LOS ANGELES — It looks like Buddy the Elf was not sticking to the four main food groups.
Actor Will Ferrell, who played the iconic character in the 2003 movie, “Elf,” decided to attend an NHL game Sunday night. He was seen dressed as Buddy while sitting at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena, where the hometown Kings were facing the Philadelphia Flyers. But instead of enjoying candy, candy canes, candy corn and syrup during the game, Ferrell frowned as he drank a beer -- and not maple syrup -- pretended to smoke a cigarette and sported a 5 o’clock shadow, Variety reported.
Looking a little disheveled, Ferrell, 57, was attending the game with his wife, Viveca Paulin and their youngest son, 14-year-old Axel, according to People. A fan who regularly attends Kings games, Ferrell had never attended in his “Elf” costume.
But before labeling Ferrell a cotton-headed ninny muggins for not being the happy-go-lucky Buddy, the actor had his reasons for appearing grumpy.
FanDuel Sports Network broadcaster Carrlyn Bathe said she spoke to Buddy, who told her that “it was a tough holiday season” and that he was looking for a Kings victory.
Buddy the Elf isn't looking too good these days... 😭🤣 pic.twitter.com/tGgo6KGFSf
— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) December 30, 2024
“But right now with this score, it’s a little tied, I don’t think he’s happy with the way things are going,” Bathe said. “Personally and on the ice.”
Ferrell had reason to smile later, as the Kings scored two goals in the third period to defeat the Flyers 5-4.
“Elf” starred Ferrell in the title role as a human adopted by elves and raised as an elf in the North Pole, People reported. Then one day as an adult, he learns his true identity and visits New York City during the holiday season to locate his unsuspecting biological father, played by the late James Caan.
Ferrell also showed his hockey chops in a deleted scene from the film, beating a group of elves, People reported.
Ferrell starred in “Elf” with Caan, Zooey Deschanel, Mary Steenbergen, Ed Asner, Peter Dinklage and Bob Newhart.
Perhaps Buddy will return to his happy self as an elf when the Kings host the New Jersey Devils on Jan. 1. Los Angeles currently is in second place in the Pacific Division of the NHL’s Western Conference, six points behind the Vegas Golden Knights.
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