — making people laugh.
James Marsden
Born on Sept. 18, 1973, in Stillwater, Oklahoma, James Marsden’s father was a professor of animal sciences and his mother was a nutritionist. He began his career guest-starring on multiple television shows such as Saved by the Bell and Party of Five, but the ball really started rolling when he was cast as Cyclops in the X-Men film series in 2006.
Talent
Will Ferrell: In 1991, Ferrell moved to Los Angeles, California, and joined The Groundlings. He loved impersonating people and created a wide range of original characters. A Saturday Night Live producer saw a show Ferrell was in and asked him to audition. From there, the floodgates opened and the world fell in love with him. He has been in some of our generation’s funniest movies and has been nominated for a plethora of awards, including the Emmys, ESPYs, Golden Globes and MTV Movie Awards. He also launched Funny or Die in 2007, co-produces Eastbound & Down on HBO and has a recurring role on the show.
James Marsden: Marsden is an actor, singer and former Versace model. After his breakthrough in comic book films, he went on to star in comedies (Hairspray), family-friendly films (Enchanted) and independent films (Small Apartments). He came back to television to guest-star on Modern Family and play a recurring role as Liz Lemon’s love interest on 30 Rock.
VIDEOS: December is Will Ferrell appreciation month >>
Trivia
Will Ferrell: 1) He was chosen over Steve Carell to join SNL in 1995. 2) During his early years at SNL, he was roommates with Jon Stewart. 3) He does not do stand-up comedy like most SNL alumni. He considers it “hard, lonely and vicious.”
James Marsden: 1) He wore lifts for most of his X-Men scenes. The character needed to look taller than Jean Grey (Famke Janssen) and Wolverine (Hugh Jackman). 2) He turned down the lead role in 54. 3) He has two younger sisters.
Fitness
Will Ferrell: He grew up playing soccer and now runs around with his three little boys.
James Marsden: Marsden’s theme now is, “Stop trying so hard.” He claims he has achieved near perfection — and it sucked. He went on to explain that he got the shredded muscles and extremely low body-fat percentage but at the expense of his happiness. He lives a much more balanced and healthy lifestyle now. “I’d rather look healthy, have a sound mind and be comfortable in my own skin.”
James Marsden is a handsome jerk in new Anchorman 2 clip >>
Kindness
Will Ferrell: Ferrell is involved with a long list of charities from Artists for Peace and Justice to Cancer for College and UNICEF. He also took part in the charity swim event Swim with Mike.
James Marsden: He is involved with the Tourette Syndrome Association, EB Medical Research Foundation and Motion Picture & Television Fund Foundation.
Pets
Will Ferrell: He has three dogs.
James Marsden: He has a dog.
Intelligence
Will Ferrell: He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sports information but did not want to go into broadcasting. He tried out several odd jobs before moving to LA to pursue something he liked.
James Marsden: He studied broadcast journalism at Oklahoma State but left after a year and a half to move to LA to pursue his acting career.
Commitment
Will Ferrell: Ferrell met Swedish actress Viveca Paulin in acting class in 1995. The couple were married in 2000 and now have three sons, Magnus, Mattias and Axel. Hilarious, successful and faithful?? He’s like a unicorn! His three boys also are the luckiest children ever… it must be a blast having him as a father.
James Marsden: He married actress Mary Elizabeth Lisa Linde in 2000, and the couple have two children together, Jack Holden and Mary James. In 2011, Linde filed for divorced. In 2012, former girlfriend Rose Costa had Marsden’s third child, William.
Catch them both in Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues!
About Mara Marini
Mara Marini is a Canadian film, television and theater actress perhaps best known for her recurring role as Brandi Maxxxx on the hit NBC comedy series, Parks and Recreation. Marini has also appeared in a number of indie comedy and horror films. In 2013, she launched a popular digital comedy video series called Inside Dating on Break.com. She will soon be guest-starring on Disney’s Kickin’ It and shooting a politically incorrect feature comedy this fall. For more information on Mara, check out her official website, www.maramarini.com, and follow her on Facebook or on Twitter at @popgloss.
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