Biography
An exceptionally dry wit with a keen understanding of the embarrassing side of human nature, Ricky Gervais was the co-creative force behind the television series "The Office" (BBC Two, 2001-03) and "Extras" (BBC Two/HBO, 2005-07), alongside his creative partner of over a decade, Stephen Merchant. In addition to co-writing and co-producing both shows, Gervais played the lead in both series - the self-deluded and thoroughly inappropriate office …
Career Milestones
| Hired as the DJ for the London radio station XFM, where he met future writing partner Steve Merchant | ||
| Performed with a pop band called "Seona Dancing"; group released two singles | ||
1998 | Portrayed a bigoted news reporter on "The 11 O'Clock Show" (Channel 4) | |
2000 | Hosted "Meet Ricky Gervais" (Channel 4) | |
2001 | Co-created with Steve Merchant the BBC comedy hit "The Office" | |
2001 | With Merchant created "The Ricky Gervais Show," a weekly online audio program; aired on Xfm in weekly periods for months at a time throughout 2002, 2003, 2004, and mid-2005 | |
2003 | Toured the U.K. with his stand-up show "Animals" | |
2004 | Produced an American version of "The Office" (NBC) with co-creator Greg Daniels | |
2004 | Published first childrens book Flanimals; illustrated by his friend Rob Steen | |
2005 | Co-created "Extras," (BBC2) with Stephen Merchant, featuring Gervais as Andy Millman, an actor whose career is stuck in background extra parts (aired on HBO in the U.S.); earned Emmy nominations in 2007 for Best Directing for the episode "Orlando Bloom" and Best Writing for the episode "Daniel Radcliffe"; also received Golden Globe, SAG and Emmy nominations in 2008 for Best Actor | |
2006 | Became the first guest star on "The Simpsons" (Fox) to also write the episode on which he guest starred, "Homer Simpson, This Is Your Wife" | |
2006 | Cast as a studio executive in the Christopher Guest-directed "For Your Consideration" | |
2008 | First starring role in a feature film, "Ghost Town" | |
2008 | Performed the comedy special "Out of England" on HBO; earned an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Writing For A Variety, Music Or Comedy Special | |
2008 | Received Emmy nominations for Acting, Directing and Writing for "Extras: The Extra Special Series Finale" (HBO) | |
2009 | Co-directed and starred in the comedy "The Invention of Lying"; also wrote and produced | |
2009 | Co-starred with Ben Stiller in "Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian" | |
2009 | Headlined the sixth annual New York Comedy Festival at Carnegie Hall | |
2010 | Hosted the 67th Golden Globe Awards | |
2010 | Together with Stephen Merchant and Karl Pilkington, created the animated series "The Ricky Gervais Show" for HBO | |
2011 | Despite his controversial remarks targeting nominees and presenters during the previous year's Golden Globes, Gervais was invited back to host the 69th annual awards ceremony in 2012 | |
2011 | Returned for his controversial hosting of the 68th Golden Globe Awards | |
2011 | With Merchant, wrote, directed, and appeared on the BBC series "Life's Too Short" starring Warwick Davis | |
Awards
2003 | Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Comedy Or Musical in The Office (BBC) |
2005 | Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic Special in The Office Special |
2006 | Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series in The Office |
2006 | Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series in Extras |
2007 | Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Comedy Or Musical in Extras |
2007 | Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series in The Office |
2007 | Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series in Extras |
2007 | Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series in Extras |
2007 | Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series in Extras |
2008 | Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series in The Office |
2008 | Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic Special in Extras: The Extra Special Series Finale |
2008 | Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor In a Miniseries or Movie in Extras: The Extra Special Series Finale |
2008 | Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Made For Television Movie in Extras: The Extra Special Series Finale |
2008 | Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic Special in Extras: The Extra Special Series Finale |
2008 | Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series in Extras |
2009 | Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series in The Office |
2009 | Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special in Ricky Gervais: Out of England |
2009 | Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing For a Variety, Music or Comedy Special in Ricky Gervais: Out of England |
2010 | Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program in The Ricky Gervais Show |
2010 | Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series in The Office |