Ricky Gervais is an English comedian, actor, writer, producer and director. He may be best-known for starring in the original version of The Office which aired in Britain from 2001 to 2003. The success of The Office in its native country opened the doors for an American re-do which first aired in 2005 and ran for nine seasons.
Gervais also co-created the sitcom Extras (with Stephen Merchant) and wrote and starred in the big budget feature The Invention of Lying (2009). He has won several awards for his comedy including multiple Emmys, Golden Globes, British Comedy Awards and BAFTAs.
Born on June 25, 1961 in Berkshire, England, his middle name is Dene. His zodiac sign is Cancer.
Gervais is an athiest. (1)
“Why don’t you believe in God? I get that question all the time,” Ricky said in an editorial. “I always try to give a sensitive, reasoned answer. This is usually awkward, time consuming and pointless. People who believe in God don’t need proof of his existence, and they certainly don’t want evidence to the contrary. They are happy with their belief. They even say things like ‘it’s true to me’ and ‘it’s faith.’ I still give my logical answer because I feel that not being honest would be patronizing and impolite.” (1)
He was raised in a Christian household but decided to move away from the religion when he was eight-years-old. Ricky had actually gone to Sunday school (1)
The Englishman is quite open about discussing atheism, and how one doesn’t need to believe in a higher power to follow an ethical life.
“There is a growing political correctness around religious belief in Europe and America now. Unlike most believers, I don’t see one religion as superior to another. Nor do those with faith – no matter what religion they belong to – have a monopoly on good,” Gervais has remarked. (2)
“You don’t have to be religious to have a conscience, to be a kind, moral person. You’re also, I believe, less likely to be judgmental of others.”
Gervais’ outspoken politics make him a progressive liberal.
He is a critic of U.S. President Donald Trump but usually in a softer manner than other celebrities. Well, most of the time.
In one interview Ricky said, “It is a challenge to be as arrogant and as stupid as the president of the United States, but I’m trying.” (3)
On other occasions:
I’m starting to think this Trump guy isn’t completely honest.
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) July 27, 2018
Remember, every time a Trump says something shitty on Twitter, it is to distract us from a shitty thing they’ve actually done in real life.
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) November 1, 2017
Also, Ricky isn’t a fan of conservative Prime Minister Theresa May:
OK. I’m not telling you how to vote, but this is a fact. The only vote that will keep Theresa May out is a vote for @jeremycorbyn. Cheers.
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) June 5, 2017
Gervais is a strong supporter of gay rights. In 2014, when Britain introduced recognition of same sex marriages, Gervais spoke of his support:
Same sex Marriage isn’t just a victory for gay people. It’s a victory for all of us. ANYTHING that promotes equality, promotes progress.
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) March 29, 2014
Gervais is in a long-term relationship with novelist/producer Jane Fallon. The two have been a couple since 1982.
“We are married for all intents and purposes, everything’s shared and actually our fake marriage has lasted longer than a real one … but there’s no point in us having an actual ceremony before the eyes of God because there is no God,” (4)
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