Cast and Crew of Elf

Elf

This holiday, discover your inner elf.

In the heartwarming holiday classic "Elf," we follow the journey of Buddy, a human child who unknowingly finds himself in a fantastical world of elves. After accidentally slipping into Santa's gift sack one Christmas Eve, Buddy is whisked away to the North Pole, where he is lovingly raised among Santa's dedicated toy-making helpers. From a young age, Buddy immerses himself in the whimsical traditions of elf life, embracing everything from toy crafting to exuberantly joyful singing. However, as the years go by, he begins to sense a profound disconnect between himself and his elf companions, struggling to reconcile his unique identity in a world that revolves around cheerful elfin chores and holiday merriment.

As Buddy grows into adulthood, the reality of his distinctiveness weighs heavily on his heart. Despite his cheerful demeanor, the feeling of not belonging intensifies, prompting him to embark on a daring quest to find his true place in the world. Motivated by the hope of reconnecting with his long-lost father, Buddy sets his sights on Manhattan—a bustling city that represents both mystery and opportunity. However, his journey is not just about self-discovery; it’s also about bridging the gap between his innocent, childlike spirit and the complex, fast-paced world of humans that he has yet to understand.

Upon arriving in the big city, Buddy's enchanting, naive outlook contrasts sharply with the realities of urban life, leading to a series of comedic and touching encounters. He soon discovers that his real father, Walter, played by James Caan, is a hardened workaholic who has little room for holiday cheer in his life. As Buddy navigates the challenges of Manhattan, his sincerity and joy begin to influence those around him, showcasing the profound impact of love and family during the holiday season. Ultimately, "Elf" is a delightful tale about self-acceptance, the importance of family, and the magic of Christmas that brings out the best in us all.

Full Cast of Elf

Will Ferrell as Buddy

Will Ferrell

as Buddy
Will Ferrell delivers an unforgettable performance as Buddy in the modern holiday classic "Elf." His portrayal of the cheerful human, raised among elves at the North Pole, is a masterclass in comedic acting. Ferrell's Buddy is endearingly naive and relentlessly optimistic, bringing a childlike wonder to his journey through the cynical world of New York City. With impeccable timing and a commitment to the role's physical demands, Ferrell's Buddy is a whirlwind of energy, expressing a wide-eyed joy in the simplest of pleasures, like sugar consumption and Christmas spirit. His performance is both heartwarming and hilarious, as he navigates human customs with elfin enthusiasm, ultimately teaching everyone around him the true meaning of family and holiday cheer. Ferrell's Buddy is not just a character; he's a cultural icon that has cemented "Elf" as a beloved staple of Christmas cinema.
James Caan as Walter

James Caan

as Walter
James Caan delivered a memorable performance as Walter Hobbs in the modern holiday classic "Elf," bringing a layers of complexity to the character of Buddy's biological father. Caan's portrayal of Walter is one of stern reserve and relentless pragmatism, embodying the workaholic children's book editor who initially struggles to balance his high-pressure career with the whimsical chaos that Buddy, played by Will Ferrell, introduces into his life. Caan's Walter is a man whose priorities are sorely misaligned, prioritizing his job over family, yet the actor skillfully peels back the character's gruff exterior to reveal glimpses of vulnerability and a capacity for change. As the story progresses, Caan adeptly conveys Walter's transformation from a Scrooge-like figure to a man rediscovering the joy and importance of family and the true spirit of Christmas. His performance is a critical emotional anchor in the film, providing a heartwarming counterbalance to Buddy's unbridled optimism and innocence, and ultimately, it is Caan's depiction of Walter's redemption that resonates with audiences and contributes to the film's enduring charm.
Bob Newhart as Papa Elf

Bob Newhart

as Papa Elf
Bob Newhart's portrayal of Papa Elf in the modern holiday classic "Elf" is a delightful embodiment of the warm, whimsical spirit of Christmas. With his trademark deadpan delivery and gentle demeanor, Newhart brings a sense of authenticity and heart to the role, making Papa Elf the quintessential father figure in the North Pole. His character serves as a loving, if somewhat unconventional, adoptive father to Buddy, played by Will Ferrell, offering sage advice and wisdom with a twinkle in his eye that hints at the deeper, magical essence of the Yuletide season. Newhart's performance is a blend of sweetness and subtlety, ensuring that Papa Elf's presence is both comforting and crucial to the narrative, as he helps guide Buddy through the challenges of discovering his true identity and the meaning of family. His iconic scene detailing the four main food groups for elves—"candy, candy canes, candy corns, and syrup"—showcases Newhart's impeccable comedic timing and has become a beloved moment in the film, contributing to the enduring charm and humor that have made "Elf" a cherished holiday favorite for audiences of all ages.
Ed Asner as Santa

Ed Asner

as Santa
Ed Asner's portrayal of Santa Claus in the modern Christmas classic "Elf" is a delightful embodiment of the jolly old saint, bringing a touch of warmth and authenticity to the role that resonates with audiences of all ages. Asner delivers a performance that is both heartwarming and humorous, capturing the essence of Santa's endearing personality. His Santa is gruff but lovable, burdened by the modern world's disbelief and the increasing demands of his annual toy delivery. Asner's Santa is not just a figurehead of Christmas; he is a character with depth, facing real challenges that threaten the magic of the holiday season. His interactions with Buddy the Elf, played by Will Ferrell, are particularly touching, as he balances the wonder of belief with the practicalities of his vast operation. Asner's performance is a standout, providing a solid foundation for the film's themes of family, belonging, and the true spirit of Christmas. His portrayal is a testament to his versatile acting talent and his ability to convey the complex nature of a character as iconic as Santa Claus.
Mary Steenburgen as Emily

Mary Steenburgen

as Emily
Mary Steenburgen's portrayal of Emily in the modern holiday classic "Elf" is a heartwarming embodiment of maternal warmth and skepticism. As the adoptive mother of the film's protagonist, Buddy, played by Will Ferrell, Steenburgen beautifully conveys the complex emotions of a woman who is both bewildered by and ultimately accepting of the magical circumstances surrounding her family. Her initial disbelief at encountering a full-grown man claiming to be her elfin son is replaced by a protective and nurturing instinct that is both genuine and endearing. Steenburgen's performance is a delicate balance of humor and affection, which serves as an emotional anchor for the film, grounding the fantastical elements in relatable human experience. Her scenes with Ferrell are particularly touching, as she navigates the absurdity of the situation with a grace and open-heartedness that encapsulates the spirit of the holiday season. Mary Steenburgen's Emily is a testament to her versatility as an actress and her ability to bring depth and humanity to even the most whimsical of roles.
Zooey Deschanel as Jovie

Zooey Deschanel

as Jovie
Zooey Deschanel delivers a charming and memorable performance as Jovie in the holiday film "Elf" (2003), directed by Jon Favreau. As the female lead opposite Will Ferrell's character, Buddy, Deschanel brings a subtle warmth and a dash of deadpan humor to the role, creating a character that is both relatable and endearing. Jovie, a department store worker who initially comes across as cynical and disenchanted with the Christmas spirit, undergoes a transformation throughout the film, softened by Buddy's infectious enthusiasm and pure-hearted nature. Deschanel's portrayal is a delightful blend of skepticism and vulnerability, which, complemented by her captivating singing voice in the film's musical moments, adds a layer of magic to the story. Her chemistry with Ferrell is palpable, and together they create some of the film's most iconic and heartwarming scenes. Zooey's performance as Jovie is a testament to her versatility as an actress and her ability to convey depth and likability in a character that could have easily been one-dimensional. Her portrayal is a key ingredient in "Elf"'s enduring popularity as a modern Christmas classic.
Faizon Love as Gimbels Manager

Faizon Love

as Gimbels Manager

Faizon Andre Love was born June 14, 1968. An actor and comedian, he is best known for roles in the films Friday, Elf,...

Peter Dinklage as Miles Finch

Peter Dinklage

as Miles Finch

Peter Dinklage is an American actor. Since his breakout role in The Station Agent (2003), he has appeared in numerous...

Amy Sedaris as Deb

Amy Sedaris

as Deb

Amy Louise Sedaris is an American actress, author, and comedian. She is known for playing the character Jerri Blank i...

Andy Richter as Morris

Andy Richter

as Morris

Paul Andrew "Andy" Richter (born October 28, 1966) is an American actor, writer, comedian, and late night talk show a...

Kyle Gass as Eugene

Kyle Gass

as Eugene

Kyle Gass was born on July 14, 1960 and is currently 64 years old.

Claire Lautier as NY 1 Reporter

Claire Lautier

as NY 1 Reporter

Claire Lautier was born on December 31, 1969 and is currently 54 years old.

Jon Favreau as Doctor / Mr. Narwhal (voice)

Jon Favreau

as Doctor / Mr. Narwhal (voice)

Jonathan Kolia Favreau (/ˈfævroʊ/; born October 19, 1966) is an American actor, director, producer and screenwriter. ...

Annie Brebner

as Elf Student

Luke Pohl

as Elf Student

Patrick Baynham

as Elf
Michael Roberds as Disgruntled Cobbler Elf

Michael Roberds

as Disgruntled Cobbler Elf

Michael Roberds was born on January 18, 1964 and passed away 8 years ago at the age of 52 on May 15, 2016.

Patrick Hulne

as Elf Twin
Richard Side as Elf Teacher

Richard Side

as Elf Teacher

Richard Side is a Canadian stage, film and television writer, actor and comedian.

David-Paul Grove as Pom Pom

David-Paul Grove

as Pom Pom

David-Paul Grove was born on December 10, 1958 and is currently 66 years old.

Lorin Heath

as Perfume Clerk

Dillard Brinson

as Printer

Brad Turner

as Office Co-Worker

David Berenbaum

as Office Co-Worker
Brenda Crichlow as Office Co-Worker

Brenda Crichlow

as Office Co-Worker

Brenda Crichlow was born on January 1, 1967 and is currently 57 years old.

Mary Black as Nurse

Mary Black

as Nurse

Mary Black was born on October 26, 1935 and is currently 89 years old.

Murray Jack

as Man in Elevator
Mark Acheson as Mailroom Guy

Mark Acheson

as Mailroom Guy

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Mark Acheson (born September 19, 1957) is a Canadian film, television and voic...

Paul Schofield

as Kid with Santa
Matt Walsh as Matt Walsh

Matt Walsh

as Matt Walsh

Matthew Paul "Matt" Walsh (born October 13, 1964) is an American actor, comedian, director, and writer best known as ...

Will McCormack as Witness

Will McCormack

as Witness

Will McCormack was born on January 13, 1974 and is currently 50 years old.

Gus Michael

as Witness

Alexandra Michael

as Child

Terry J. Scarlatos

as Police Officer

Michael Christopher Fischetti

as School Kid

Jane Bradbury

as Susan Welles
Peter Billingsley as Ming Ming (uncredited)

Peter Billingsley

as Ming Ming (uncredited)

Peter Billingsley (born April 16, 1971), also known as Peter Michaelsen and Peter Billingsley-Michaelsen, is an Ameri...

Jay Finocchiaro

as Passerby (uncredited)
Graeme Duffy as Orange Elf (uncredited)

Graeme Duffy

as Orange Elf (uncredited)

Graeme Duffy is a Vancouver based Actor, Comedian, writer and Improv Comic. He has established himself as a film and...

Maurice LaMarche as Buddy's Belch (uncredited)

Maurice LaMarche

as Buddy's Belch (uncredited)

Maurice LaMarche (born March 30, 1958) is a Canadian voice actor and former stand up comedian. He is best known for h...

Rachel Lana Li

as Child (uncredited)

Nance Nickels

as Extra in crowd (uncredited)

Albert Precourt

as Passerby (uncredited)

Crew of Elf

Discover the backstage crew of Elf →