Will Ferrell hits back after fan says he’s ‘no Larry David’

Will Ferrell recalled a memorable encounter with a fan who repeatedly compared him to fellow comedian Larry David, revealing that he eventually told her to "go back to your table and shut up."

The Saturday Night Live alum shared the story during an appearance on Josh Horowitz's Happy Sad Confused podcast, saying the exchange took place while he was dining at a restaurant.

Fan compared Will Ferrell to Larry David

Ferrell said he was walking to the restroom when a woman recognised him and struck up a conversation.

After complimenting his work, she remarked, "You're very funny... but you're no Larry David."

The actor said he took the comment in stride and laughed, explaining that he considers David one of comedy's greatest talents.

"I kind of chuckled," Ferrell recalled. "He's one of the best. He's a king."

Woman repeated the comment after leaving restroom

According to Ferrell, the encounter continued when they happened to leave their respective restrooms at the same time.

The woman repeated her opinion, telling him, "I'm serious, you're no Larry David. You're not even close to him."

After hearing the comparison a second time, Ferrell said he decided to respond.

"I was like, 'You know what? I get it. You like Larry David,'" he recalled. "'Why don't you go back to your table and shut up?'"

The actor joked that she likely returned to her table and told her companions that he had been rude.

Ferrell says criticism from fans is uncommon

Although he admitted the exchange was unusual, Ferrell said direct criticism from fans is rare.

He explained that when people make unexpected remarks, he often responds with humour instead of taking offence.

The actor also recalled another interaction in which a fan told him, "I don't care what they say. I think you're hilarious."

Ferrell responded by jokingly asking, "Who are 'they'?" before pretending he wanted a complete list of the people criticising him.

The comedian is currently starring in Netflix's The Hawk alongside former Saturday Night Live castmates Molly Shannon and Chris Parnell.