Ricky Gervais Biography
Multiple award winner Ricky Dene Gervais was born to Lawrence Raymond and Eva Sophia, both deceased, on June 25 1961 in Reading, England, UK. He was born last into a mixed race family and grew up in an average home without separation, abuse or any difficulties. He was not very intelligent but he performed well enough to get promoted every year. Gervais was schooled at the Whitley Park Infants and Junior Schools, Ashmead Comprehensive School, finally graduated with a philosophy degree from the University College London in 1983.
Ricky’s career begun with stints in radio presenting and in playing in a band in order to pay his college bills. This did not work out well and Gervais tried his luck in a number of television shows and these also failed. Ricky’s attempt at comedy on his show ‘Meet Ricky Gervais’ was a major flop and he rubbed shoulders with his inconsiderate comments. He was accused of portraying the stereotype image of a British smug.
In 2001 Gervais starred in his self-directed comedy titled ‘The Office’ where he got to play out his arrogant attitude to the success of the sitcom. The story-line of ‘The Office’ was set in an organisation that was led by an arrogant inconsiderate boss, a clear reflection of the real life Gervais. Through the show he was able to redeem his lost glory and gained his lost fans as well as new ones. He won the Best Actor in a Comedy series at the 2003 Golden Globe Awards. In addition The Office has become a classic that is still replayed on television in the UK and outside in translated versions.
Gervais worked with several artists who made appearances in his other show titled ‘Extras’ and together the 2005 show became popular for its high profile guests. Some of the celebrities to grace the show include Samuel L Jackson, Kate Winslet, Orlando Bloom, Daniel Radcliffe, Chris Martin and Jonathan Ross. Extras became one of the highest rated shows in the UK although its success could not rival that of The Office. Extras went on to win a Best Television Series Award at the 2008 Golden Globe Awards.
Besides reality television shows Gervais was a guest star in the series ‘The Simpsons’ and he also played in an episode of ‘Alias’ as a weapons dealer. He ventured into stand-up comedy in 2003 but like most off his projects it failed to reach the expected success.
The comedy icon has had a controversial career where he has been accused of saying whatever comes to mind. Gervais is not apologetic of this and states that it is only shallow-minded people who fail to see the bigger picture in his statements that get offended.
Though hated by some Gervais had made millions of his trade since it is not only fans of the star that watch his show but even the haters watch him so he goes on to get rich from both factions.
Gervais has authored a series of children’s books title Flanimal and made movies of the same. From the same line of books are children’s toys and cards.
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