The Buzz Lady

Will Ferrell and a hungover Zach Galifianakis (or is he just tired?) joke aboutpolitics and The Campaign

Editor's Note: Roseann Rogers, who covered celebrities for much of her television career, is CultureMap's newest contributor. This is her first column and video.

Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis are hot on the whistle stop tour promoting their new movie, The Campaign, which opens around Texas and the nation Friday. They recently made a pit stop in Dallas, and that's where I had the chance to chat with the two comedian/actors about their characters, who are crazy fanatics running for office.

I’ve interviewed Ferrell before for Old School and Elf, both of which I really liked. So I kind of knew what to expect from him. He’s much more laid back than you’d imagine, personable and cracks a few jokes here and there.

Even before that, when I walked into the small hotel room at the Ritz-Carlton — why they don’t use a suite baffles me — for our interview, Ferrell actually said, “You look familiar, have we met before?”

In the past, he commented on what I was wearing — I think to be polite and start the conversation. This time, he complimented my navy blue lace Theory dress in which he thought looked very Campaign-like. (I guess that's a compliment.)

I told him, "Yeah, I tried running for office once before but lost in the run-off, so I'm here with you instead."

He and Galifianakis both got a big kick out of that. Of course, the camera guys weren't rolling on that soundbite.

Even before that, when I walked into the small hotel room at the Ritz-Carlton — why they don’t use a suite baffles me — for our interview, Ferrell actually said, “You look familiar, have we met before?” Really, isn't that supposed to be my line?

Now years later, Ferrell's hair is more salt and pepper and he looked much older than I remembered. Or maybe it’s because in his new movie his hair is dyed dark brown, slicked to one side and he’s wearing tons of Hollywood make-up.

However, this was my first rodeo with Galifianakis. I think he’s a hilarious actor and especially enjoyed him in both installments of The Hangoveras the inebriated and somewhat out of it Alan.” So I was excited to meet him. I noticed he’s much shorter in person than he appears on the big screen. I also got the impression he just got up and was recovering from a rough night before. I was thinking to myself, "Does he actually have a hangover?"

Anyway, he seemed tired and mellow but perked up a little later in our interview when I asked about about a run for political office. Click on the video above as Ferrell and Galifianakis joke about politics and The Campaign.

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