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| He has won multiple awards and honours, including seven ], five ], two ], three ] and the 2006 ], as well as a ] nomination. | He has won multiple awards and honours, including seven ], five ], two ], three ] and the 2006 ], as well as a ] nomination. | ||
| In 2007 he was voted the 11th greatest stand-up comic on ]'s 100 Greatest Stand-Ups and again in the updated 2010 list as the 3rd greatest stand-up comic.<ref name="Greatest Stand-Ups">{{cite news|url=http://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-100-greatest-stand-ups/articles/greatest-stand-ups-of-all-time|title=The 100 Greatest Stand-Ups | Channel 4, London | date=11 April 2010}}</ref> In 2010 he was named on the ''TIME'' 100 list of the world's most influential people.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/completelist/0,29569,1984685,00.html | work=Time | title=The 2010 Time 100 | accessdate=22 May 2010}}</ref> In 2010, Gervais became the first British person to host the Golden Globe Awards in 14 years; he returned to host in 2011 and is signed on to host in 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=84317|title=Ricky Gervais to Return as Golden Globes Host!|accessdate=2011-11-16|date= 2011-11-16|publisher=ComingSoon.net}}</ref> | In 2007 he was voted the 11th greatest stand-up comic on ]'s 100 Greatest Stand-Ups and again in the updated 2010 list as the 3rd greatest stand-up comic.<ref name="Greatest Stand-Ups">{{cite news|url=http://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-100-greatest-stand-ups/articles/greatest-stand-ups-of-all-time|title=The 100 Greatest Stand-Ups | Channel 4, London | date=11 April 2010}}</ref> In 2010 he was named on the ''TIME'' 100 list of the world's most influential people.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/completelist/0,29569,1984685,00.html | work=Time | title=The 2010 Time 100 | accessdate=22 May 2010}}</ref> In 2010, Gervais became the first British person to host the Golden Globe Awards in 14 years; he returned to host in 2011 and is signed on to host in 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=84317|title=Ricky Gervais to Return as Golden Globes Host!|accessdate=2011-11-16|date= 2011-11-16|publisher=ComingSoon.net}}</ref> | ||
| ==Film== | |||
| Gervais's film career has included small roles as the voice of a ] in 2005's '']'', as a ] in 2006's '']'', as museum director Dr. McPhee in 2006's '']'' and its sequel '']'', and as "Ferdy the Fence" in the 2007 film '']''. His role in ''Night at the Museum'' has proven to be one of Gervais's most popular roles{{Citation needed|date=August 2010}}, with the movie ] $570 million worldwide.<ref>Green, Graeme. (2007). "60 SECONDS: Ricky Gervais" Retrieved on 22 July 2007 from METRO Newspaper</ref><ref>Green, Graeme. (2007)., – "''] After having your own Simpsons episode and working with Robert De Niro, are there any other big ambitions left to fulfil? ] I get offered 50 diversions a day. I could be the guest on every panel show or the butler in loads of films. But when The Simpsons calls or Robert De Niro calls, you say ‘yes’ to them and ‘no’ to the other 49.''"</ref> | |||
| Gervais starred in '']'', which was released on 19 September 2008, and was in ] during May 2008 filming his next project, '']'', starring himself, ], ], and ], with appearances by ], ], ], ], ], and ]. The comedy, released in 2009, was co-written and co-directed by Gervais and Matt Robinson.<ref name="variety"/> | |||
| Gervais and co-writer ] made a film called '']'', set in 1970s England, about class, love and fulfillment.<ref>{{cite web|work=Plumplard.com |date=August 2004 |url=http://www.rickygervais.com/thissideofthetruth.php |title=Ricky Gervais... Obviously |publisher=Rickygervais.com |accessdate=21 November 2009}}</ref> The film was released in April 2010. | |||
| He has been cast as Mole in the 2012 adaption of ], featuring effects by ] in New Zealand.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ricky Gervais to voice Mole in The Wind in the Willows adaptation|url=http://www.imdb.com/news/ni6702175/|work=IMDb|publisher=IMDb.com Inc.|accessdate=24 August 2011}}</ref> | |||
| He also was the voice of Argenon on Spy Kids 4 | |||
| ==Other appearances== | ==Other appearances== | ||
Revision as of 00:31, 13 December 2011
| Ricky Gervais | |
|---|---|
| File:59293-golden-globe-awards-host-ricky-gervais-arrives-at-the-68th-a.jpgGervais in October 2010 | |
| Born | (1961-06-25) 25 June 1961 (age 63) Reading, Berkshire, England |
| Medium | Stand up, television, film, books, radio, podcast |
| Nationality | British |
| Alma mater | University College London |
| Years active | 1983–present |
| Genres | Observational comedy, insult comedy, cringe comedy |
| Subject(s) | British culture, everyday life, self-deprecation, obesity, body image, celebrities, relationships, sex, current events, religion |
| Partner(s) | Jane Fallon (1982–present) |
| Notable works and roles | The Office Extras An Idiot Abroad Life's Too Short |
| Website | rickygervais.com |
Ricky Dene Gervais (Template:IPA-en; born 25 June 1961) is an English comedian, actor, director, radio presenter, producer, musician, and writer.
Gervais achieved mainstream fame with his television series The Office and the subsequent series Extras, both of which he co-wrote and co-directed with friend and frequent collaborator Stephen Merchant. In addition to writing and directing the shows, Gervais also played the lead roles of David Brent in The Office and Andy Millman in Extras. Gervais has also starred in a number of Hollywood films, assuming leading roles in Ghost Town and The Invention of Lying. He has performed on four sell-out stand-up comedy tours, written the best-selling Flanimals book series and starred with Stephen Merchant and Karl Pilkington in the most downloaded podcast in the world as of March 2009, The Ricky Gervais Show.
He has won multiple awards and honours, including seven BAFTA Awards, five British Comedy Awards, two Emmy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards and the 2006 Rose d'Or, as well as a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination. In 2007 he was voted the 11th greatest stand-up comic on Channel 4's 100 Greatest Stand-Ups and again in the updated 2010 list as the 3rd greatest stand-up comic. In 2010 he was named on the TIME 100 list of the world's most influential people. In 2010, Gervais became the first British person to host the Golden Globe Awards in 14 years; he returned to host in 2011 and is signed on to host in 2012.
Other appearances
On 2 July 2005 Gervais appeared at the Live 8 event held in Hyde Park, London, where he performed his famous dance. He produced a series of short films for the cause, linked acts from the studio with Jonathan Ross, and also introduced the group R.E.M..
Gervais also has a role in the video game Grand Theft Auto IV, as himself, appearing in his role as a comedian in a comedy club, and as an interviewee on radio station We Know The Truth. For this, a special 3-minute act was written, recorded and fully motion-captured.
He appeared on an episode of Sesame Street in which Elmo is looking to get to sleep and he's the celebrity from "Celebrity Lullabies" who sings about the letter "N" to help. He uses soft words like "Put your nightcap on" but when he gets to the chorus it's the rock song version of "Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na" which wakes Elmo up with each chorus.
Gervais has also hosted the 2010 and 2011 Golden Globe Awards. His 2011 hosting of the awards was controversial for his edgy jokes that were at the expense of many of the nominees, similar to the New York Friars Club roast style jokes. His jibes were described as setting "a corrosive tone" by one critic, though some celebrities were seen crying from laughter, leaving the overall reaction to be 'mixed'.
Boxing
In 2002 Gervais took part in a charity boxing match against entrepreneur Grant Bovey — known only to the public due to his relationship with TV personality Anthea Turner. On his Saturday afternoon radio show on Xfm London Gervais and partners Merchant and Pilkington had discussions on both Gervais's attitude towards boxing and training in general, as well as his likelihood of victory against Bovey. Initially, Merchant had questions as to why Gervais was participating in the event, due to his dislike of slight pain and his inexperience with fitness in general.
Gervais was trained for the three-round contest by famous boxing trainer brothers Frank and Eugene Maloney, at their Fight Factory gymnasium. It was the second televised charity boxing match, the first being Bob Mortimer against Les Dennis, for Comic Relief. The fight was televised by the BBC, and Gervais came out on top by a split decision verdict. Gervais later said that the experience was the 'most difficult thing' he had ever done. He donated his £5,000 prize money to the training of a Macmillan nurse.
Concert for Diana and Live Earth
On 1 July 2007 Gervais performed at the Concert for Diana in Wembley Stadium, a music event celebrating the life of the Princess of Wales. Towards the end of the event — after a pre-recorded introduction from Ben Stiller — Gervais appeared along with fellow Office star Mackenzie Crook. They performed Free Love Freeway, a song previously heard in the fourth episode of series one of The Office. Due to a technical problem, Gervais then had to fill time until he was able to re-introduce Elton John to close the show, so he did the David Brent dance again, as well as singing the "Little Fat Man" song as performed by David Bowie in episode two of the second series of Extras.
On 7 July 2007 Gervais appeared at the UK leg of Live Earth at Wembley Stadium, London. Gervais introduced Rob Reiner appearing in the guise of spoof film director Marty Di Bergi, who in turn introduced Spinal Tap.
In July 2007, following Gervais's appearance at the memorial concert for the Princess of Wales, The Guardian ran a column by Daily Mirror television critic Jim Shelley entitled "Call Me Crazy... But Has Ricky Gervais Lost It?" The following week, The Guardian noted that Gervais had responded with "an exhilaratingly foul-mouthed tirade" on his website, concluding with the words, "Yes I am resting on my fucking laurels you cunt!" In this video Gervais mocked Jim Shelley typing the words "Resting on his laurels" as Gervais jokingly lashed out by stating he was resting on his laurels and that he was not going to make another show for television, quipping "What's the point? What is there to beat?".
Personal life
Gervais currently lives in Hampstead, having moved from Bloomsbury, with his girlfriend of 29 years, producer and screenwriter Jane Fallon. He says they chose not to legally marry because "there's no point in us having an actual ceremony before the eyes of God because there is no God" or have children because they "didn't fancy dedicating 16 years of our lives. And there are too many children, of course". In August 2008, they bought a second home on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in New York City.
Gervais is a fervent supporter of animal rights, and has been a fan of wildlife documentaries since he was a child. He has spoken out against fox hunting and bullfighting, and wrote to Gordon Brown urging him to stop the use of black bear fur as caps for the Foot Guards.
He told Kirsty Young that he is an atheist during a 2007 interview for Desert Island Discs, later stating he lost his faith at the age of eight, and in June 2008 he became an Honorary Associate of the National Secular Society. In December 2010 he wrote an editorial for the Wall Street Journal defending his lack of faith.
Controversy
Jokes made at the 68th Golden Globe Awards
Gervais's job as host of the 68th Golden Globe Awards was met with criticism since he made biting jokes about many of the stars in attendence. When it was announced that Gervais would host the awards show again the following year, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association even wrote, "While many welcome Gervais’s return, not everyone is happy with the decision because last year his blunt one-liners targeting big-name celebrities caused anger and resentment in some quarters."
Use of the word 'mong'
On 18 October 2011, Gervais attracted criticism for his repeated use of the word "mong" (short for "mongoloid"), a historically derogatory term for disabled people, most commonly used against those with Down syndrome. Gervais claimed the word no longer represented this meaning.
Although other comedians and support groups for the disabled pointed out that verbal and physical abuse of the disabled was on the increase, Gervais initially remained defiant over his use of the word. He later apologised, saying that he found it hard to believe that "idiots" still used the word to refer to people with Down Syndrome.
Accolades and awards
Gervais has received many awards for his work on The Office, most notably two Golden Globes (one for acting, one for the show itself), as well as numerous British Academy Television Awards and British Comedy Awards, amongst others.
Gervais received an honorary award at the annual Rose d'Or ceremony in Switzerland on 29 April 2006. The award is given to "an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to the global entertainment business".
On 16 September 2007, Gervais won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for his role of Andy Millman on Extras.
| Awarding Body/Event | Awarded |
|---|---|
| BAFTA Awards |
|
| British Comedy Award |
|
| Broadcasting Press Guild Awards |
|
| Emmy Awards |
|
| Golden Globe | |
| Peabody Awards |
|
| Rose d'Or |
|
| Royal Television Society |
|
| Satellite Awards |
|
| Television Critics Association |
|
| Writers Guild of America |
|
Filmography
Film
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Dog Eat Dog | Bouncer | |
| 2005 | Valiant | Bugsy | Voice role |
| 2006 | For Your Consideration | Martin Gibb | |
| Night at the Museum | Dr. McPhee | ||
| 2007 | Stardust | Ferdy the Fence | |
| 2008 | Ghost Town | Dr. Bertram Pincus | Satellite Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy |
| 2009 | Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian | Dr. McPhee | |
| The Invention of Lying | Mark Bellison | Also Writer/Producer/Director | |
| 2010 | Cemetery Junction | Len Taylor | Also Writer/Executive Producer/Director (with Stephen Merchant) |
| 2011 | Spy Kids: All the Time in the World | Argonaut | Voice Only |
| The Muppets | Cameo | ||
| 2012 | The Wind in the Willows | Mole | Voice Only pre-production |
Television
| Year | Programme | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | The 11 O'Clock Show | Various | Unknown episodes |
| 1999 | Comedy Lab | Clive Meadows | Episode: "Golden Years" |
| 2000 | Bruiser | Recurring | 6 episodes |
| Meet Ricky Gervais | Himself | 6 episodes | |
| 2001 | The Sketch Show | Various | (Unknown episodes) |
| Spaced | Dave | 1 episode | |
| 2001–2003 | The Office | David Brent | 14 episodes including 2 Christmas specials Also writer, director |
| 2004 | Alias | Daniel Ryan | Episode: "Façade" |
| 2005 | Kelsey Grammer Presents: The Sketch Show | Various | (Unknown episodes) |
| 2005–2007 | Extras | Andy Millman | 13 episodes Also writer, director, executive producer |
| 2006 | The Simpsons | Charles Heathbar | Also Writer Episode: "Homer Simpson, This Is Your Wife" |
| 2008 | Ricky Gervais: Out of England-The Stand-Up Special | Himself | (written by) |
| 2009 | Sesame Street | Himself | 3 episodes |
| 2010 | The Ricky Gervais Show | Himself | with Karl Pilkington & Stephen Merchant |
| An Idiot Abroad | Himself | with Karl Pilkington & Stephen Merchant | |
| Louie | Dr. Ben | 2 episodes | |
| 2011 | Life's Too Short | Himself | with Stephen Merchant & Warwick Davis |
| The Office | David Brent | Episode: The Seminar & Search Committee | |
| The Simpsons | Himself | Episode: "Angry Dad: The Movie" | |
| Curb Your Enthusiasm | Himself | Episode: The Hero | |
| Family Guy | Billy Finn | Episode: "Be Careful What You Fish For" | |
| Talking Funny | Himself | With Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock and Louis C.K. | |
| An Idiot Abroad 2: The Bucket List | Himself | with Karl Pilkington & Stephen Merchant | |
| 2012 | Afterlife | God | With Clyde Phillips |
Video games
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Grand Theft Auto IV | Himself |
References
- Stewart Lee (2010). How I Escaped My Certain Fate. Faber and Faber Ltd. ISBN 978-0-571-25482-8.
- Plunkett, John (6 February 2006). "Gervais podcast in the record books". The Guardian. Retrieved 27 March 2010.
{{cite news}}: Text "Guardian, The (London)" ignored (help) - "The 100 Greatest Stand-Ups". 11 April 2010.
{{cite news}}: Text "Channel 4, London" ignored (help) - "The 2010 Time 100". Time. Retrieved 22 May 2010.
- "Ricky Gervais to Return as Golden Globes Host!". ComingSoon.net. 16 November 2011. Retrieved 16 November 2011.
- "British Office Star Ricky Gervais Appears In GTA IV".
- "Globes host Ricky Gervais explains ceremony absence". BBC News. 17 January 2011. Retrieved 17 January 2011.
- "Mixed reaction to Ricky Gervais as Golden Globes host". BBC News. 17 January 2011. Retrieved 17 January 2011.
- Oldenburg, Ann (16 January 2011). "Ricky Gervais opens Golden Globes with shot at Sheen". USA Today. Retrieved 17 January 2011.
- Logged in as click here to log out (11 July 2007). "Guardian Unlimited: Arts blog — TV & radio: Call me crazy ... but has Ricky Gervais lost it?". London: Blogs.guardian.co.uk. Retrieved 21 November 2009.
- Logged in as click here to log out (19 July 2007). "Guardian Unlimited: Arts blog — TV & radio: Ricky Gervais: 'Resting on my laurels? Yes!'". London: Blogs.guardian.co.uk. Retrieved 21 November 2009.
- "''Ricky Gervais digs himself into big trouble''". London: Daily Telegraph - Telegraph.co.uk. 6 April 2007. Retrieved 3 July 2011.
- Long, Camilla (31 January 2010). "Ricky Gervais: Bad parents should be sterilised. Fact". London: www.timesonline.co.uk. Retrieved 17 February 2010.
- Adams, Cindy (10 November 2008). "Comedian gives great impression". NY Post. Retrieved 10 November 2008.
- Green, Graeme (30 January 2007). "60 SECONDS: Ricky Gervais, Metro.co.uk". Metro.co.uk. Retrieved 21 November 2009.
- "Ricky Gervais: Bearskin Caps Are Not a Laughing Matter". PETA. Retrieved 14 December 2008.
- Owen, Jonathan (14 December 2008). "Bearskin caps are no laughing matter, says Gervais". The Independent. UK. Retrieved 14 December 2008.
- Gervais: I had to say sorry to vicar for joking at my mother's funeral by James Tapper, Daily Mail (UK). 25 June 2007
- "BBC Radio 4 – Factual — Desert Island Discs — Ricky Gervais".
- Appleyard, Bryan (22 February 2009). "Will Hollywood wipe the smile off Ricky Gervais's face?". The Sunday Times. UK. Retrieved 22 February 2009.
- Ricky Gervais: Why I’m an Atheist
- Ricky Gervais' rudest Golden Globes jokes
- Ricky Gervais returning as Golden Globes host
- Official: Ricky Gervais back as Golden Globes host
- Ricky Gervais blasted by Richard Herring for calling people "mongs" - Showbiz News - Digital Spy
- http://twitter.com/#!/rickygervais/status/125635506351505408
- Disability hate crime fuelled by “casual and institutional disablism� | Disability Charity | Scope UK
- Ricky Gervais blasted over 'mong' gags (VOTE) | Eleven UK
- Nathan, Sara. "'I was naive': Finally Ricky Gervais apologises for 'mong' comments after mother of two disabled daughters is reduced to tears". Daily Mail. London.
- "Entertainment, Rose d'Or honour for TV's Gervais". BBC News. 15 March 2006. Retrieved 21 November 2009.
- "2007 Emmy Winners". BBC News Online. 17 September 2007. Retrieved 17 September 2007.
- Michael Fleming (12 September 2007). "Ricky Gervais to star in 'Truth'". Variety. Retrieved 13 September 2007.
- "The Ricky Gervais Show – Channel 4". www.channel4.com. Retrieved 28 April 2010.
Interviews
- Time Magazine (2008). Renaissance Man: Ricky Gervais by Joel Stein
- The Independent, et al. (2005). Ricky Gervais: My life as a pure superstar Electronic Version Independent News Media: United Kingdom
- The Guardian Newspaper, et al. (2005). "Second Coming" Guardian Unlimited © Guardian News and Media Limited 2007: United Kingdom
External links
- Official website
- Ricky Gervais on Twitter
- Ricky Gervais at IMDb
- Ricky Gervais on Charlie Rose
- Ricky Gervais at the Oxonian Society video
- Behind the scenes of The Office on BBC
- Ricky Gervais's video interview on Big Think
- Video interview & acceptance speech of Ricky Gervais winning Sir Peter Ustinov Award for Comedy @ Banff World TV Festival 2010
- Ricky Gervais collected news and commentary at The Guardian
- Ricky Gervais collected news and commentary at The New York Times
| Ricky Gervais | |
|---|---|
| Awards | |
| Television series created | |
| Other television work | |
| Films directed |
|
| Stand-up | |
| Podcast and books | |
| Music |
|
| The Office (British TV series) | |
|---|---|
| Characters | |
| Media | |
| Related | |
- Use dmy dates from September 2011
- 1961 births
- Living people
- 20th-century actors
- 21st-century actors
- 20th-century writers
- 21st-century writers
- Actors from Berkshire
- Alumni of University College London
- Atheism activists
- BAFTA winners (people)
- Best Musical or Comedy Actor Golden Globe (television) winners
- British people of French-Canadian descent
- Emmy Award winners
- English atheists
- English comedians
- English comedy writers
- English film actors
- English film directors
- English New Wave musicians
- English people of Canadian descent
- English people of French descent
- English podcasters
- English radio DJs
- English radio personalities
- English screenwriters
- English television actors
- English television directors
- English television producers
- English television writers
- English voice actors
- People from Reading, Berkshire
- The Office (U.S. TV series)
- Writers Guild of America Award winners