Will Ferrell hilariously sings Whitney Houston’s ‘I Will Always Love You’ to recent graduates

WILL Ferrell became a household name after his dead-on impersonations on Saturday Night Live and now the actor has tried Whitney Houston.

Will Ferrell receives an honorary doctorate at University of Southern California. (Photo by Joel Ryan)

COMEDIAN Will Ferrell headed back to his university roots on Friday when he was given an honorary doctorate by the University of Southern California.

Ferrell first attended the university in 1986, graduating in 1990 with a degree in sports information journalism.

It didn’t take long for the Elf actor to realise he was much better at comedy than journalism and eventually scored a spot on Saturday Night Live in 1995.

While Ferrell told the audience success never came easy to him — critics dubbed the comedian the most annoying new cast member to join SNL — he did tell the recent graduates they shouldn’t worry about not having a plan.

“For many of you who maybe don’t have it all figured out, it’s okay. That’s the same chair that I sat in. Enjoy the process of your search without succumbing to the pressure of the result.”

Ferrell proudly receiving his honorary doctorate on May 12. (Photo: Richard Vogel)

Ferrell also used his commencement speech to channel some Whitney Houston, singing her biggest hit I Will Always Love You to the doting audience.

“Class of 2017, I just want you to know you will never be alone on whatever path you may choose. If you do have a moment where you feel a little down just think of the support you have from this great Trojan family and imagine me, literally picture my face, singing this song gently into your ear,” Ferrell said before singing his own version of the smash hit from The Bodyguard.

“If I should stay, I would only be in your way. So I’ll go, but I know, I’ll think of you every step of the way. And I will always love you, will always love you, will always love you, Class of 2017. And I will always love you.”

Will Ferrell greets Helen Mirren at the commencement ceremony for University of Southern California. (Photo: Richard Vogel)

Actress Helen Mirren was also at the ceremony to receive a doctorate who Ferrell couldn’t help having a dig at.

“Even now I still lose out on parts that I wanted so desperately. My most painful example was losing the role of Queen Elizabeth in the film The Queen,” he said, before shooting Mirren an icy stare.

“Apparently it came down to two actors. Myself and Helen Mirren. The rest is history.

“Dame Helen Mirren, you stole my Oscar!” he screamed.

While Ferrell didn’t apologise for his brilliant singing, he did use his speech to apologise to all the parents of the USC graduates.

“To all the parents who are sitting there saying, ‘Will Ferrell? Why Will Ferrell? I hate Will Ferrell. I hate him. I hate his movies, he’s gross.’”

“Although,” he added he overheard, “he’s much better looking in person. Has he lost weight?” Ferrell said, as the audience erupted with laughter.

You can watch Ferrell’s entire speech below, where he also sings the entire Star Trek theme song and shows off his adorable three sons.