Get to Know Will Ferrell’s Three Sons: Magnus, Mattias, and Axel

Mattias Paulin Ferrell, Axel Paulin Ferrell, Will Ferrell, Viveca Paulin, and Magnus Paulin Ferrell attend the "Barbie" premiere in London on July 12, 2023.
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Need to Know

• Will Ferrell enjoys making his three children laugh as much as he entertains audiences worldwide.
• The actor, along with his wife, Viveca Paulin, is a father to three sons: Magnus, Mattias, and Axel.
• All three sons display a penchant for humor, frequently sharing playful videos that tease their father.

Will Ferrell’s children appear to have inherited their father’s comedic talent. The actor and his wife, Viveca Paulin, welcomed their first son, Magnus, in 2004. Their family grew with the birth of Mattias in 2006, and finally, Axel completed the family in 2010.

Like their father, all three sons have a knack for making people laugh. In a recent TikTok video, they humorously recreated a popular scene from Ferrell’s classic 2003 Christmas film, Elf. In the skit, Magnus and Mattias play roles inspired by Ferrell and Zooey Deschanel, reimagining the moment when their father sings a Christmas song.

Over the years, Ferrell has shared insights about parenting, delivering both humorous and poignant advice. Reflecting on his household dynamics in 2017, he remarked, “There is usually a high volume in the house. Whether they’re having a great time or whether they’re losing their minds, they are always yelling.”

In July 2023, the entire family attended the London premiere of Ferrell’s film Barbie, dressed sharply for the occasion. All three sons donned suits, joining their father on the red carpet. The family has also made a cameo appearance in the Jonas Brothers holiday film, A Very Jonas Christmas.

Meet Will Ferrell’s Sons

Magnus Paulin Ferrell, 21

Magnus Ferrell and Will Ferrell at the European premiere of "Barbie" on July 12, 2023, in London.

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Will Ferrell and Viveca Paulin welcomed their first child, Magnus, on March 7, 2004. The name holds significance for the couple, reflecting Paulin’s Swedish heritage. Ferrell humorously recalls having received some lighthearted criticism for choosing such a grand name.

Magnus shares his father’s flair for humor. “He’s very subtly funny,” Ferrell stated in a 2018 interview, recalling a time when Magnus wore glasses borrowed from a classmate for his school photo, despite not needing them.

In addition to possessing a talent for comedy, Magnus is also musically inclined. He has played keyboard in a band, which featured his dad in a nostalgic performance at their first concert in December 2022.

Mattias Paulin Ferrell, 19

Mattias Ferrell and Will Ferrell at a Los Angeles Lakers game on February 21, 2020, in Los Angeles.
Kevork S. Djansezian/Getty

Ferrell and Paulin’s second son, Mattias, was born on December 30, 2006. While on The Tonight Show in 2007, Ferrell joked about not knowing the English translation of his son’s name, which actually means “gift of God.”

Ferrell has noted that Mattias and his brothers often provide frank critiques of his humor. “A lot of times I’ll get, ‘Stop with the voices, let’s get back to the story,’” he reflected in a Q&A with Amy Poehler.

In addition to comedy, sports are a significant interest for Mattias. Ferrell and Paulin once coached his soccer team, noting their enthusiasm for parental involvement in their sons’ activities.

Axel Paulin Ferrell, 16

Will Ferrell and Axel Ferrell attend a basketball game between the Brooklyn Nets and the Los Angeles Lakers on February 23, 2014, in Los Angeles.
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The youngest of the Ferrell clan, Axel, was born on January 23, 2010, in Los Angeles. Ferrell often entertains the idea of embarrassing his children, especially during misbehavior. He quipped about startling them at dinner to assert his parental authority.

Ferrell describes parenting as occasionally chaotic, likening it to running a prison. Axel, along with his brothers, delights in Halloween traditions, including selecting their father’s costume each year, a tradition Ferrell willingly embraces.

As this family continues to grow, Ferrell’s comedic legacy seems assured, showcased in both their shared laughter and familial bonds.