Born: Richard Dene Gervais, but we can call him Ricky Gervais…obviously.

Writer, Director, Actor, Producer, and all around God.  If you don’t know who Ricky Gervais is don’t worry, you will.  Gervais took over my life years ago and I still have to get a Ricky fix everyday, whether it is a touch of his classic radio days on XFM, a world record breaking podcast, a clip from one of his sold out live shows, or even just some pictures of the man can do the job.  He loves what he does and loves sharing it with all of us.  Countless awards and accolades from all over the world, there is no stopping Gervais from taking over your world now.

I’ve created an atmosphere where I’m a friend first,
boss second. Probably an entertainer third.

Take a few moments here as I dedicate my first positive Reel Clerk article to my idol, Ricky Gervias.  By no means is this the life and times of Ricky Gervias, please do take the time to head to WIKI and Pilkipedia for a lot more information, I’m just here to hype! Here is the check list:

“Right, I’m just going to add to the list of people we’ve offended: Sorry to Jewish people, sorry to Chinese people, sorry to Welsh people, fat women, Elvis fans, animal lovers, lovers of great radio…” -Xfm Radio Show

Gervais worked as an events manager for the University of London until he was offered a job as at XFM London. Gervais, needing an assistant, interviewed the first person whose curriculum he saw, Stephen Merchant. In 1996 they were made redundant when the station was taken over by the Capital Radio group. Gervais and Merchant returned to XFM in  2001, for a Saturday show.

The show ran intermittently until January 2004.   This was the first time both worked with Karl Pilkington. Pilkington produced the shows and later collaborated with them on their series of podcasts and the rest is history.

The most downloaded podcast in history says a lot when it’s three guys sitting around talking.  Go back to the XFM days (links below), you won’t regret it.  Some of the funniest material from Gervias, Merchant, and Pilkington can be heard.  Unrehearsed and hilarious is the way to go.

“If you do a film about the Holocaust, you’re guaranteed an Oscar … that’s why I’m doing it: Schindler’s bloody List …” - Kate Winslet (Extras)

You really can’t compare the American version of The Office to the UK Gervais classic.  The most successful British sitcom of all time, award winning and highly praised by some of the biggest names in Hollywood.  Cringe worthy performances make this one of the most memorable shows of my life time, can you believe I still know people who will not give this show a chance?

Think that’s impressive, try following it up with another one.  Extras holds its own as a great counter part to The Office, we get just the right touch of comedy and drama as we did in The Office but add on some of the greatest cameos ever on TV and you have another must see, must own, and must love experience.

“I could solve the world’s problems (takes a swig from the beer)… If I cared”
-  RG Live Animals

He is absolutely irreverent, politically incorrect and says things everyone thinks but obviously don’t have the guts to say out loud. OK, so not everyone will like the Anne Frank jokes, but his comic genius is simply undeniable. Fact.  Endless sold out shows across Britain and the U.S. makes him a pretty big deal. Fact.  I would do a lot of things to get me a ticket to one of these shows, but say Gervais is a hack will never be one of them. Fact.  Watch them you must.  Fact.

So he took over Radio, TV, and even kids books.  Soon the bloke will be taking over your movie theater.  You saw him in A Night at the Museum and Stardust.  Now he is coming back for more.  Ghost Town, This Side of the Truth, and Museum 2.  I knew he was money, but when Hollywood finally sees it, boy howdy; mental.

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What more can you say?  A lot actually.  I wish I had a site of my own for Ricky Gervais so I could show the love all day, but I do know a few great sites and many links to help you all on your way to becoming Ricky Gervais fanatics.  I leave you with my favorite image of all time.

Pilkipedia – One of the greatest fans sites for anyone.  Quotes, Downloads, Pictures, and not to mention one of the most inviting forums for Ricky Fans.  Come one come all, except Glyn Hughes, piss off! (that ones for the boys)

Ricky Gervais – His own site, where he actually posts items himself!  Check out his latest news, where he will be, everything from his past, present and future projects.  Oh, did I mention film blogs.

-10 Questions for Ricky Gervais – TIME
-Another Letterman Show
-Ricky Gervais 80′s band Seona Dancing – He had cheek bones!
-Meet karl Pilkington - Oh please do.
-Ricky Gervais: New Hero of Comedy – A great 5 part documentary on the man.
-One of the greatest scenes in television history, he can act!
-Gervais Meets Garry Shandling – The Highlights, the awkward highlights.

There are limits to my comedy. There are things that I’ll never laugh at. The handicapped. Because there’s nothing funny about them.  It’s like when you see someone look at a little handicapped and go ‘ooh, look at him, he’s not able-bodied. I am, I’m prejudiced.’ Yeah, well, at least the little handicapped fella is able-minded. Unless he’s not, it’s difficult to tell with the wheelchair ones.
- David Brent aka Ricky aka THE OFFICE.

I can die now. – Reel Clerk