Will Ferrell’s ‘SNL’ pal Harper Steele reveals what ‘still surprises’ her after transitioning

Harper Steele says she is still surprised by how joyful she feels each day since beginning her transition in 2022, describing life now as infinitely better. The former Saturday Night Live head writer also joked that getting ready to leave the house takes longer.

Steele, 65, said the documentary Will & Harper, about a 17-day road trip with her friend Will Ferrell after she came out to him in 2021, has prompted parents of queer children to talk with their families. The 2024 film won a Peabody Award, and Steele said she was proud of its impact. She is making her first acting appearance in The Good Daughter, playing a trans character who is a maternal figure to two girls; the six-part series is based on Karin Slaughter’s novel.