Ricky Gervais

About

Ricky Gervais is an English comedian, actor, writer, and producer who has made a significant impact on the entertainment industry through his sharp wit, satirical humor, and daringly controversial performances. Born and raised in Reading, England, Gervais began his professional career in the late 1990s as a radio host and gained widespread recognition for his groundbreaking television series “”The Office””. Since then, he has continued to push the boundaries of comedy through various film and television roles, as well as through his daring and often inflammatory hosting gigs at major award shows.

In this article, we will take a closer look into the life, career, controversies, and philanthropy of Ricky Gervais, one of the most influential and divisive comedians of our time.

Early Life and Career

Childhood and Education

Born on June 25, 1961, in Reading, England, Ricky Gervais had humble beginnings. He was raised in a working-class family along with his three siblings. Gervais attended Ashmead Comprehensive School before moving on to University College London, where he studied Philosophy.

Early Career in Radio

Gervais began his career in entertainment as a DJ on the University of London’s radio station, XFM. He also worked as a manager for pop group Suede in the 1990s. However, it was his work in radio that brought him into the limelight. Gervais co-hosted the XFM radio show with Stephen Merchant and Karl Pilkington, which later became the basis for their popular podcast “”The Ricky Gervais Show.””

Rise to Fame with “”The Office””

Development and Creation

“”The Office”” proved to be Gervais’ big break. He co-wrote and starred in the sitcom, which aired on BBC Two in 2001. The show was a mockumentary-style comedy that followed the lives of office employees at a paper company in Slough.

Success and Impact

“”The Office”” was an instant success, earning critical acclaim and a loyal fan base. The show was praised for its relatable characters and realistic portrayal of office life. It was also successful in the US, where it was adapted for American audiences.

Awards and Nominations

“”The Office”” won numerous awards, including two Golden Globes and two Emmys, and was nominated for many others. It cemented Gervais’ reputation as a talented comedic writer and actor.

Successes in Film and Television

“”Extras”” and Other TV Shows

Gervais continued his success on television with “”Extras,”” a show about a struggling actor and his friend who are stuck working as background actors. The show received critical acclaim and earned Gervais a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy. He has also appeared in other television shows, including “”Derek”” and “”After Life.””

Film Roles and Achievements

Gervais has appeared in a variety of movies over the years, including “”Night at the Museum,”” “”Ghost Town,”” and “”Muppets Most Wanted.”” He has also lent his voice to animated films like “”Valiant”” and “”The Little Prince.”” In addition to his acting work, Gervais has been a writer and producer on many of his projects.

Controversial Hosting Gigs at Awards Shows

Golden Globe Controversies

Gervais has hosted the Golden Globes four times, and his sharp wit and acerbic humor have landed him in hot water on occasion. He has made jokes about celebrities, religion, and politics that have caused controversy and outrage.

Other Award Show Hostings

Gervais has also hosted other award shows such as the Emmy Awards and the BAFTAs. He often uses his platform to voice his opinions on various issues, and his hosting gigs have become must-see events for fans of his humor. Despite the controversies, he remains a popular and respected figure in the entertainment industry.

Criticisms and Responses to Criticisms

Ricky Gervais is known for his fearless approach to comedy, often pushing boundaries and challenging societal norms. As a result, he has faced criticism for his views on religion, atheism, and political correctness.

Views on Religion and Atheism

Gervais is a well-known atheist and has been vocal about his beliefs in various interviews and on social media. He has publicly criticized organized religion and its impact on society, particularly in regards to issues such as homophobia and sexism.

Some have accused Gervais of being too aggressive in his views on religion, particularly on Twitter. However, Gervais has responded by stating that he is only trying to provoke thought and discussion, rather than attacking individuals personally.

Criticisms of Offensiveness and Political Correctness

Gervais has also been criticized for his use of offensive language and controversial subject matter in his comedy. Some argue that his jokes are insensitive and reinforce societal prejudices.

However, Gervais has defended his approach, stating that comedy should be able to tackle any subject matter, and that his jokes are often used to challenge and subvert societal norms. He has also criticized the idea of political correctness, stating that it stifles free speech and honest conversation.

Fierce Response to Critics

When faced with criticism, Gervais is not one to back down. He has been known to engage with critics on social media, defending his views and challenging their arguments.

In one notable incident, Gervais responded to criticism of his use of the word “”mong”” in his comedy by stating that its meaning had evolved over time and that it was no longer specifically associated with people with Down syndrome, as some had argued. He also defended his use of the word in the context of his comedy, stating that it was used to satirize societal prejudices.

Personal Life and Philanthropy

While Gervais is known for his comedy, he also has a strong commitment to animal welfare activism and support.

Personal Relationships

Gervais has been in a long-term relationship with writer and producer Jane Fallon since the 1980s. The couple has stated that they have chosen not to get married or have children, instead focusing on their careers and personal lives.

Animal Welfare Activism and Support

Gervais has long been an advocate for animal welfare, using his platform to raise awareness of issues such as animal testing and the mistreatment of animals in entertainment industries.

He has also been involved in various philanthropic endeavors, including supporting cancer research and donating to charities such as Médecins Sans Frontières.

FAQs

What is Ricky Gervais’s most famous work?

Ricky Gervais’s most famous work is “”The Office””, a British mockumentary sitcom that he created and starred in from 2001 to 2003. The show has since become a cult classic and has been adapted into various international versions, including the popular American adaptation starring Steve Carell.

What are some of Ricky Gervais’s most controversial moments?

Ricky Gervais is known for his daring and often inflammatory jokes and comments, particularly during his hosting gigs at major award shows. Some of his most controversial moments include his hosting of the Golden Globes in 2010, 2011, and 2012, during which he made jokes about various celebrities and topics such as religion, sexuality, and politics, which drew both laughter and criticism.

What is Ricky Gervais’s stance on animal welfare?

Ricky Gervais is a vocal animal welfare activist and has been a supporter of various animal rights organizations such as PETA and Humane Society International. He is a vegan and has used his platform to raise awareness about animal cruelty and to advocate for animal rights. He has also expressed his support for a ban on animal testing and has used his social media platforms to raise funds for animal rescue and rehabilitation efforts.

Last Updated: 3rd April 2023