Will Ferrell | USC Commencement Speech 2017

[@nnmartin94]

There was nothing better than getting this guy after a hard week of finals and a tough four years of college... it was a good graduation treat. You can get motivational speeches any time on youtube, but I'm so so glad I was there in person to be entertained and congratulated by this icon!!

[@ZackGeragosian]

nfinitiduck congratulations on your accomplishments!!

[@nnmartin94]

thanks man i appreciate it!

[@sarkaseborova9471]

that is so sweet! well done on everything!! 😊

[@nnmartin94]

I double majored in political science and business.

[@mattguz55]

nfinitiduck aye man that's what my major will be. any advice ? is business a good pairing ?

[@kamrank575]

As a USC grad, I am happy that the school chose one of the funniest guys around for this occasion. He is awesome. Inspiring story.

[@NJA2k8]

Was anybody else staring at how well the mic was staying perfectly hidden inbetween his shirt?

[@dirtroad5637]

I was too mesmerized by his octoganal beret to notice that...

[@thomasyoung7286]

I am now

[@perryjoseph9872]

NJA2k8 word

[@KK-gn8nm]

I was lol

[@dominicsamson1]

I'm already Doomfist 🎶

[@psychlos21]

One of the best commencement speeches I have ever heard. Will Ferrell is an amazing human being.

[@Stacy-gt7kc]

the best is kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqmlgn98gcqcbZI///

[@tomorrowtoday4839]

Our daughter graduated this year from USC, so we saw this wonderful commencement address. A great thanks to Will Ferrell, and to USC. Thank you for all that you are doing!

[@unlocked6352]

*Dr. Ferrell

[@TheTribal85]

Can't ask for any better than that. I envy you I love will Ferrell.

[@ancat2521]

Steve Parry I

[@KLUJICS]

Genius use of comedy and humor. He is a master of comedy and is able to share life changing moments. What a great celebrity commencement speech. Love the honorary doctorate and how he would use it to his advantage.

[@satokage9354]

Loved the speech & this meaningful quote: "Enjoy the process of your search without succumbing to the pressure of the results."

[@allesasmart]

Thank you, Will Ferrell. This 52-year-old recent Masters grad has heard your message and will continue to throw the darts until I get through the fear and complete my Juris degree... great voice by the way!

[@cutthroat795]

Only a guy like Will Ferrell can make a 25 min commencement speech so entertaining.

[@drizzyfest6285]

I think it was awful and disgusting to tell people to get in his van and perform surgery on them.

[@pauljnolan1000]

1) He's funny. 2) He gave a damn good speech.

[@corndog984]

There will never be another Will Ferrell. Protect this man at all costs

[@KemptonLam]

10:35 Fascinating story! Love Will! 17:10 "What if I never tried at all?!" 22:50 "Enjoy the process of your search without succumbing to the pressure of the result. Trust your gut. Keep throwing darts at the dartboard. Don't listen to the critics and you will figure it out."

[@CrazyMonkeyProd]

The voice of an angel! A mix between Jesus and Fergie...

[@petelauman4551]

Matt Turner This is going to sound weird but...im pretty sure he I saw him take the shape of a unicorn

[@troymontero9794]

крест Лапотников it's a quote from step brothers numb skull

[@aileraguilar3976]

Matt Turner w

[@jacksanchez8022]

the songbird of a generation

[@MonkeypodFPV]

Matt Turner 😂

[@scottcoachlife5443]

"Enjoy the process of your search w/o succumbing to the pressure of the result."

[@Raina_1125]

Its the fucking Catalina wine mixer but I gotta get me some boats and hoes

[@Jacob-wh8nh]

raina wut

[@Raina_1125]

Jbrewskie guess you've never seen stepbrothers

[@MakeAmericaGreatAgain4547]

raina Fuckin love stepbrothers

[@sammi508]

Best comment ever 😂😂

[@trevordallas]

raina LMAO! Prestige Worldwide!

[@godsuuill1]

What ever you feel about him, He IS ...SUCCESSFUL! I bet someone in that graduating class was inspired and no one in that class will forget! Let this MASTER ENTERTAINER do what he does best in the City of Dreams!

[@americanbiker7568]

My best friend was living at the Delta Tau Delta House when Will was there and when I would stop by in my patrol car (I was a Deputy for LA County) Will would always come out say hilarious stuff like “if i had drugs in my room you would have to have a warrant to search for them right?”. I went to a volleyball event at the fraternity and everyone was looking up at one of the balconies and Will was stark naked cheering on one of the teams. Long before he was famous my friend Rick was telling me stories about the hilarious stuff this guy would pull off. Years later I ran into him at Paramount Pictures where I was a threat assessment investigator, and he remembered me and we spoke at length. Truly a kind man and a rare talent.

[@castlehillagent3232]

He's a comedic genius. Well he's always made me laugh anyway. I love the way he's never afraid to completely "commit" to his roles...

[@RDSports5]

Agreed. Interestingly enough, one of my favorite of his roles is one of his serious ones when he did Stranger Than Fiction. Really creative movie

[@Truly1Tom]

Will was laying it down! He was getting to what matters more than any amount of knowledge or skill in any field of human endeavor. Emotional intelligence- empathy and compassion for other people! 85% of any gig is people skills! To all current students and USC alumni be the best version of you that you can and enjoy the journey! I salute you all!

[@granvillewalkerjr.8394]

I stumbled across this video by accident. Not paying attention to the auto select feature and then hearing the university president announce Dr. Will Ferrell led to me make the decision "I can always click away to something else if I don't like it". But the artful way he wove comedy, hard-earned wisdom gained from some of his hard luck moments, and encouraging remarks gave me an appreciation for Will Ferrell the person that I never had for his Saturday Night Live persona. You never know who, what, when or where you'll find that special "something" or "someone" that will help you along the way to the next big step in your journey. For some of us, this video could fulfill that wonderful purpose.

[@SithScorp]

He has the voice of an angel.

[@jamescowan1313]

A mix between Fergie and Jesus.

[@natelber]

He's been called the songbird of his generation.

[@4sh024]

its so beautiful. i cant even look at him right now :-(....

[@cianwalsh7063]

SithScorp Is that a step brothers reference?

[@DragoonRyRs]

for a second there..he actually took on the form of a unicorn for a second

[@chewdustfreeze]

this man is a genius in his own way. props to you Will

[@dustinharrison3491]

I love the part where he talks about his wife and kids being his true success

[@alexaroderick5896]

I've never heard such a long sleeve that never once lost extreme humor. LOVE IT!!!!!!! SO LONG!!! WOW!!!

[@ashleypg1708]

"You will never not be afraid." ❤

[@Zoomookie]

3:15 a faint cowbell can be heard, I respect that person

[@ednarus9276]

I was initially skeptical, but am pleasantly surprised by his speech. I give him much credit for speaking with sincerity and giving good advice about the journey to and the meaning of "success'. Not what I'd imagined he'd say...but I wholeheartedly relate to and agree with his address. Keep throwing darts, Mr Ferrell.....I mean, DOCTOR Ferrell ! ...wink....

[@rjpearsonIV]

USC grads. Especially the class of 2017. Will Ferrell is right. It is also a general principle that applies to all young people finding their way. Take his advice. Fight on. Life is a journey. Others have said this before. But I feel it needs to keep being repeated. Especially when you get in those "down days" and nothing seems to work. I was class of '92 Cal Poly SLO. Years of down days. Now the wind has picked up. The sails are full and I am heading to wherever I am heading.

[@angelicaxrs]

A million times better than when Bill Nye spoke at my commencement. this speech had encouraging and wise words for all disciplines. thank you will ferrell

[@bodeymcconville6160]

I love how people hate on a hilarious guy just because people messed up in school and are jealous

[@raniasidhu557]

Yeah, but can they perform minimal invasion surgery from a windowless van? I think not!

[@nicklastname2549]

Will you did an awesome speech and showed us you never gave up, kept at it until you made it, and then some. Hope all the grads can be as motivated and do great things in their lives.

[@westerling8436]

Ok bot

[@mightyaaru8970]

@@westerling8436wat how dat a bot

[@okapmeinkap7311]

omg for 30y I couldn't "connect" with this song but it took Will Farrell - of all people Will Farrell - at an SC commencement to finally hit me! It takes a context, I suppose, and works even 3 decades later. I now truly appreciate the depth, the strength and gravity of this immensely beautiful, immensely powerful love song.

[@pauljacoby5690]

This is a wonderful commencement address that everyone can enjoy.

[@RobertLow18]

What an utterly fantastic public speaker and amazing human being he is!

[@BerserkerCade77]

I want a movie with him parenting his kids. I feel like that would be hilarious.

[@Orcinus1967]

How prescient of you. Its called Daddy's Home. Or were you being ironic?

[@raniasidhu557]

Don't call me Dad, call me Dr. Ferrell. Priceless.

[@ExtrEmmxm]

I think the people complaining about the graduation are people who do not want to put the time and effort into getting something like what all these students got. You might think Will Ferrell as a speaker was bad, but who cares about your opinion. You can clearly see all of these successful students being very very happy and full of joy. The only sickening thing here are not the students, nor is Will Ferrell. It is you.

[@bellemitchellwood7893]

OMG!!!! My FAVORITE commencement speech EVER! What a gift Will Ferrell is to all of us! I haven't laughed this hard at a speech in a LONG time! LOVE him so much!!!

[@alexaconrad4244]

castroy64 You seem upset. Misery needs company.

[@alexaconrad4244]

castroy64 LOL I knew you were a trump turd! Hey, you tired of winning yet? Did you graduate from Trump University? How is that healthcare plan going for you? 🤣 I love it. I got some tears for you here, bud! Laughing away!!

[@alexaconrad4244]

castroy64 I never said anything about Hilary. You and Trump seem to be still stuck on that one. I love how your Carrot Cake Commander has nothing better to do than tweet about all people he dislikes. He can't run a successful business let alone this country. I don't mind him wasting his weekends golfing instead of actually trying to pass bills.

[@discostoo]

Check out Conan O'Brien's speech from a few years ago too, it's excellent.

[@PotatoeChipz]

disco you fucker. I tried to wipe the hair off my screen!

[@trevordallas]

Stunningly brilliant, humble and hilarious.

[@이사람-z3w]

what else to say? This Dr.anchorman is simply a legend. The only Doctor who never fails to make me laugh when he cracks jokes

[@matthewm.4603]

His kids are growing up with a legend for a dad. Imagine your friends quoting movies your dad starred in. Crazy.

[@duo1314]

So lucky that one of my favorite comedian came to my commencement address

[@user-rr2tj1gt4i]

I'm just graduating from college and I have no idea what I'm supposed to do with my life and I'm also moving back with my parents so it is good to hear that a legend like Will Ferrell was clueless as well and moved back in with his mother.

[@jacquelinesternberg8461]

So inspirational, I laughed my ass off! Congrats, DR. Farrell!

[@AnonymousAnonymous16309]

No worries! Dr. Ferrell can reattach that in his "surgical center".

[@kapwapoedolomitetalabritne8841]

Dr Chad Smith

[@theshift2010]

As a comedian, you are always funny to everyone. As an inspirational leader you inspire. You rock Will Ferrell.😉

[@MrMagicman19]

Honestly, he sings better than most people!

[@patmoran6446]

This is one of the few times you get a chance to see a few snippets of Will Ferrell totally out of his normal character. The real Will Ferrell.

[@ManubibiWalsh]

I didn't get a university degree. I am not very highly educated. Hell, for someone who's been studying English since I was a small child in another country I still can't express myself as proficiently as I would like to. But to the people who keep making fun of graduates and young people who chose university as their path post-high school: have respect. It takes a lot of strength of character and patience and perseverance to end a university course of study. Studying IS work, and students do that work for the most part of their day, every day, sundays included. It's a tough job and not everyone can do it - hell, I couldn't do it. So college and university students all over the world have my respect. The fact that college is expensive is not your fault, but it's the fault of a system that gives too much importance to hoarding money on the backs of the working class. It's not someone's fault if they have to survive in really tough conditions (and I'm talking mostly about poor or middle class kids who *really* struggle to pay their student loans). It's the government's responsibility to help them achieve the level of education they deserve and have the skills for. There is really no biggest shame than being in charge of a system that could help people achieve their best versions of themselves, and won't. Anyway, back to Will Ferrell: this speech was brilliant, but then again I think I've never seen this guy not leave an audience in stitches. It takes incredible preparation and discipline to be able to set up jokes and deliver the punchlines with perfect timing every single time, or recover hilariously if they do fall flat. And I think comedy is also important if not vital for any society's health. Laughter is important not only as a mirror to hold up to the mass and the culture it creates, but as a literal coping mechanism to deal with the difficulties of life. The world needs so many people like Will Ferrell, Steve Carell and the late Robin Williams. Every time a comedian decides to take this path, it's not only a job but a service they do to the community. Everyone in this video deserves respect, and you owe it to them especially if you never got to where they stood in this clip. Look up to people who achieve things, they all can be a great inspiration for us all.

[@rayrude5705]

I wish Will Ferrell did my school's commencement speech

[@SassySilverSisters]

Will Ferrell is wonderful !!!

[@CrystalKinchen7]

Imagine him as a Dad and Husband. Hilarious! Just naturally witty!

[@jodeytailor7462]

Oh shut up you stupid bitch

[@even200x]

By far the greatest commencement speech ever.

[@Silutes_plentas]

He killed it 😂👍 For gods sake. Who wants a boring speech at his graduation, when u can have a true motivating, inspiring and funny one 🤷‍♂️ ...life is serious at many points but one should be grateful for the good moments and enjoy them.

[@pichiwilla]

I laughed and I cried. So beautifully entertaining and genuine.

[@westerling8436]

Fake

[@wig4usc]

Great job, Will Ferrell!!!✌🏻

[@Oscar-uj3rb]

Julianne Meisen fart

[@bodaciouscowboy]

Dr. Farrell.

[@emmaa2863]

He made graduation day a million times better!!!! Thanks will!! We are now all part of the Trojan family ❤️

[@MrUberuaga]

This mans just dropped the hottest commencement speech of the century

[@lowden7268]

Of the millions of commencement speeches.....99.9 will be forgotten. To this class, you were blessed as this speech will never be forgotten. "I am prepared to do minor surgery"

[@iTimestretcher]

That was awesome! Love you Will Ferrell!

[@jonifetterman4898]

If our commencement speech in high school was this entertaining, I may have remembered it!!! Love you did this for the Class of 2017!!

[@mikonda]

He is my personal hero. I absolutely love this man.

[@sarehbagherichimeh9750]

My friend woke me up in a panic saying I srsly don't know what I'm doing! in trying to figure out life together the best thing I could say was "lets through lots and lots of darts" - thank you - I keep saying that to my self over and over again and keeps me going!

[@NarekAvetisyan]

Man, I used to hate Will Farrell, his comedy and his stupid face. And think he would go away after some time and I and the world would eventually forget him. But his persistence and him continuing doing his own thing time and time again all these years, got to me, and broke the hate barrier and now I absolutely adore him and his comedy. And consider him an inspiration now. Love you Will! This was a great speech and I can testify very accurate. So don't listen to the haters, just do your own thing, believe in yourself, have persistence, the will to improve and you will eventually succeed!

[@alsmarantamilano5925]

Congratulations Dr. Ferrell 👏🎓

[@dlo__3929]

Make me proud baby 😘💜

[@ragingfiip]

Will Ferrell's an effing LEGEND!

[@Orcinus1967]

Dr. Ferrell you mean.

[@Imagine-j5g]

Instant like. Wonderful speech and inspiring speaker. Very unfortunate to see many students lacking excitement and paying constant attention to their phones instead of enjoying this unique moment.

[@Chris-kw7nx]

You know, people who complain about going to college either have not earned a degree, dropped out, or have a low income job. College is not for the faint of heart. University, specifically, is for ambitious people who want to work hard for that lucrative career. You should only go to university if you researched thoroughly on your major on websites like the US bls outlook handbook. My advice is major in something that relates to your interests but that is also in demand to see a return on your investment for college, go to community college to offset that high tuition, work part time to gain experience of the real world while you study, don't party too hard since you can do that after you graduate, and think of loans as a risk you take for earning that degree. College should be seen as a challenge, so need not apply if you are not a risk taker who can't work hard. BTW, you can also go for the trades and start at community college to earn a good income if you wish, if you are more of a hands on learner. Ultimately, college is a vital component of a productive and healthy economy.

[@isaacuzeta9049]

Ignorant comment, although education is important. Having a degree doesn't mean you will get a high paying job and vice versa. I went to college and I know many in my industry without degrees that make 80k plus a year. So you shouldn't assume if someone doesn't have a degree that they will have a low income. There are many certifications out there as well that can you get the same pay as someone with a college degree. Perhaps do more research before making an ignorant comment.

[@TheCAPSLOCKrage]

Isaac Uzeta People who don’t make the most of their degree (i.e. not taking on internships, not networking, not picking the best major for their strengths) are the ones not getting jobs. Or sometimes they have a more entrepreneurial side they haven’t discovered or developed yet. But I also agree with OP that college isn’t for everyone. Plenty of people’s skill sets would be better suited for the trades, but they end up going to college instead because they were pressured into it from family or high school teachers.

[@jaredgoldstein8562]

So Chris

[@Stamenu88]

Whenever I'm about to give up or feel doubt, i watch this and im back on track. All the way from South Africa.

[@sandrabaker3664]

We should all be as lucky to have such a great commencement speaker! Most people never remember their speaker but I can guarantee there kids will never forget! Great job will!!!

[@ThatDudeLou2023]

I laughed a lot and it was a heartfelt speech as well. How is there 980 dislikes? As a people we need to reach out and find that 1% among us who are just miserable and need help.

[@JinderAtwal]

SERIOUSLY, havne't even watched the first 1 minute yet, and its the best speech of all time!!

[@RobbieBackpacking]

This speech was funny, meaningful and motivational! Wonderful speech Dr. Ferrell!

[@colinsvail7956]

I just dont understand how people are mad at how Will Ferrel gave a speech to a bunch of students, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, damn if this could happen to me I would be happy, hes funny.

[@Orcinus1967]

It was a great lesson about setting your fears aside, not letting naysayers stand in the way of your dreams, and perseverance. And it was funny, and everybody who was there will remember it for his Whitney Houston rendition, always. Always. Like forever. What is there to dislike. Some people have a sense of humor... If only a sense.

[@MusicInMyJeans]

Best quotes from this speech: *"And yes, I was afraid.You're never not afraid. I'm still afraid." *"My fear of failure never approached in magnitude my fear of 'what if'. What if I never tried at all?" *"To some people, I will be annoying. Some people will not think I'm funny, and that's ok." *"My job as a comedian, especially on a show like Saturday Night Live, was to hold up a mirror to our political leaders in an attempt to engage in satirical expression." *"No matter how cliche it sounds, you will never be truly successful until you learn to give beyond yourself; empathy & kindness are the true signs of emotional intelligence." *"Enjoy the process of your search without succumbing to the pressures of failure." *"Trust your gut, keep throwing darts at the dartboard, don't listen to the critics, & you will figure it out."

[@Thorhmrs123]

You're the man will ferrel! Thank you

[@cashben]

To this day, there still hasn’t been a better speech than Will’s. I wish it was longer, I can’t stop laughing and it’s the 11th time I have watched this lol

[@herczeus9341]

I went to the University Of Toronto so this American commencement speech stuff with celebrities always amuses me.

[@jasonvoigt]

Great inspirational speech and all, EXCEPT for the part where he says 'Don't listen to critics'. Benjamin Franklin once said, "Critics are our friends. They show us our faults". Even though sometimes I've had harsh critics, I've always appreciated those who took the time to correct and criticize me.

[@johnd3124]

I think he meant dont bend to the will of your critics, just do your thing.

[@sandrafortenberry8844]

Laughter is the best medicine. Lighten up ya'll.

[@djrandomwalker7656]

three years ago I was sitting in the audience, how time flies

[@sylviasmith7936]

the best graduation present ever 😂😂😂

[@benkata]

They say, always end on a song. He wrote this speech perfectly!

[@secretAZNman_]

the song starts at 23:57 for everybody coming here from the trending articles

[@Jakehorner1201]

I love when his kids stand up you can hear all the girls in the crowd go awwwwwwwww

[@mermaidbarbie6898]

Congrats to all the grads and alumni great job, God Bless!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Will was so funny!

[@quinnthurbide38]

bro who thought will ferrell would be as aspiring as he was. that shit was so encouraging

[@adig478]

weirdly awesome.....

[@onefatstratcat]

The two words that should be engraved his headstone :)

[@bryansarabia1938]

i’m going here this fall and i can only DREAM of having him speak at my commencement

[@jefflosey1561]

Learning things is bad? You will PAY $ one way or another! Some pay more than others for the Education that they receive! Some never stop paying because they seem to never learn and move on to their next step in their Education. two phrases - please compare "Learn it all!" "Know it all!" Will Ferrell is a Class Act I hope all of those saying all these terrible things about him can some day see the world through the eyes of someone being Trolled in the same fashion they just Trolled here...

[@brookecupkieseiver6028]

Will Farrell is so brilliant! Loved his commencement speech!

[@jennifermarshall4780]

Right on! I laughed so many times. Will, we adore you! I loved this speech, I have see so many commencement speeches always too much about serious bs. This was seriously funny! Great singing! Loved it.

[@adequatequality]

Man it was so great to see Will Ferrell…I mean Doctor Ferrell at this commencement speech.

[@Justin-jn2fs]

Why is everyone saying it costs 50k to go to USC? lol its actually up to 70k a year hahaha

[@CP-os1pc]

Lol trust me I paid that

[@arturotejeda8072]

Free if you got scholarships:)

[@robertcarson3116]

@Randy Marsh I agree.

[@shaan5584]

@Tim Allen it's not always free just because you're a minority.

[@shaan5584]

@Tim Allen let's not pretend like affirmative action isn't needed. especially when it first began.

[@stressmuffin]

My fave part of this speech is when he said, that someone will film him in their phone, a You Tube video of him being dragged out of (hopefully he said) United Airlines, screaming, “Call Max Nakias, president of USC! He told me that I am a doctor!”. I laughed harder watching President Nakias laughing hysterically at Will! Dr. Farrell deserves that doctorate degree from his alma mater, because he seems to be a great guy, who successful at not only career, marriage & fatherhood, but also being a successful human being. It warms my heart to find out that he gives back to his friend from his fraternity, who is a cancer survivor & has a scholarship program for people with cancer. Will helps his friend’s charity, & his friend was always showing up to Will’s comedy shows to cheer him on. So everyone! Let’s do what Will does for life- keep throwing darts at the dart board! ❤️

[@RobbieBackpacking]

Dude, he must be the best dad.

[@stressmuffin]

Dr. Farrell 😉 did his wife & handsome princes for sons very proud, & of course, making them laugh their asses off! 😆

[@sprayPAINTnotBULLETS]

Watching this speech and reading all these comments hating on college, makes me feel blessed to be in college.

[@igzuniga]

LOL Will Ferrell thank you for making me laugh, and I will always love youu, everytime I get sad, I will visualize your song! LOL

[@cheggcheggster8947]

what a guy. He nailed that song at the end for being a comedian.

[@BehindtheBrand]

Not bad for a guy from the OC

[@hrafnhommi1865]

whats that

[@jayillest9981]

Irvine bro

[@richardthelionheart5594]

Its a good thing he made it in entertainment bc no one would hire him in the real world w an sc diploma.

[@CarissaProductions]

I was there!

[@ocwaveoc69]

After watching Conan O'Brian's Dartmouth commencement speech, and then this, I realize how clever and brilliant Conan's speech was. Conan's speech is at a few notches above Will Ferrell's.

[@hugohackenbush1554]

What a funny, intelligent and inspiring speech. Plus, I never knew he could sing so well.