As families across the United States settle down to celebrate the holiday season, many will gather around television screens to rewatch classic Christmas-themed movies — and popular comedies. Elf sure to be on many watch lists.

The 2003 film, directed by Jon Favreau, stars Will Ferrell as Buddy, a human who happens to be raised by Santa’s elves at the North Pole. As an adult, Buddy discovers that he is not really an elf and decides to leave the North Pole to find his biological father in New York.

Buddy embarks on an adventurous journey to reunite with his father, Walter Hobbs (played by James Caan), a workaholic businessman who is unaware of Buddy’s existence.

Buddy’s childlike innocence and enthusiastic love of Christmas in New York lead to humorous situations as he tries to fit into the human world. He also tries to spread holiday cheer and help save Christmas, which is in danger of being overshadowed by Walter’s coldness and lack of Christmas cheer.

The film quickly became a classic, but also boasts an all-star cast that includes Zooey Deschanel, Peter Dinklage, Bob Newhart, Mary Steenburgen and Daniel Tay.

Most of the Elf leads went on to have successful careers, with some becoming more famous for their roles in the film, while others remain respected industry veterans.

‘Elf’ Cast: Where are they now?

Will Ferrell (Buddy)

Ferrell was already an established comedy actor Elfknown for his work on the enduring NBC show Saturday Night Live. His film resume includes other classics such as Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004) and Old school (2003).

After ElfFerrell continued to thrive in Hollywood, starring in many hit comedies including Step Brothers (2008), Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006), The other guys (2010) and Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues (2013). He also found success in voice work for animated films such as Megamind (2010) and The Lego Movie (2014).

In addition to his acting career, Ferrell has produced and worked on various projects through his production company, Gary Sanchez Productions.

In September 2024, his Netflix documentary was released Will & Harperwhich follows Ferrell on a road trip with his friend and longtime collaborator Harper Steele, who came out as a transgender woman at the age of 61 two years ago.

James Caan (Walter)

Caan was a legendary actor before Elfknown for his iconic roles in Godfather (1972), Gambler(1974) a Poverty (1990).

Throughout his decades-long career, Caan has been nominated for several film and television awards, including an Academy Award nomination for his critically acclaimed efforts in Godfather.

The screen veteran went on to act in both television and film in the following years Elfedition, who notably gained a new generation of fans in his acclaimed role as casino boss “Big Ed” Deline on NBC’s Las Vegas between 2003 and 2007.

After an illustrious career, Caan died in July 2022 aged 82.

Zooey Deschanel (Jovie)

Zooey Deschanel, who played Buddy’s love interest, Jovie, then gained significant fame Elf.

In 2005, she starred in a successful comedy The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxybefore appearing in a string of successful films that included Yes Man and Happeningwhich were both released in 2008, 500 days of summer (2009) and Our Idiot Brother (2011).

Deschanel also became a household name among television fans for her role as Jessica Day on the Fox sitcom. New girl (2011–2018). New girl ran for seven seasons, and Deschanel was widely praised for her quirky, lovable character.

Outside of acting, Deschanel has also found success in music as one half of the indie pop duo She & Him.

Jon Favreau (Dr. Leonardo)

Favreau has a pretty full plate Elfserving as director and appearing on screen as Dr. Ben Leonardo, Walter’s family doctor, who performs a DNA test on Buddy.

He first rose to fame as a comedy actor, then Favreau’s career exploded Elfwith his success spanning several roles in directing, producing and acting.

His most significant career move came when he was directing Iron Man (2008), the first film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $585 million worldwide and cementing Favreau as a top director.

Iron ManThe success led to several sequels, and Favreau’s involvement with Marvel will continue in various capacities, including cameos and as an executive producer.

Favreau’s other directors include Cowboys and aliens (2011), The Jungle Book (2016) and The Lion King (2019). He also serves as creator and executive producer of the Disney+ series Star Wars: The Mandalorian (2019-present).

Peter Dinklage (Miles Finch)

Peter Dinklage, who played angry writer Miles Finch in the film Elfhe was an established actor before the film, though his career grew exponentially after its release.

Weeks before Elfrelease, Dinklage’s film Station agent debuted and won acclaim. His other film credits include big-budget blockbusters X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014) and Avengers: Infinity War (2018).

However, Dinklage gained worldwide fame for his role in game of thrones (2011-2019) as Tyrion Lannister. Dinklage’s performance on the HBO show earned him multiple Emmy Awards and established him as a leading actor in film and television.

game of thrones became one of the most successful and culturally significant shows in television history, with Dinklage playing a pivotal role throughout all eight seasons. His work on the series not only made him a household name, but also earned him critical praise for his nuanced performance and character development.

Bob Newhart (Papa Elf)

Bob Newhart, who played Buddy’s elf father, Papa Elf, was a well-known and celebrated comedian and actor long before that. Elf.

Originally an accountant, the Illinois native switched to comedy in his 30s. In 1960 edition The Button Mind of Bob Newhartwhich became the first comedy album to climb to the top of the Billboard charts, launched his comedy career.

After his role in ElfNewhart continued to enjoy success on television, particularly on the popular show The Big Bang Theory (2009–2019), where he had the memorable recurring role of Professor Proton.

Newhart died in July 2024 after “a series of brief illnesses”. He was 94.

Mary Steenburgen (Emily)

Mary Steenburgen, who played Walter Hobbs’ wife Emily, already had an established career Elfwho won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her turn in Jonathan Demme’s 1980 comedy-drama Melvin and Howard.

After ElfSteenburgen went on to have a successful career in television and film, where he acted Step Brothers (2008), Proposal (2009), Help (2011), Last Vegas (2013), The Mindy Project (2015–2017) a Book club (2018).

Steenburgen’s most memorable television roles include Patricia Heck Center (2009-2018), Dr. Janet v Justified (2010-2015) and as Mary, a character who navigates life in a world where most people have disappeared, in a post-apocalyptic comedy series The last man on earth (2015-2018).

A seasoned stage performer, Steenburgen appeared in the Tony-nominated Broadway production Scottsboro Boys (2010).

Ed Asner (Santa Claus)

Edward Asner who played Santa Claus Elfhe had a storied career spanning several decades before landing a role in the film.

He is most famous for his role in the TV series The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970–1977) and its spinoff Lou Grant (1977–1982), for which he won several Emmy Awards.

After ElfAsner continued his prolific career in film and television, including his voice role as Carl Fredricksen in the Pixar film. Up (2009).

He remained active in the entertainment industry until his death in 2021 at the age of 91.

Daniel Tay (Michael)

Daniel Tay, who played the role of Michael Hobbs, son of Walter and Emily Hobbs, v Elfhe had a much lower profile after the film than many of his co-stars.

After Elfwhich was his debut film role, Tay had several smaller roles in films, but none gained the same level of attention as Elf. His remarkable contribution –Elf roles include: The Take (2007) and A little game (2014).

He also appeared on television, where he had a guest role Law and Order: SVU (2007).

Tay eventually retired from acting altogether and went on to study economics at the prestigious Yale University. He also worked as an SAT instructor, per Hi! magazine.

Who was originally cast as Buddy the Elf?

An interesting fact to share at the Christmas dinner table is that Chris Farley was considered for the role of Buddy the Elf when the script was originally written by David Berenbaum in 1993.

Farley died in 1997, several years before the film hit the screens. Once the wheels were in motion, Jim Carrey was considered for the role.

However, Carrey eventually passed on the role due to scheduling conflicts and other commitments. After Carrey left the project, Ferrell was called in to play Buddy.

As we all know by now, Ferrell’s performance in the role has become iconic and Elf have become a holiday classic. Ferrell’s unique comedic style, combined with the character’s innocence and enthusiasm, helped make Buddy the Elf one of the most beloved characters in Christmas movie history.