In a light-hearted appearance on the Today show, actor Will Ferrell, 57, expressed his disappointment at not being named PEOPLE’s Sexiest Man Alive last year. During the interview, he humorously recounted his campaign efforts and future plans to secure the coveted title. Co-host Savannah Guthrie reminisced about their earlier conversation where Ferrell first mentioned his desire to appear on PEOPLE’s annual sexy issue. Despite his humorous campaign, which included appearances at major events like the Despicable Me 4 premiere, Ferrell received no votes. Undeterred, he outlined ambitious plans for 2025, including a preemptive photoshoot and billboards in LA and New York. The segment ended with co-hosts jokingly discussing the previous winner, John Krasinski, and Ferrell's bemused reaction.

Comedian's Campaign for a Coveted Title

In the heart of winter, on January 28th, renowned comedian Will Ferrell made an appearance on the Today show, expressing his playful frustration over not winning the title of PEOPLE’s Sexiest Man Alive. During the segment, co-host Savannah Guthrie brought up their past discussion where Ferrell had earnestly launched his campaign for the title. “It all started here,” Ferrell joked, admitting that despite his efforts, he garnered zero votes. He revealed that he attempted to boost his campaign during the Despicable Me 4 premiere in June 2024, but it didn’t quite catch on as he had hoped. Now, Ferrell has grand plans for 2025, including organizing a preemptive photoshoot and investing in billboards across Los Angeles and New York City. His strategy also involves leveraging influencers to spread the word.

The co-hosts were visibly supportive, with Guthrie exclaiming, “That can’t be!” She assured Ferrell that she would have voted for him if she could. Melvin eventually reminded everyone that last year’s winner was John Krasinski. Ferrell responded with a mix of humor and humility, saying he begrudgingly accepted the outcome but still couldn't understand why he wasn’t chosen. At the Despicable Me 4 premiere, Ferrell had told PEOPLE that he was planting seeds for the cover because comedians are rarely featured. He even mentioned that one of his Minion superpowers would be to become PEOPLE Magazine’s Sexiest Man of the Year, urging fans to vote for comedians. His campaign continued on Late Night with Seth Meyers, where he reiterated his determination to win the title.

From a journalist’s perspective, Ferrell’s quest highlights the lighter side of celebrity culture and the importance of humor in self-promotion. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, the journey is more entertaining than the destination. Ferrell’s persistence and good-natured approach to his campaign not only entertain but also inspire others to pursue their goals with creativity and resilience. In the end, it’s clear that while Ferrell may not have won the title, he certainly won the hearts of many with his humor and charm.