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We need more cowbell: Happy 45th birthday, Will Ferrell!

"Saturday Night Live" has launched several hilarious comics into Hollywood movies, and one of the most successful in recent years is Will Ferrell, who turns 45 today.Ferrell's "SNL" characters are many and beloved. (We listed our top 5 here.) Who can forget his classic portrayal of fictional Blue Oyster Cult cowbell player Gene Frenkle? Spirited Spartans cheerleader Craig Buchanan? Real-life fam
Happy birthday, Ron Burgundy -- er, Will Ferrell.
Happy birthday, Ron Burgundy -- er, Will Ferrell.DreamWorks Pictures / Today

"Saturday Night Live" has launched several hilarious comics into Hollywood movies, and one of the most successful in recent years is Will Ferrell, who turns 45 today.

Ferrell's "SNL" characters are many and beloved. (We listed our top 5 here.) Who can forget his classic portrayal of fictional Blue Oyster Cult cowbell player Gene Frenkle? Spirited Spartans cheerleader Craig Buchanan? Real-life famous people like George W. Bush, Alex Trebek and Neil Diamond?

But his movie characters are often iconic too. Anchorman Ron Burgundy kept San Diego classy -- and now he's coming back.  Frank the Tank went back to "Old School." Ricky Bobby lit up those "Talladega Nights." Buddy the Elf saved Christmas. You get the idea.

Not every Ferrell film or character is for everyone, but if you've never laughed at a Ferrell line ("GET OFF THE SHED!"), you may need to invest a few nights in getting caught up. ("Maybe Bed, Bath, & Beyond, I don't know, I don't know if we'll have enough time.")

Happy birthday, Will Ferrell!

What's your favorite Will Ferrell role? Tell us on Facebook.

 

Will Ferrell’s wonderful world

Slideshow  25 photos

Will Ferrell’s wonderful world

The actor’s crazy characters rule small screens and large, from “Saturday Night Live” to “Land of the Lost.”

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