Ferrell appears at Emerson in Mass. to christen Ron Burgundy School of Communication – for day

BOSTON – Actor and comedian Will Ferrell told students he was “literally in a glass case of emotion” Wednesday as Emerson College temporarily named its School of Communication after Ron Burgundy, his character in “Anchorman.”

Ferrell appeared as Burgundy, the fictitious television anchorman he plays in the 2004 hit movie as well as its sequel, “Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues,” which opens this month.

The renaming was one of several recent promotional events for the movie. Ferrell anchored a newscast as Burgundy in North Dakota over the weekend. Then he helped cover curling trials in Canada.

A spokeswoman said Emerson received no money for the appearance. The idea came from Ferrell’s publicist, an Emerson alum.

Many people had asked why the school would name itself after Burgundy, even for a day, said Phillip Glenn, professor and interim dean of the School of Communication.

“Why indeed?” he said. “Why not?”

Ferrell pretended to cry as he hugged Glenn and Emerson President Lee Pelton.

“To be finally recognized for my work as a journalist is truly extraordinary,” he said. “I can’t believe it’s finally happening.”

He took questions from students and reporters, telling them he gets a lot of news from carrier pigeons and offering hair advice including “use a leave-in conditioner.”

He also offered this recommendation for journalism students: “Keep a $20 bill in your shoe. You never know.”

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community? Create a free account to comment on stories, ask questions, and join meaningful discussions on our new site.

Leave a Reply

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.