Ricky Gervais
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| Ricky Gervais | |
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| Name | Ricky Gervais |
| Birth name | Ricky Dene Gervais |
| Birth date | 25 June 1961 |
| Birth place | Reading, Berkshire, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Comedian, actor, writer, director, producer |
Ricky Gervais is a renowned British comedian, actor, writer, director, and producer, best known for creating and starring in the BBC series The Office (UK), which premiered at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and later aired on Channel 4. He has collaborated with notable comedians, including Stephen Merchant, Karl Pilkington, and John Cleese, and has appeared on various BBC Radio shows, such as The Ricky Gervais Show with Karl Pilkington and Stephen Merchant. Gervais has also worked with prominent actors, including Steve Carell, Mackenzie Crook, and Martin Freeman, and has been influenced by comedians like Monty Python, The Two Ronnies, and Fawlty Towers. His comedic style has been compared to that of Eddie Murphy, Chris Rock, and Louis C.K., and he has performed at numerous comedy festivals, including the Just for Laughs festival in Montreal.
Early Life and Career
Gervais was born in Reading, Berkshire, and grew up in a Council house in Whitley, Reading, with his parents, Jerry Gervais and Pam Gervais, and his siblings, Marsha Gervais and Bob Gervais. He attended Ashmead Comprehensive School and later studied Biology at University College London, where he met his friend and future collaborator, Bill Macrae. After college, Gervais worked as a pop star in the Seona Dancing band, which was signed to London Records, and later became a radio DJ on Xfm London, where he worked with Stephen Merchant and Karl Pilkington. He also worked as a music manager for the band Suede, and was a frequent guest on The 11 O'Clock Show on Channel 4, alongside Iain Lee and Daisy Donovan.
Comedy Style and Influences
Gervais's comedic style is known for its dark humor, satire, and social commentary, often targeting topics like religion, politics, and celebrity culture. He has cited comedians like Richard Pryor, George Carlin, and Chris Rock as influences, and has been praised by critics for his unique and unapologetic style, which has been compared to that of South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone. Gervais has also been influenced by British comedy legends like Monty Python, The Two Ronnies, and Fawlty Towers, and has worked with notable comedians, including John Cleese, Eric Idle, and Terry Gilliam. His comedy has been featured on various BBC shows, including Have I Got News for You and QI, alongside Stephen Fry and Alan Davies.
Television and Film Work
Gervais has created and starred in several successful television shows, including The Office (UK), Extras, and Derek, which have aired on BBC Two, BBC One, and Channel 4. He has also appeared in numerous films, including Ghost Town, Night at the Museum, and Muppets Most Wanted, alongside actors like Greg Kinnear, Ben Stiller, and Ty Burrell. Gervais has worked with prominent directors, including Stephen Merchant, Julien Temple, and James Bobin, and has been a frequent guest on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and Conan, alongside Jimmy Fallon and Conan O'Brien. He has also hosted the Golden Globe Awards several times, and has been a presenter at the BAFTA Awards and the Emmy Awards.
Awards and Nominations
Gervais has won numerous awards for his work, including Emmy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and BAFTA Awards. He has been nominated for several British Comedy Awards and TV Choice Awards, and has won awards for his writing, directing, and acting work on shows like The Office (UK) and Extras. Gervais has also been recognized for his philanthropic work, particularly in the area of animal rights, and has supported organizations like PETA and the RSPCA. He has been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and has been named one of Time Magazine's 100 most influential people in the world.
Controversies and Criticisms
Gervais has been involved in several controversies throughout his career, including criticism for his Atheism and his views on religion. He has been accused of being insensitive and offensive in his comedy, particularly in regards to topics like disability and mental health. Gervais has also been criticized for his Twitter posts, which have sparked controversy and debate among his followers, including Karl Pilkington and Stephen Merchant. He has been involved in public feuds with celebrities like Karl Lagerfeld and Kirstie Alley, and has been accused of being elitist and snobbish in his views on comedy and entertainment.
Personal Life
Gervais is in a long-term relationship with Jane Fallon, a British novelist and screenwriter, and the couple has been together since 1982. He is a self-proclaimed Atheist and has been involved in various charity work, particularly in the area of animal rights. Gervais is a supporter of organizations like PETA and the RSPCA, and has been involved in several charity campaigns, including the Comic Relief and Sport Relief campaigns. He has also been a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and has been involved in several fundraising campaigns for organizations like The Trevor Project and the It Gets Better Project. Gervais has been named one of the most influential people in the world by Time Magazine, alongside Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, and Elon Musk.