Since Elf first landed on screens in 2003, it’s become a holiday staple—filled with quirky humor, Christmas cheer, and a standout performance by Zooey Deschanel as Jovie, a jaded Gimbels worker who warms up to the lovable Buddy (Will Ferrell). But more than two decades on, what are Deschanel and the rest of the cast up to now?
Zooey Deschanel (Jovie)
Long before Elf, Zooey Deschanel was already making waves in Hollywood with her role in Almost Famous. After Elf, she went on to star in 500 Days of Summer and led the Fox sitcom New Girl, earning multiple award nominations. Beyond acting, she’s half of the indie pop duo She & Him, whose music even garnered her a Grammy nomination for “So Long” (featured on the Winnie the Pooh soundtrack). Today, Deschanel is a mother of two and engaged to Property Brothers star Jonathan Scott.
Will Ferrell (Buddy the Elf)
Will Ferrell’s portrayal of Buddy catapulted him to festive fame, though he’d already been a Saturday Night Live standout. Post-Elf, he starred in modern classics like Anchorman and Step Brothers, produced hit series such as Succession, and even appeared in this year’s blockbuster Barbie. Ferrell and wife Viveca Paulin share three children.
Daniel Tay (Michael Hobbs)
At just 11, Daniel Tay made his acting debut as Buddy’s younger brother. Though he also appeared in American Splendor and did voice work for video games (Grand Theft Auto IV), he left acting behind. After graduating from Yale University with an economics degree, he now works as an instructor for the SAT.
Mary Steenburgen (Emily Hobbs)
An Academy Award and Golden Globe winner (for Melvin and Howard), Mary Steenburgen lit up Elf as Buddy’s stepmom. She has since appeared in Step Brothers, Four Christmases, and Happiest Season. A gifted musician, she’s composed songs for several films and remains a fixture on screen, both in movies and TV.
Bob Newhart (Papa Elf)
Bob Newhart’s decades-long career included iconic shows The Bob Newhart Show and Newhart, earning him multiple Grammys, an Emmy, and a Golden Globe. He appeared in Elf as Papa Elf, mentoring Buddy at the North Pole. In July 2024, Newhart sadly passed away, leaving behind a legacy of comedic genius.
James Caan (Walter Hobbs)
Famed for The Godfather and Misery, James Caan brought gruff charm to Buddy’s biological father, Walter Hobbs. Nominated for Golden Globe, Academy, and Primetime Emmy awards, Caan was a Hollywood mainstay until his passing in 2022 at age 82. Among his five children is actor Scott Caan, who followed in his father’s footsteps.
Even years later, Elf remains a beloved Christmas classic—thanks in no small part to Zooey Deschanel and her co-stars, who lit up the screen and continue to carve out impressive careers (and legacies) on and off camera.