When it comes toChristmas movies, “Elf” is in a league of its own.
Like its protagonist, the movie’s script went on a massive journey before becoming what it is today.
After two decades, the movie hasn’t lost any of its splendor.
Scroll on to see how the “Elf” actors have changed over the years.
Hijinks ensue when Buddy arrives in New York City to search for his long-lost father.
His instincts told him that Ferrell would be perfect for the role.
Ferrell was all in for making the movie, but he had serious doubts that it would be successful.
“He added, “I knew it was either gonna really work or really fail.”
She added, “I was only 21 when I made that movie.”
At the time, Deschanel also had a completely different look.
They said ‘No, we want you to look the way you did in your audition.'”
After “Elf,” she went back to brown and sported her trademark curtain bangs.
She also formed a popular indie band called She & Him with fellow musician M. Ward.
His showbusiness career began back in 1960 when he appeared on “The Ed Sullivan Show.”
The same year, he released a comedy album that climbed to No.
1 on the Billboard charts and scored him a Grammy.
In 2003, Newhart charmed a new generation of audiences with his performance in “Elf.”
To this day, the actor still remembers Papa Elf as one of his favorite movie roles.
“Oh, yeah.
He added, “And it was just a delightful experience.
It was a wonderful story about Christmas and how people got on with the Christmas spirit.”
Nowadays, Newhart is in his 90s and has been on-screen as recently as 2020.
Newhart also played the recurring role of Professor Proton in “Young Sheldon.”
He added, “We kept him laughing, and he kept us laughing.
It took him a while to get with the programming …
Eventually, something just clicked in Jimmy and he just went with it.
He was a lot of fun.”
Overall, the actor brought enormous comedy and heart to the character of Walter Hobbs.
Caan stayed busy post-“Elf.”
Sadly, the legendary actor died in 2022, leaving behind a film legacy that spanned six decades.
Her yuletide resume includes titles like “Four Christmases” and “Happiest Season.”
“It’s really serendipitous.
But I enjoy it because it’s something that I feel like families can watch together.”
In 2008, Steenburgen reunited with Will Ferrell to co-star in another gut-busting comedy, “Step Brothers.”
“He totally committed to the role, not playing the funny at all.
The scene-stealing actor went on to have a monumental career after “Elf.”
Most notably, he played the fierce and clever Tyrion Lannister in “Game of Thrones.”
“But I also think I was pretty arrogant when I was younger.
Daniel Tay (Michael Hobbs)
Daniel Tay portrayed Michael Hobbs, Buddy’s rascally half brother.
By all accounts, the preteen was moving toward a tremendous acting career.
However, he only appeared in a few more roles before ultimately leaving the business in 2009.
AsThe Sunreported, Tay ditched his entertainment career to pursue a more academic path.
He went on to earn an economics degree from Yale, where he also studied Mandarin Chinese.
As of 2022, the former child actor was working as an SAT instructor.
These days, Tay seems to be crushing it in academia and is seemingly absent from social media.
Amy Sedaris (Deb)
Amy Sedaris played Deb, the dutiful assistant to Walter Hobbs.
She was already a well-known face in comedy when she appeared in the film.
Her spot-on physical comedy made her a hilarious addition to the cast of “Elf.”
In an interview withEntertainment Weekly, Sedaris raved about how much she enjoys getting into character for comedy roles.
“I like to pretend that’s what I’ve always liked doing,” she said.
“My first wig was in third grade.
If it’s just me, I don’t know what to do with it.
It’s just boring.”
After finishing “Elf,” this Hollywood hotshot didn’t slow down a bit.
In addition to her acting career, she’s also an author and playwright.
With his cheerful energy and cascading white beard, Asner was the spitting image of Kriss Kringle.
Asner earned his first acting credit in 1957.
Later, the actor starred in his own spinoff of the series called “Lou Grant.”
“I love them both.
Will Ferrell is a genius and the funniest man I came across since Ted Knight.”
Sadly, the beloved Santa doppelganger died in 2021 at the age of 91.
Asner left behind a monumental legacy that included seven Emmy wins.
Like many of his co-stars, Richter was a long-reigning comedy king when he appeared in “Elf.”
He’s best known for his work with legendary late-night host Conan O’Brien.
He added, “He’s a brilliant man, and I love him forever.”
Richter has enjoyed an enormous television and voice acting career since his “Elf” appearance.
In 2003, the actor opened up toThe Believerabout his career goals.
“So I feel like I’ve got time to figure out what my big raison d’etre is.
But for now, I’d just like to keep working in things that don’t embarrass me.”
These days, Richter’s comedy chops and infectious grin are still as brilliant as ever.
The next celebrity in our lineup is Kyle Gass, who played Walter Hobbs’ colleague, Eugene.
After “Elf,” Gass continued acting.
He also carried on the Tenacious D Legacy in “Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny.”
We’re thinking about doing both of those,” Black revealed.
“We really wanted Wanda Sykes, but she dropped out at the last minute,” Komarnicki explained.
Love nailed the hilarious scene and became one of the most memorable characters in the movie.
“Will didn’t trust Jon’s judgment from day one,” Love said during an appearance onVladTV.
These days, Love remains close friends with Favreau and his acting resume is thoroughly stacked.
