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Last updated on the 28 March 2024 by Maeve
Mini Biography
Born: 25 June 1961, Reading, Berkshire, England.Â
Ricky Gervais is an English comedian, actor, writer, producer, and director. His father was a Franco-Ontarian of French Canadian and Iroquois descent, who emigrated to the UK during the Second World War. His mother was an English housewife.
Gervais studied philosophy at University College London, where he met his long-term partner Jane Fallon, a writer and producer. They have been together since 1982, but have never married or had children. Gervais is an outspoken atheist and a supporter of LGBT+ rights and animal welfare.
Ricky Gervais began his career in the music industry, as the singer of the new-wave band Seona Dancing in the 1980s, and as the manager of the alternative rock band Suede in the early 1990s. He then switched to comedy, appearing on The 11 O’Clock Show on Channel 4, and creating his own spoof talk show, Meet Ricky Gervais.
He rose to fame with his mockumentary sitcom The Office, which he co-created, co-wrote, and starred in as the hapless boss David Brent. The show was a critical and commercial success, winning multiple awards, including seven BAFTAs, two Golden Globes, and two Emmys. It also spawned several international adaptations, most notably the American version starring Steve Carell.
Gervais followed The Office with another sitcom, Extras, in which he played an aspiring actor who often encountered famous celebrities. He also created and starred in Life’s Too Short, a comedy about a dwarf actor, and Derek, a drama about a care home worker. His most recent series is After Life, a dark comedy about a widower who decides to live by his own rules.
Gervais has also appeared in several movies, such as For Your Consideration, the Night at the Museum trilogy, Ghost Town, The Invention of Lying, Muppets Most Wanted, and David Brent: Life on the Road. He has also written and directed two Netflix films, Special Correspondents and SuperNature. He is also known for his stand-up comedy, having performed five multi-national tours.
Gervais is famous for his controversial and provocative style of humour, which often targets celebrities, religion, and social issues. He has hosted the Golden Globe Awards five times, making headlines with his scathing jokes and insults. He has also been involved in several charity campaigns, such as Comic Relief, UNICEF, and PETA.
Ricky Gervais is widely regarded as one of the most influential and successful comedians of his generation. He has been named one of the 100 greatest stand-ups by Channel 4, one of the 50 funniest performers by The Observer, and one of the 100 most influential people by Time magazine. He has also received the Richard Dawkins Award for his contribution to atheism and secularism.
WINNER | Television: Comedy Performance for The Office (2002 and 2003 ) | Television: Situation Comedy for The Office (2002 and 2003) | Television: Situation Comedy for The Office Christmas Special (2004) | Television: Comedy Performance for The Office Christmas Special (2004) | Television: Comedy Performance for Extras (2007)
Suggested viewing
After Life (2019)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.4 A widower spirals after his wife’s death, contemplating suicide but choosing to lash out at the world instead. His crass honesty and disregard for consequences alienate many, but slowly, through unexpected connections and acts of kindness, he rediscovers the beauty in life and the power of human connection, even in the face of grief. Top cast: Ricky Gervais, Tom Basden, Kerry Godliman, David Bradley, Joe Wilkinson, Tony Way, Diane Morgan, Ashley Jensen, Tommy Finnegan. |
Derek (2012)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.1 In a quirky care home, a kind but socially awkward worker, misunderstood by many, finds joy in his job and the residents. Despite facing ridicule and prejudice, his unwavering optimism and childlike wonder touch the lives of those around him, highlighting the beauty in finding happiness in unexpected places, even amidst life’s challenges. Top cast: Ricky Gervais, Kerry Godliman, David Earl, Holli Dempsey, Brett Goldstein, Karl Pilkington, Margaret Towner, Ninette Finch, Tim Barlow. |
The Office (2003)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.5 Mockumentary hijinks follow the dysfunctional staff of a paper company led by the cringe-worthy yet oddly endearing boss, David Brent. Their mundane office lives are punctuated by pranks, awkward romances, and David’s misguided attempts to be everyone’s friend, creating both hilarity and heartwarming moments as they handle careers, relationships, and the absurdity of everyday life. Top cast: Ricky Gervais, Martin Freeman, Mackenzie Crook, Lucy Davis, Stirling Gallagher, Ralph Ineson, Stirling Gallacher, Ewen Macintosh, Patrick Baladi. |
Extras (2005)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.3 A down on his luck extra with dreams of stardom navigates the chaotic world of film and TV sets alongside his loyal (and exasperated) friend. Each episode brings an encounter with a celebrity, exposing the absurdity and hidden struggles behind the glamour, while Andy stumbles through embarrassing blunders and desperate schemes in his pursuit of the spotlight, eventually finding his own path to success (and maybe even love). Top cast: Ricky Gervais, Ashley Jensen, Stephen Merchant, Shaun Williamson, Shaun Pye, Sarah Moyle, Jamie Chapman, Guy Henry, Liza Tarbuck. |
Life’s Too Short (2011)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.5 Two comedians send their bewildered friend, who hates travel, on a globetrotting “cultural immersion” trip. He encounters unfamiliar customs, bizarre foods, and dangerous situations, all orchestrated by his mischievous puppet masters who watch and laugh from afar. His grumpy reactions and witty observations fuel the humour as he grapples with fish out of water culture clashes. Top cast: Warwick Davis, Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant, Shaun Williamson, Rosamund Hanson, Les Dennis, Kiruna Stamell, Jon Key, Matthew Holness. |
An Idiot Abroad (2010)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.3 A self-absorbed dwarf actor, desperate to boost his career, agrees to a documentary charting his chaotic life. He faces awkward auditions, clashes with Hollywood figures, and juggles a messy divorce, all while battling prejudice and his own insecurities. Through the cringe-worthy humour, he learns to confront his flaws and ultimately discovers what truly matters in his “too short” life. Top cast: Karl Pilkington, Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant, Warwick Davis. |
Full filmography (@Wikipedia)
Ricky Gervais Gallery
