Can Will Ferrell actually ice skate?

Answered by Cody Janus

Will Ferrell learned how to ice skate for the movie “Blades of Glory.” In fact, he and his co-star Jon Heder trained extensively with Michelle Kwan’s coach, Sarah Kawahara, in order to prepare for their roles as professional figure skaters. This dedication to learning how to ice skate showcases Ferrell’s commitment to his craft and his willingness to go the extra mile for a role.

Learning how to ice skate is no easy feat, especially for someone who had little to no prior experience. Ice skating requires a unique set of skills, including balance, coordination, and agility. It also demands a good deal of strength and endurance to perform the intricate moves and jumps associated with figure skating.

Ferrell’s decision to learn how to ice skate for the movie speaks to his dedication as an actor. It would have been much easier for him to rely solely on stunt doubles or special effects to create the illusion of skating, but he chose to fully immerse himself in the role and learn the sport himself. This level of commitment and willingness to push his own boundaries is admirable.

Training with Sarah Kawahara, who is a highly respected figure skating coach, would have been a valuable experience for Ferrell. Kawahara has worked with numerous figure skaters, including Michelle Kwan, one of the most successful and beloved figure skaters in history. Her expertise and guidance would have undoubtedly helped Ferrell and Heder improve their skating skills and portray their characters more convincingly.

It’s worth noting that learning how to ice skate for a movie is not uncommon in the world of acting. Many actors have taken on physically demanding roles that require them to learn new skills. This can range from learning martial arts for action films to learning how to dance for musicals. In the case of “Blades of Glory,” Ferrell and Heder’s commitment to learning how to ice skate adds an extra layer of authenticity to their performances.

While Will Ferrell may not have been an experienced ice skater before “Blades of Glory,” he put in the time and effort to learn the sport for the movie. His dedication and willingness to learn showcase his commitment to his craft and his ability to take on new challenges.