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Los Angeles - Will Ferrell tried to avoid a career in the showbiz industry.
The 46-year-old actor admits he spent a large chunk of his life trying to steer away from the entertainment world because he didn't want to end up like his musician father, Roy 'Lee' Ferrell Jr.
He said: "I wasted a lot of time at 18 looking for a way to avoid going in to the entertainment industry.
"My father, Lee, was the keyboard player for The Righteous Brothers and I knew how unreliable the business could be.
"He would be up and down with work. Sometimes it was there. At other times, it was not.
"I thought, 'Do I want this for myself?' The answer was no."
Studied journalism
The Anchorman 2 star studied journalism with the aim of becoming a sports commentator, but he realised he had a knack for comedy and performing.
He explained: "I was so miserable. I was turning my back on entertainment for what I felt was a good reason. I finally asked dad's advice. He said, 'Just know that it all has to do with luck. If it was based only on talent, I would not worry about you."
"I know it does not seem earth-shattering advice but knowing that part of it was beyond my control somehow took the pressure off me having to succeed."
However, Will admits he regrets his decision to put off his career in showbiz and insists he would advise a youngster to chase after their dreams and grab every opportunity they can.
Speaking to The Sun newspaper, he said: "If you work hard, a lot of opportunities will find you. And when they do, you have to be ready to stand up and take advantage."
