Celebrate 20 Years of 'Elf' by Seeing What the Cast Looks Like Now (2025)

Of all of the Christmas movies we'll watch this holiday, we can confidently say that Elf will be at the top of our list! The Christmas comedy is an immediate go-to the minute the calendar flips to November, providing us with all of the cheer and comedic relief we need during the holiday season. Well, believe it or not, Elf has recently celebrated its 20th anniversary! (It premiered back in 2003!) And its ability to remain a classic Christmas movie all these years later is largely due to the hilarious plot, iconic quotes, and the extraordinary cast that helped shape the movie we all love! Which has us thinking: What is the cast of Elf up to now?

Don't get us wrong, there are some huge names that come from the film (like Will Ferrell and Zooey Deschanel) who hardly need any sort of introduction. However, 20 years is still a long time! So, before you put on your holiday pajamas to watch Buddy the Elf in this fan-favorite film, check out our recap on what the cast of Elf looked like back then, and what they look like now. Plus, we're sharing some fun information about their lives along the way!

Simply put: Buddy the Elf was the soul of the entire movie. It's not hard to imagine why, considering that Will Ferrell was already making people laugh just a few short years before on Saturday Night Live. Though, Elf surely solidified his name in the Hollywood movie landscape.

Nowadays, it would be hard to find someone who doesn't know who Will Ferrell is. Sure, he was famous before, but at this point, he's an A-list star! Between block-buster hits, like Zoolander and Anchorman, and most recently, the Barbie film, it's safe to say that he's been in some of our favorite films. Will Ferrell is currently married to his wife of over 20 years, Viveca Paulin.

Zooey wasn't necessarily new to the acting scene before Elf, but it was certainly her first big role. Playing Jovie, her character won viewers over with her witty banter, and soft spot for Buddy the Elf. (It's worth noting that she had an appearance on the show Frasier before her role in Elf.)

To say Zooey kept busy after Elf would be an understatement. She's had many notable movie roles, such as The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and 500 Days of Summer. Plus, her role on the hit show, New Girl earned her nominations for both the Emmy Awards and the Golden Globes. Besides acting, Zooey has also began a music career, specifically with the music duo she created in 2006, She & Him.

James' career was already well-seasoned before Elf, with roles in hit movies The Godfather, The Gambler, and Funny Lady. (He was even nominated for an Oscar!) So, when Elf first premiered, he was likely the name that everyone knew! While he's used to playing the tough guy, his role as Walter was a little more mellow, but every bit as stubborn.

James' career still went strong after Elf, acting in many more movies like That's My Boy, Under Cover Grandpa, and Queen Bees. Sadly, James passed away on July 6, 2022 at the age of 82—having filmed Fast Charlie as his last project.

Daniel Tay was the perfect choice as Michael Hobbs, an innocent but spunky character, and half-brother to Buddy. Daniel Tay's first acting role ever was in Elf, which is surely a way to start a career!

After his time on Elf, Daniel went on to act in just a couple of more projects, such as American Splendor and Beer League—but the movie scene was short lived for him, with his last one being a voice actor for an animated character in the 2006 movie, Doogal.

Bob Newhart was kind, gentle, and loving as an adoptive father to Buddy in Elf—so those who aren't familiar with him may be surprised to see that he's one funny fella in real life! He began his career as a recurring comedian on The Ed Sullivan Show in the '60s, eventually transitioning to the acting scene with movies like Catch 22. Though, if you really want to understand his humor, you should watch The Bob Newhart Show, which ran for six seasons, ending in 1978.

When it comes to Bob's career post Elf, it's hard to know where to even begin! He's appeared in more movies and shows than we can count, but to name a few, you can catch him in Desperate Housewives, The Big Bang Theory, and Young Sheldon. Those who love a real-life romantic story will be delighted to know that he has been married to his wife, Virginia Quinn, since 1963, and they're still going strong!

Back in 2003, Peter Dinklage not only had a memorable role in Elf as a bad-tempered children's author, but he also received rave reviews for his part in The Station Agent. Considering he had a little over a dozen acting credits under his belt before 2003, it was nice to see him get the credit he deserved for both Elf and The Station Agent.

If you recognize Peter Dinklage from anywhere else, it's got to be Game of Thrones. (No one else could play Tyrion Lannister the way he does!) He was showered with awards for this specific role throughout the show's run, but he also has many other projects up for view, like The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, X-Men: Days of Future Past, and most recently, She Came to Me.