The "original Ron Burgundy": "You stay classy, Piers"

In an interview that may very well leave studio heads and Hollywood agents shaking in their respective corner offices, this evening "Piers Morgan Live" welcomes Mort Crim, the former broadcast journalist responsible for inspiring Will Ferrell's iconic newsman character Ron Burgundy.

Having anchored newscasts in such TV markets as Detroit, Louisville, Philadelphia, and Chicago, Crim ultimately caught Farrell's attention after appearing in an A&E Biography about his former co-anchor, the late Jessica Savitch.

As the parody version of the real newsman has exploded into the pop culture either, Crim's celebrity has grown as well.

"I'm told that you've been invited to the world premier of the sequel, is that right," asks Morgan, referencing "Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues," which is scheduled to be released next week.

In true Burgundy fashion, Crim sees a window, and capitalizes with a witty, egocentric retort:

"Yes, it'll be really a great opportunity for Will Ferrell to meet me."

Though he denies having ever used the film franchise's signature "stay classy, San Diego" line during his on-air days, upon receiving Morgan's request tonight, he does oblige with a made-for-TV offering:

"Well of course, it's your show, I'll do whatever you want," says Crim, before delivering. "Stay classy, San Diego."

Then, as the host cackles gleefully, his guest personalizes it:

"And you stay classy, Piers."

Watch the clip to hear Crim utter the familiar phrase, and for the full interview with the man considered to be the real life Ron Burgundy, watch CNN at 9.
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