British comedian Ricky Gervais has had all his fingers in the pie, with stints in stand-up comedy, radio, television, film, books, and even music. He is best known, however, for his appearances in the acclaimed BBC comedies The Office and Extras.
Gervais was born in Reading, England on June 25, 1961. In his last year studying at University College London, he formed the pop duo Seona Dancing with Bill Macrae; their songs did not break the Top 40, but later gained a following in the Philippines with their song “More to Lose.” He was also the manager of Britpop band Suede at one point.
Gervais was hired as head of speech of London radio station Xfm in 1997, where his comedy was first head by a wide audience. He worked for other comedy programs after he was fired by the radio station’s new owners, writing and appearing in programs for radio and television. In 2001, The Office, a sitcom he co-wrote with Stephen Merchant, and also appears in, premiered on BBC Two. Here he plays David Brent, the general manager of a paper plant. It became a huge success, winning multiple awards, including the Golden Globe in 2004 for Best Television Series: Musical or Comedy—the first British comedy to do so. The series also won two Emmy awards.
In 2005, Ricky Gervais premiered his second comedy series, Extras, with him playing an extra who wants to make it big on screen. The series won two Emmy awards and a Golden Globe for Best Television Series: Musical or Comedy.
Ricky Gervais’ first film credit was in the 2005 animated feature Valiant, as the voice of Bugsy. In 2006, he appeared in the comedies For Your Consideration and Night at the Museum. In 2007, he appeared in the film adaptation of Stardust, and is slated to appear in the 2008 film Ghost Town.
