Heroes of Comedy

The Life and Laughs of Ricky Gervais

When glittering comic luminaries David Baddiel, Karl Pilkington and Ashley Jensen can only characterise a comedian as fat, annoying and a 'little pug nose face', you'd think that person would be doomed from the inception of their comedy career. Not so! The afore-mentioned people are describing one of Channel 4's New Heroes of Comedy. Step forward Mr Ricky Gervais!

Over the course of a career that's seen him in the spotlight since the 1980s, Ricky's been a radio host, a stand-up, an irreverent news presenter, a chat show host, a writer, producer, director, a comic actor, a Hollywood film star, a cartoon character, a children's book writer, and lest we forget, a singer in a new romantic pop outfit. Haven't we all!? It's no wonder that Gervais has clocked up a few fans along the way to his now worldwide stardom. Ricky Gervais: New Hero of Comedy takes a look at how he reached such dizzy heights.

Guiding us through his journey are a handful of his close friends: Stephen Merchant, David Baddiel, Karl Pilkington, Charlie Guest, Matt Groening, Russell Brand, Ashely Jensen, Billy Connolly, Chris Rock, Richard Curtis and Michael Palin. Not a bad bunch of admirers to put on your CV.

Stand-Up

David Baddiel says what makes Ricky Gervais' comedy so special, is his ability to play with the uncertainty of what we can and cannot say about certain groups in society nowadays. The contemptuous comic routine has blown Billy Connolly away and even compelled him to call Gervais 'outstanding'. Chris Rock is equally impressed with the way the bloke from Berkshire can just throw away funny lines at the drop of the hat, saying, "He's got balls to do humour that subtle".

Before The Office

Ricky's comedy partner, Stephen Merchant, first came into contact with Gervais via London radio station XFM. Ricky appointed Stephen to do all the work in exchange for a 'good time'. At first Stephen thought this must be some sort of joke, until he realised what he said was what he meant.

The 11'O'Clock Show

Ricky's star started to rise when he was given an irreverent news presenting role on C4's 11'O'Clock Show. He insisted on reporting in his own style, something which took the eye of Russell Brand, who labelled the content 'juvenile' and the analysis 'astute', before going on to talk about his 'winky', obviously.

Meet Ricky Gervais

Ricky then landed his own chat show, which, according to his producers, was basically an excuse for him to say 'the naughtiest thing he could and get away with it'. However, not even the producers of this show could predict that he'd shortly become one of the funniest men on the planet.

Heroes of Comedy: Ricky Gervais continues HERE