As families across the U.S. settle in to celebrate the holidays, many are gathering around television screens to rewatch classic Christmas films and popular comedies Eleven is sure to be on many sightseeing lists.

Directed by Jon Favreau, the 2003 film stars Will Ferrell as Buddy, a human accidentally raised by Santa’s elves in the North Pole. As an adult, Buddy discovers that he is not actually an elf and decides to leave the North Pole to find his biological father in New York City.

Buddy embarks on an adventurous journey to reconnect with his father Walter Hobbs (played by James Caan), a workaholic businessman who knows nothing of Buddy’s existence.

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

Not only did the film quickly become a classic, but it also features an all-star cast that includes Zooey Deschanel, Peter Dinklage, Bob Newhart, Mary Steenburgen and Daniel Tay.

Most of the main actors in “Elf” went on to have successful careers, some becoming more famous after their roles in the film, while others remained respected veterans of the industry.

Newsweek took a look at where the actors from the film are today.

‘Elf’ cast: Where are they now?

Will Ferrell (buddy)

Ferrell was already an established comedic actor before Elevenknown for his work on an ongoing 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 ElevenFerrell continued to thrive in Hollywood, starring in numerous successful comedies including stepbrothers (2008), Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006), The other boys (2010) and Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues (2013). He also had success with dubbing 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.

His Netflix documentary was released in September 2024 Will & HarperIt’s about how Ferrell goes on a road trip with his friend and longtime collaborator Harper Steele, who came out as a transgender woman two years ago at the age of 61.

James Caan (Walter)

Caan was already a legendary actor before Elevenknown for his iconic roles in The Godfather (1972), The player(1974) and misery (1990).

Over the course of his decades-long career, Caan has been nominated for multiple film and television awards, including an Oscar nomination for his critically acclaimed performances in The Godfather.

In the years that followed, the film veteran continued to star in both television and film ElevenHe won a new generation of fans especially with his acclaimed role as casino boss “Big Ed” Deline in the NBC series Las Vegas between 2003 and 2007.

After a celebrated career, Caan passed away in July 2022 at the age of 82.

Zooey Deschanel (Jovie)

Zooey Deschanel, who played Buddy’s lover Jovie, went on to achieve great fame Eleven.

In 2005 she played the lead role in the hit comedy Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxybefore appearing in a number of hit films including Yes, man And The eventboth of which were released in 2008, 500 days of summer (2009) and Our idiot brother (2011).

Deschanel also became a household name among TV fans thanks to 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.

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

Jon Favreau (Dr Leonardo)

Favreau has quite a bit to offer Elevenacts as director and appears on screen as Dr. Ben Leonardo, Walter’s family doctor, who performs a DNA test on Buddy.

Favreau first made a name for himself as a comedic actor, but his career exploded after that Elevenwith his success spanning multiple roles as a director, producer and actor.

His most significant career change was as a director 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-notch director.

Iron ManMarvel’s success led to several sequels, and Favreau’s involvement with Marvel continued in various capacities, including guest appearances and executive producer roles.

Favreau’s other directing credits 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 Elevenwas an established actor before the film, although his career grew exponentially after its release.

weeks before Eleven‘s release, Dinklage’s film The station agent debuted and brought him wide recognition. His other films include big-budget blockbusters X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014) and Avengers: Infinity War (2018).

However, Dinklage gained worldwide fame through his role in game of Thrones (2011-2019) as Tyrion Lannister. Dinklage’s performance on the HBO show earned him several 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 key role in all eight seasons. His work on the series not only made him a household name, but also earned him critical acclaim for his nuanced portrayal and character development.

Bob Newhart (Papa Eleven)

Bob Newhart, who played Buddy’s elf father, Papa Elf, had long been a well-known and celebrated comedian and actor Eleven.

The Illinois native was originally an accountant but switched to comedy at the age of 30. In 1960 the publication of The button-down spirit of Bob Newhartwhich was the first comedy album ever to reach the top position in the Billboard charts and was the starting signal for his comedy career.

Following his role in ElevenNewhart continued to have success on television, particularly on the popular show The Big Bang Theory (2009-2019), where he had a memorable recurring role as Professor Proton.

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

Mary Steenburgen (Emily)

Mary Steenburgen, who played Emily, Walter Hobbs’ wife, previously had an established career Elevenafter winning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Jonathan Demme’s 1980 comedy-drama Melvin and Howard.

After ElevenSteenburgen went on to have a successful career in both television and film, starring in stepbrothers (2008), The suggestion (2009), The help (2011), Last Vegas (2013), The Mindy Project (2015–2017) and Book club (2018).

One of Steenburgen’s most memorable TV roles is that of Patricia Heck in The middle (2009-2018), Dr. Janet in Justified (2010-2015) and as Mary, a character who navigates life in a world where most people have disappeared, in the post-apocalyptic comedy series The last man on earth (2015-2018).

An experienced stage performer, Steenburgen appeared in the Tony-nominated Broadway production of The Scottsboro Boys (2010).

Ed Asner (Santa Claus)

Edward Asner, who played Santa Claus ElevenHe had a legendary career that spanned several decades before landing a role in the film.

He is best known for his role in the television series The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970–1977) and its spin-off Lou Grant (1977–1982), for which he won several Emmy Awards.

After ElevenSince 2011, Asner has continued to work successfully in film and television, including in his dubbing role as Carl Fredricksen in Pixar’s film High (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, the son of Walter and Emily Hobbs ElevenHe had a much lower profile after the film than many of his co-stars.

After Elevenwhich was his first film role, Tay had a few supporting roles in films, but none that garnered the same level of attention as Eleven. His notable contribution-Eleven Roles include: The setting (2007) and A little game (2014).

He also appeared on television and had a guest role in Law & Order: SVU (2007).

Tay eventually turned to acting and studied economics at the prestigious Yale University. He has also worked as an SAT teacher Hello! Magazine.

Who was originally cast to play Buddy the Elf?

An interesting fact to tell around the Christmas 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 was released in theaters. As things got moving, Jim Carrey was considered for the role.

However, due to scheduling conflicts and other commitments, Carrey ultimately left the role. After Carrey left the project, Ferrell was hired as Buddy.

As we all now know, Ferrell’s performance in this role became iconic Eleven became a holiday classic. Ferrell’s unique comedic style, coupled with the character’s innocence and enthusiasm, helped make Buddy the Elf one of the most popular characters in Christmas movie history.