Will Ferrell is one of Hollywood’s most beloved comedians, known for his roles in Elf, Anchorman, and Step Brothers. But beyond the spotlight, he’s also a proud dad to three sons who’ve grown up largely out of the public eye. Recently, his middle son, Mattias Paulin Ferrell, caught everyone’s attention after towering over his 6’2″ father at the premiere of Will & Harper, Ferrell’s 2024 Netflix documentary. The rare family appearance gave fans a glimpse into the actor’s home life—and into the tall, handsome teenager now stealing headlines.
So who exactly is Mattias Paulin Ferrell? Let’s take a closer look at Will Ferrell’s middle child—his background, personality, and what life is like growing up in one of Hollywood’s funniest families.
Quick Bio Information
Full Name: Mattias Paulin Ferrell
Date Of Birth: December 30, 2006
Age: 18 Years Old (As Of 2025)
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, USA
Parents: Will Ferrell and Viveca Paulin
Siblings: Magnus Paulin Ferrell and Axel Paulin Ferrell
Nationality: American (Of Swedish Descent)
Height: Taller Than 6’2” (Towers Over His Father)
Known For: Will Ferrell’s Middle Son
Famous Appearance: Will & Harper Premiere (2024)
Who Is Mattias Paulin Ferrell?
Born into laughter, love, and a lot of comedic chaos, Mattias Paulin Ferrell is the second of Will Ferrell and Swedish actress and auctioneer Viveca Paulin’s three sons. He was born on December 30, 2006, in Los Angeles, California. As of 2025, Mattias is 18 years old and quickly becoming known for his charm, humor, and striking resemblance to his famous father.
Mattias has mostly grown up away from the media spotlight, with Will and Viveca choosing to keep their family life private. But when he does appear—whether at a movie premiere or a Lakers game—he’s hard to miss. He’s taller than his dad, carries himself with quiet confidence, and has inherited the Ferrell sense of humor that fans adore.
Even though Will Ferrell’s fame could easily cast a long shadow, Mattias has been raised in a home where humor, love, and humility take center stage.
The Story Of The Ferrell Family
Before becoming parents, Will Ferrell and Viveca Paulin were just two aspiring actors who met in an acting class back in 1995. Their friendship eventually turned romantic, and they married in 2000. Together, they’ve built a strong, grounded family life despite Hollywood’s glitz and chaos.
The couple shares three sons—Magnus (born 2004), Mattias (born 2006), and Axel (born 2010). The family lives in Los Angeles, where they keep their personal life as normal as possible. Will and Viveca are known for being hands-on parents who put family first, whether it’s coaching their kids’ soccer teams or letting them pick their dad’s Halloween costumes each year.
While the Ferrells value privacy, they’re also known for their humor-filled home life. Will once joked that raising three boys sometimes feels like “running a prison,” but quickly added that “there’s enough love in the family to cushion any bumpy landing.”
When Was Mattias Born And What Does His Name Mean?
Mattias was born on December 30, 2006, making him a Capricorn—a sign known for independence and determination. His name, Mattias, is of Swedish origin, which reflects his mother’s Scandinavian roots. The name means “Gift of God,” though Will once humorously told Jay Leno that it meant “one who eats fire.”
Will and Viveca’s choice of names for their children—Magnus, Mattias, and Axel—reflects both their Swedish heritage and their appreciation for strong, distinctive names. Will has said that the couple simply loved the sound of Scandinavian names and wanted something unique but meaningful for their sons.
Mattias Paulin Ferrell’s Age, Height, And Appearance
At 18 years old, Mattias is no longer the little boy fans saw years ago at red-carpet events. He’s now a tall, confident young man who recently made headlines for towering over his father’s 6’2” frame. At the Will & Harper premiere in Los Angeles, Mattias looked effortlessly cool in a navy shirt and matching pants, sporting dark wavy hair and a neat beard that made him look mature beyond his years.
Standing alongside his older brother Magnus and his parents, Mattias exuded quiet confidence and charm. Fans were quick to notice his resemblance to Will, especially his bright smile and expressive eyes. While his dad’s comedic energy shines on-screen, Mattias’ calm, grounded presence seems to balance the family dynamic perfectly.
The Viral Red Carpet Moment
It was during the Will & Harper premiere in September 2024 that the world took notice of Mattias again. The event, held at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood, featured Will Ferrell, his wife Viveca, and their two oldest sons, Magnus and Mattias. Their youngest, Axel, stayed home, but the family still made quite an impression.
The biggest moment came when Mattias towered over his famous father during photos, leaving fans stunned at how much he’d grown. The Hollywood Reporter even caught a funny behind-the-scenes moment on TikTok when Magnus and Mattias noticed that the back of Will’s suit jacket was still stitched closed. The boys sprang into action, finding scissors and fixing it for their dad right on the red carpet.
The lighthearted moment perfectly captured what makes the Ferrell family so relatable: even in glamorous Hollywood, they’re just a funny, down-to-earth family supporting each other.
What Is Mattias Ferrell Like?
Like his dad, Mattias Paulin Ferrell has a natural sense of humor—but it’s a quieter, more subtle kind. Will has described his middle son as smart, thoughtful, and quick-witted, but also someone who’s not afraid to keep his dad in check. When Will tries out one of his signature silly voices at home, Mattias and his brothers often say, “Stop with the voices, Dad—just tell the story.”
He’s also athletic and competitive. When Mattias was eight years old, Will and Viveca volunteered to coach his soccer team, showing how involved they are in their kids’ lives. The family often spends weekends watching sports together, and Mattias is known to join his dad at Los Angeles Lakers games.
Behind the humor and fun, though, Mattias comes across as humble and grounded—a testament to his parents’ efforts to raise their sons away from Hollywood’s spotlight.
Growing Up In A Comedic Household
Growing up with Will Ferrell as your dad means laughter is pretty much guaranteed—but it also means learning to handle jokes with a good sense of humor. Will often uses his experiences as a dad in interviews and even in his stand-up routines.
He once joked that when his sons misbehave, he shows up at dinner wearing nothing but his underpants to teach them a lesson. In another interview, he compared raising three boys to “managing a circus,” filled with shouting, chaos, and a lot of love.
But beneath the jokes lies a deep affection for his children. Will has said many times that being a father is the most rewarding role he’s ever had. He sees parenting as both funny and humbling, admitting that “we’re all flying blind as parents, but love cushions any bumpy landing.”
Life With Magnus And Axel
Mattias is the middle of three brothers, and he shares a close bond with both. His older brother Magnus, born in 2004, is a college student at the University of Southern California and a musician who plays keyboard in a band. He’s known for his witty personality and once convinced his dad to appear at his prom dressed as a medieval lord.
The youngest brother, Axel, born in 2010, is the family’s mischievous spark. Will has described Axel as playful and full of energy. Together, the three brothers share a mix of humor, creativity, and strong family values. They often help their dad pick out his Halloween costumes every year—one time choosing a poop emoji suit just for laughs.
The Ferrell boys may live in a celebrity household, but they’re known for being polite, grounded, and respectful—qualities that reflect their parents’ influence.
Will Ferrell On Fatherhood
Will Ferrell may be one of the funniest men in the world, but when he talks about being a dad, his words are full of sincerity. He often emphasizes communication, humor, and unconditional love. In an interview with People, Will joked that parents should “talk to your children at least once a week—twice if you can,” but beneath the joke, his message is clear: being present matters.
He also spoke to Parade about how fatherhood changed him, saying, “Being a father to Mattias and his brothers is the most rewarding role I’ve ever had.” He adds that parenthood can be unpredictable, but love and laughter make it worthwhile.
For Will, the laughter at home is more important than the laughter from an audience—and that’s what makes his bond with Mattias and his brothers so special.
Rare Family Appearances
Despite Will’s fame, the Ferrell family rarely steps into the spotlight together. Over the years, they’ve appeared at just a handful of events, including the Daddy’s Home 2 premiere in 2017, the Barbie premiere in 2023, and most recently, the Will & Harper documentary in 2024.
Each appearance shows the same thing: a family that’s close, supportive, and clearly enjoys spending time together. Will often credits his wife, Viveca, for keeping their family balanced and normal, saying she’s the “anchor” that keeps them grounded.
The Ferrell family’s warmth and humor make them one of Hollywood’s most beloved, and fans can’t wait to see where Mattias’s journey leads next.
Conclusion
Mattias Paulin Ferrell may not be a Hollywood star—at least, not yet—but he’s already capturing attention for his charm, height, and grounded personality. Growing up in a home filled with laughter, creativity, and love has clearly shaped him into someone confident yet humble.
As he steps further into adulthood, fans are eager to see more of Mattias and his brothers, whether it’s at red-carpet events or through glimpses shared by their proud dad. For now, one thing’s certain: the Ferrell family’s humor and heart are alive and well—and Mattias Paulin Ferrell is right at the center of it.
FAQs About Mattias Paulin Ferrell
How Old Is Mattias Paulin Ferrell?
Mattias Paulin Ferrell was born on December 30, 2006, which makes him 18 years old as of 2025.
Who Are Mattias Paulin Ferrell’s Parents?
His parents are comedian and actor Will Ferrell and Swedish actress and auctioneer Viveca Paulin.
Does Mattias Have Any Siblings?
Yes, he has two brothers—Magnus, the eldest, and Axel, the youngest.
Where Does Mattias Paulin Ferrell Live?
He lives in Los Angeles, California, with his family, though he maintains a private life away from media attention.
What Is Mattias Paulin Ferrell Known For?
He gained attention for his appearance at the Will & Harper documentary premiere in 2024, where he stood taller than his 6’2″ dad.
What Does Mattias Paulin Ferrell’s Name Mean?
The name “Mattias” is of Swedish origin and means “Gift of God,” reflecting his mother’s Scandinavian heritage.
Is Mattias Paulin Ferrell Interested In Acting?
As of now, Mattias hasn’t expressed public interest in acting. He remains focused on his education and family life, though with his sense of humor, fans wouldn’t be surprised if he follows in his father’s footsteps someday.
People Also Read: How Old Is Demi Moore? The Ageless Hollywood Star’s Real Age Revealed
