Ricky Gervais
I’ve been saying this for years: "Ricky Gervais should host a major awards show." He’s one of the funniest people on the planet, and anyone who’s seen him at the Golden Globe Awards or Emmy Awards in recent years knows that he always does something memorably amusing to liven up what are often boring and predictable ceremonies. Gervais’ brand of humor isn’t for everyone, but he knows how to stand up, get noticed and do something to rattle people’s proverbial cages. And unlike other comedic actors who like to play it safe when they host an awards show, Gervais isn’t concerned about being too politically correct and poking fun at others, including himself. People love him for that reason alone.
So when it was announced that Gervais will host the 2010 Golden Globe Awards, I said, "It’s about time." After all, the Golden Globe Awards show is known as one of the more relaxed star-studded ceremonies shown on TV, since attendees are seated at tables where they can eat and drink during the show. The Golden Globes show is so relaxed that Gervais, who carried his alcoholic drink onstage with him at the 2009 Golden Globe Awards, says he’ll be openly getting drunk while hosting the show. Of course, there are still people outside of his native Great Britain who say, "Ricky who?" when they hear his name, but if you know about the British or American version of "The Office" sitcom (which Gervais co-created), then you’re at least somewhat familiar with his creative genius.
Honoring achievements in movies and television, the Golden Globe Awards were created and are voted on by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. The Golden Globes telecast is produced by Dick Clark Productions. In the United States, the 2010 Golden Globe Awards will be aired live January 17 on NBC at 8 p.m. Eastern Tme/5 p.m. Pacific Time from the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California. Nominations for the show will be announced December 15, 2009. Just don’t expect Gervais to know exactly what he’s doing when he’s hosting the Golden Globes, as he freely admitted to journalists during a recent telephone conference call. As a new host to one of the most-watched award shows in the world, Gervais says that he won’t prepare too much but he does plan to take aim self-important egomaniacs whom he thinks deserve to be mocked. Here’s what else Gervais had to say during this hilarious interview.
During the 2009 Emmys, you set the standard for us explaining to us that the Emmys didn't have as many beautiful people and that you were maybe above average during the Emmy ceremony. Could you do the same service for us on the Golden Globes? How does that sit as far as beautiful people and where does that put you in the spectrum there?
Well, just like that introduction I think I got carried away and went a little bit over-the-top. Looking back, I don't think I am above-average so I'd like to retract that immediately. I mean they should have gone to the less beautiful people but they went to shots of Tom Hanks and things. So it ruined it for me. At the Golden Globes. Oh, there'll be Brad Pitt and people like that, so no chance. I'll be lucky if I'm above-average amongst the staff in the kitchens.
Ricky Gervais at the 2009 Golden Globe Awards
You talked about kind of how you might not be preparing to host the Golden Globes. Are you serious? Will there be no preparation that you'll do before you start to host?
Oh no. No, no, no. What I meant was I'm not going to do any sort of shtick. I'm not going to do pre-records, I’m not going to do a dance number, I’m not going to rehearse with anyone. I'm going to plan what I'm going to say but I know what I'm going to do. I'm going to go out there and sort of relax. I want to host it a little bit more like someone from the Rat Pack would host it, just off-the-cuff and just playing the room and having fun with the people and roasting a few of the A-listers and hopefully it'll be fun for the room and the people at home.
But I just haven't planned it yet but I'm certainly going to be prepared because I think if you’re not prepared at all it can be very, very flimsy and a little bit self-indulgent. So I'm certainly going to work on a few little things to say or themes but I'm going to keep it short, sharp. I think I'm an acquired taste. I think I'm best in small doses. So, yeah, I don't want to outstay my welcome. I don't want to overwhelm the show. It’s everyone else’s show really. It’s people who have one big night, not mine. And I'm just doing it for a laugh, if I'm being total honest.
But, no I'm not so cocky and arrogant and dare I say self-indulgent. I think I can walk out and not even have an inkling of what I'm going to say. I know my appearances look like that but I certainly have. What I don't do is do other people’s material so I'll be writing my own stuff to whatever degree it will be crafted or written down … I think that it’s nicer if people know that I am speaking at least unrehearsed or to them or that anything can happen. And I do want people to have the feeling that anything can happen. I want to be reactive so I don't want to just go out there and read an alter cue and do a very staid joke and have that sort of polite sort of titter.
You know, I think it’s a party. You don't plan what you’re going to say when you go to a party down to the sentence structure. But I think I'm going to keep it loose and fun. But I'm certainly going to have targets as it were, not in a bad way. But, yeah, it’s not going to be the complete shambles. What early on over the three hours I imagine … my tie is going to come off and I'll get drunker and drunker. So I don't know what the last hour is going to be like but I hope the first hour is going to be watchable.
Ricky Gervais (pictured at right) and his longtime girlfriend, Jane Fallon, at the 2009 Emmy Awards
Do you have a specific TV comedy that you’re rooting for this year?
Well obviously, I'm involved with "The Office," and I think they've done a great job. If the show wins, then I win. I think it could be my only chance to win anything.
Any chance you might be back on board with the show, maybe directing, writing?
Well, I mean, I'm executive producer on it and I wrote one episode. But, yeah, I think that after 100 shows, it’s really found its own feet. It’s now its own show now. It’s certainly gotten out of the shadow of the U.K. version almost immediately and it found its own feet. So I think maybe I could pop up for a bit of fun, maybe a little cameo, maybe David Brent bumps into Steve Carell at a world conference. I don't know. But yeah, it would be fun. But I'm enjoying its success from a distance to be honest.
You know, I love the fact that it’s probably the only successful U.K. [TV] remake for about 30 years. I think the last one that really worked in comedy was probably "Sanford and Son" or "All in the Family." So I'm very proud of it. But it’s their hard work. You know, the idea coming from me and I won't let Steve Carell ever forget that. But they've all done an amazing job from ["The Office" U.S. co-creator/executive producer/writer] Greg Daniels down to every member of the cast. So I never want it to end because I get paid for every episode so I don't want Steve Carell ever to take a holiday. I'm working him like an old Shire horse. He’s going to collapse before I end that show.
Ricky Gervais at the 2009 Golden Globe Awards
The Golden Globes take place in a hotel ballroom, where people are eating and drinking; the show isn’t in a big theater like the Emmys or Oscars. Do you play it a little differently that way?
It’s funny, it’s probably the worst one for the host but the best one for the nominees and guests. So yeah, it’s a bittersweet experience. I'd rather be at a table getting drunk certainly than working, yeah. I might as well be staff. While the opposite is true of the Emmys. With the Emmys, it’s fun to sort of get up there because it means you can stretch your legs and not sit in a seat for three hours without being allowed to go to the toilet or have a drink. But I'll be shouting one of them. I go, "Oh, [Tom] Cruise, stop scraping your plate when I'm talking."
How did your Golden Globes hosting gig all come together? Who approached whom?
I think they approached me via my agent. There'd be lots of rumors that I was going to be asked to host the Oscars and the Globes and the Emmys and all that. And I don't know how true they were. My agent said they got a couple of calls saying would I be interested. And then someone said I'm on the list. I think that was for the Oscars. But again, how long is the list? But no, it was surprising. This is the only one I could have ever said yes to, in all honesty. No one wants to see me mucking around at the Oscars. They’re there to know if they've won the most important award of their life. It’s a pretty thankless task.
The Emmys is possible, but I couldn’t do the rehearsals. So this is perfect. They said I could turn up and say what I wanted and get drunk. So it really is my kind of [gig]. But what’s also nice is that I think that I've already been in this business about 10 years, but because I'm a very lazy person, I think I've achieved enough and so I only do things now that could possibly end my career. It gives me a little bit of adrenaline rush, you know.
Which celebrity are you looking most forward to roasting? Perhaps George Clooney?
Oh well, I think "target" is a scary term. That makes it look like I'm going to be doing put-downs. But I mean, I think it’s going to be fun. I'm going to certainly not do anything cruel or distasteful hopefully. But I think gentle ribbing. But all of them: anyone who’s younger and thinner and richer and more attractive than me, [those are] the ones I'm going for. Rainn Wilson is safe again, but everyone. Steve Carell is on the cusp.
Ricky Gervais on "Inside the Actors Studio," in an episode taped in September 2009, and premiereing in January 2010
What about George Clooney because he’s a notorious prankster? It’s your chance to get back at him.
Yeah, I think that he'd never forgive me though would he? I'd be looking over my shoulder for the rest of my life. I'd have to go into witness protection.
But he could be a possible person you'll roast that night?
Yeah, but what can you do with George Clooney? What is there to take the (mickey) out of? You know what I mean? And George Clooney over there, the most handsome, best actor in the world who’s nice to everyone. It’s like having a go at Mother Teresa.
A lot of the hosts in their monologues speak about recent political events. Are you able to tell us what some of the events that you might be focusing on during your monologue and discussion?
Well the quick answer is no because I haven't planned it yet. I probably don't do well with current affairs as I don't really watch the news; it’s too depressing. So I think it'll probably be something that happens between now and the Globes in all honesty. Who knows? I might have liposuction that goes terribly wrong and I can talk about that.
What’s been the biggest challenge you've faced so far?
It’s been no challenge at all. They said do you want to do it in January? I said, "Yeah, what are the hours?" They said, "Just turn up an hour before." I went, "Brilliant." I've thought about some things that might be fun. But I haven't even gotten a suit yet. I've spent the money, so they definitely can't have that back.
No, listen their biggest challenge is me doing it. I don’t know what they were thinking. I honestly don't know what they were thinking. And then to say, "You can say what you like," and then remind me it’s live. I mean, they’re mad. Maybe they’re wanting to retire as well.
Ricky Gervais at rehearsals for the 2009 Golden Globe Awards
You mentioned that you are best in small doses and that when you get up there, you do like to roast other people. Now we’re going to be seeing throughout a three-hour telecast. You think at some point you’re going to be maybe roasting yourself for getting involved in this thing?
I think you could be right. I think you could be right. You know, I don't do well with anything that’s even close to hard work. So it could go one of two ways. Well, one of three ways. I could go up there and be pleasant and do a wonderful job and be professional about it. I could go up there aim to do that but then get a little bit annoyed and start berating everyone including myself for ever thinking I could do this, that’s the other way. Or three, I decide to start drinking early. And then I'll have a good time at least.
So I sort of hope it’s just the first one. I hope I go out there and do a pretty good job. I mean, this doesn't effect me either way, if I'm being honest. I've never done anything to further my career or up my profile or as a stepping stone to something else. I'll probably never do this again. So in all honesty, this sort of thing doesn't affect me because I sort of create my own labor. The roles won't dry up for me because I put myself in the things I've written and directed. So I always get a job. I'm my own boss. I give myself the job first. But, of course, I want it to be good and I want it to be fun and I want it to be interesting and I want it to be different. And I want people to say, "Oh, he did a really good job and that bit was nice." So of course I'd rather it go well than badly.
But if it goes badly, that would be interesting too won't it? That’s the thing about life. You know, it’s great that you don't know what’s going to happen. That’s what’s interesting. You never know what you’re going to get unlike with a box of chocolates right. So [Tom] Hanks [as Forrest Gump] was talking rubbish. You know exactly what you’re going to get because it’s written on the inside of the box what’s in a box of chocolates. So he was Forrest Gump but his mom did a lot of talking.
Does the fact that it is a three-hour telecast give you any sort of pause? Your bursts, your spurts at these award shows have always been the best part about them.
Well, you know, if there’s one man that can burst and spurt for three hours it’s me. I'll be exhausted at the end of it, but, honestly, I'm going to try my best. Just don't sit in the front row.
Ricky Gervais with a Golden Globe Award
Are you an awards person? I know that the cool thing to say is, "Oh, I don't care anything about awards," and most people say that. But do awards mean anything to you either the ones you've won or what awards might be mean something to you if you were to win them?
You know what? I'm always flattered. I'm flattered by awards. And the honest thing is that awards don't mean anything … Well, it depends. Some awards are a committee of seven people and you could have won it by four to three so I don't usually get carried away. Some awards are a public vote and that’s a popularity contest. So, swings and roundabouts with that. But for someone, particularly in a room with your peers, to say they thought you did a good job, now that’s very flattering. And that would be the case if I was a research scientist. I'd want a lot of people in white coats to come around and go, "No one wields a pipette like Gervais. He did a great job."
So I certainly like respect and acclaim in my field. Does it matter who wins? You know what? Probably not in all honesty. I've gone to award shows and I've lost. I think I lost five Emmys last year. I had people coming up to me afterwards and going congratulations. They don't remember who won. And I was going thanks. Thanks. And I probably have one too many [awards], certainly in England. It was nice to have the room when you were a nobody, as opposed to people clapping through gritted teeth thinking, "He’s won enough. Look at the fat smug. He’s won enough." Maybe I'll dedicate one to someone else and give it away but then I'll sneakily take it back backstage. "You’re not really having that. I like it on my award shelf."
You mentioned the Golden Globes gives you free reign as the host. All I keep picturing is you and Ronnie Corbett as the BAFTAs on that "Extras" episode.
All right, yeah, right, yeah. So I mean, yeah of course. And a national treasurer who certainly hasn't done anything wrong in his entire life. And it was just so sweet, someone in his 70s to be willing to do that. What a sport. I still look back and pinch myself for the things that we got people doing, like Morris Stewart is like our Katie Couric and she was the drug dealer, and Kate Winslet dressed as a nun talking dirty saying she'd only ever do a Holocaust movie to win an Oscar and it came true. Wow, I couldn't believe my luck. That’s the thing to be, funny and prophetic.
Ricky Gervais at the Edinburg Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland, in August 2009
In the last hour of the show, when you’re drinking, will it look like that?
Well, I'll be drinking throughout; it’s just how drunk I get. But it’s not just the Golden Globes that are saying, "You know, you've got a free reign," it’s more the fact that it’s live so they couldn't' say anything else really. I mean that’s the exciting and the scary bit. Just like doing standup, I do stand-up. I mean, the reason I love doing stand-up is because it is the last bastion of self-censorship. There’s no one to tell you what you can and can't do. And that’s the same as a live show.
The problem with me is that I've got these two people in my head. And one of them says, "Say it. It'll be all right." And the other one says, "You don't need to say it. What’s the best that can happen? It might go terribly wrong." And the other one goes, "Yeah, but that’s what life is about, see what happens." And the other one goes, "Don't do it. It could be the end of your career." Then the other one goes, "You've had good endings." So there’s always a little fight up there so I don't know which one is going to win. Oh dear, but that’s the fun for me and I think that’s the fun for the people at home.
So you were talking about the targets, the gentle ribbing that you'll be doing. Have you been trying to dig up dirt on certain people like Tom Cruise or anything like that?
No, not at all. I don't care whether it’s true or not.
James Lipton and Ricky Gervais on "Inside the Actors Studio," in an episode taped in September 2009, and airing in January 2010
What kind of subjects do you think you'll go for?
Do you know what? I'm probably going to try and prick the bubble of people taking themselves too seriously. Not that they do but, you know, it’s not just the people in the room, it’s the 25 million people in America watching and the other 500 million people around the world watching. I think that it shouldn't be like they've eavesdropped on a staff party. I think there’s got to be something in it for them.
So I suppose I’m going to strike a blow for the common man sitting at home in his pants who can't afford laser surgery and teeth whitening and hair transplants and Armani underpants. So I want it to be good for everyone. So on the night, I'm going go have my teeth whitened and wear a wig and Armani underpants. But after the show I'm going to go home and watch it, eating beans on toast.
In regular underpants.
Regular underpants … Obviously, they’re huge bloomers like Bridget Jones would wear. I like to be comfortable.
Ricky, a lot of critics are picking your version of "The Office" as one of the best if not the best shows of the past decade.
I love you.
Ricky Gervais on "The Tonight Show With Conan O'Brien," September 2009
Off the top of your head, are there any shows or films that come to mind for what you think as the decade’s best?
Oh wow. Okay now I can't remember what started in the ‘90s and the ‘00s. When was "The Sopranos"? Did that start in the ‘00s or just before?
It was 1999, but the most of it was the '00s.
OK, well I think "The Sopranos," "The Wire," "Damages," "Dexter," the American "Office." Films, oh my word, that’s difficult. I loved "This is England," a little British movie. What else? Oh, it’s so difficult when you’re put on the spot isn't it? … I liked "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind." I thought that was a very interesting film. What else? Recent ones. I thought "The Wrestler" was a great surprise, because that was really, really nice and it sort of fused Hollywood with art house, which I think was nice. It reminded me sort of "Rocky," in a way.
Oh yeah, I love lists. I'm the man, I love lists. "Hurt" by Johnny Cash is the best song of the ‘00s. Yeah, if I had to give it to one, well "The Simpsons," even that didn't start in the ‘00s, and they've been consistently good … I was blown away by "The Sopranos," I really was. I thought it was amazing.
You sort of pioneered the sitcom with the mockumentary style, and now we see that not just in the U.S. "Office" but shows like "Modern Family," "Parks and Recreation." Do you think it’s getting played out? Do you think some of these people are being lazy using that technique?
Well, firstly, I can't claim that. I stole. I stood on the shoulders of giants... Yeah. Spinal Tap, a direct influence, you know, mock-umentary style. "Larry Sanders," where it was all about the ensemble piece, no laughter track and I stole from Laurel and Hardy. I got empathy from Laurel and Hardy and relationships. And that’s in "The Office." And I stole from "The Simpsons." I think an artist should steal. I think it was Rousseau that said, "It’s not where something comes from, it’s where you take it." I don't think I can claim any innovation except that we put it all into one show.
And I think if there was one thing that was different about "The Office" it’s that we were a slave to the realism and the way people acted and spoke was much more about nonverbal, it was much more about body language. And it was the first comedy about comedy, I think, and that was hidden. But all those other things I stole from greats.
Ricky Gervais and Ben Stiller at the London premiere of "Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian"
Besides "The Office," do you have any favorites that you’re going to be rooting for during the show?
I'm not sure of the nominations, but the shows I've been enjoying, I mean, nearly obsessed with is "Damages" and "Dexter." I think they’re both audacious shows. I've never seen anything quite like "Dexter." I think it’s great. I think it’s funny, it’s exciting, it’s one of the best ensemble pieces I've ever seen and the acting is great. The writing is great. And, yeah, American TV, the excellence in American TV just gets better and better.
"Damages," in a very different way, [is] just audacious. You know, "The Sopranos" I think probably still the greatest TV drama of all time. I'm halfway through "The Wire." I got into that late. I watched the last episode of Season 2 last night. And I mean, I've been a fool for not having that in my life earlier. But then all my favorite things were an acquired taste … "The Simpsons," I ought it wasn't for me, and then I saw an episode, and I just thought, "Well, this was made for me; this is my show." And I think that’s exciting as well.
I think people want to discover something for themselves on their own terms. I don't think they want to feel they’re manipulated or watch a program because it follows another big program or watch a program because they can't avoid billboards about it or because it’s about trend or because it’s got someone trendy in it or because it’s got someone who makes the news. You know, you’re either making art or you’re into marketing. And I choose art every time.
Karl Pilkerton being held by Stephen Merchant (pictured at left) and Ricky Gervais (pictured at right) of "The Ricky Gervais Show"
Can you talk a little bit about your upcoming projects, particularly "Flanimals" and "Cemetery Junction"?
We locked a picture on "Cemetery Junction." I'm very excited about that. That’s out in April [2010] in the U.K., and then I don't know about the rest of the world. But it’s the second film I've written and directed. And the first with collaborators, like myself and Stephen Merchant. And it’s about a coming of age group of twentysomethings. It’s set in the early ‘70s. It’s all about my memories of growing up in a small, working-class family and that blue-collar feeling of you just got to get a decent job and get married and have, you know, 2.4 children. And you can't escape that stifling, small-town mentality. And, yeah, I think it’s the best thing we've ever done. It’s our first out-and-out drama. You know, everything has been all drama in previous things. The comedy has been a Trojan horse for the drama like "The Office" and "Extras" and "The Invention of Lying," but this is certainly more blatantly a dramatic film.
As far as "Flanimals" is concerned, it’s in development. We’re on Phase 2. It’s being developed by the guys who did "The Simpsons Movie," Illumination. And I'm playing the Pudler Fludge, which is a fat, red-faced, sweaty thing. So again, there’s no stretch for me there.
The animated versions of Karl Pilkerton, Stephen Merchant and Ricky Gervais in "The Ricky Gervais Show"
And, of course, the thing I'm probably most excited about is HBO launched a 13-part animation in February [2010] of "The Ricky Gervais Show." It’s animation of the audio books I do with Stephen Merchant and Karl Pilkington. And we might have a new "Simpsons" on our hands, but this time Homer Simpson is a real-life person called Karl Pilkington, the most stupid, round-headed buffoon on the planet Earth.
Well, listen to this: We were doing some interstitials for HBO this week. They flew over and Karl doesn't usually do that sort of thing. And he’s being interviewed and they said, Why should people watch this?" And he went, "If there’s nothing else on." He just said that and they went, "Right. Ricky said it’s a bit like ‘The Simpsons.’" Karl went, "It’s not as good as ‘The Simpsons.’" Got that. I went bigger up Karl, way to go. He went, "No, it’s not as good." "He said it’s really good. "It’s not quite as good as ‘The Simpsons.’" And then once they watched the first episode he went, "Well, it gets better." He said, "I say, don't watch the first episode." He said I'd come in at Episode 2. I'm going, "The worst sell I've ever seen for a show. I mean, unbelievable."
He’s honest. This is what he feels. I got him to do a trailer for my film like they thought it would be a good idea if Karl Pilkington did the review of "The Invention of Lying." I go, "So Karl, you watched the film?" He went, "Yeah." I said, "What'd you think?" He went, "Yeah." He said, "It ended just right before I got bored. It was good." That was it. I said, "Right, that’s as good as it’s going to get." He’s amazing. He’s amazing
Ricky, do you have a Twitter account? And if so, will you be tweeting through the Golden Globes?
No. I closed down about 38 false Ricky Gervais Twitter accounts. But maybe I'll do one especially for the Golden Globes. That would be fun. But I've got an iPhone and I've got fat fingers so the spelling mistakes would be horrendous. I'll say the wrong thing, you know, it'd be terrible. I'd insult the world because I'm trying to do it quickly because I've got to go out because I don't know, someone’s having a fight. Kanye West has jumped up and is wrestled. If I do a Twitter account will you promote it for me so people log on?
Absolutely.
OK. Cheers.
Ricky Gervais at the London premiere of "Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian"
The Hollywood Foreign Press Association is kind of a small, mysterious group. Do you know any of these people? And what do you think about the validity of the awards they bestow? They seem to have gotten much more clout in recent years.
Yeah, I'd like to say a small mysterious group. That’s like some sort of paganists, isn't it? … Yes, they are on odd bunch, but I like them. I like them because they’re odd and I like them because they’re eccentric. And I like them because they don't really play the game, which is nice. I'll sum it up: I went to do a junket for them, for "Ghost Town," and I walked in and there they were all the same faces, all the same 50 people, some of them in the front falling asleep.
And this Japanese lady she said, "Ricky, in this film ‘Ghost Town’ you play a dentist." And I went, "Yeah." She went, "But surely, a gynecologist would be better." I went, What do you mean?" She went, Well, you are looking at teeth but you could look at vaginas." And I went, "That’s the weirdest question anyone’s ever asked me." So that’s why I like them.
And how about the validity of the Golden Globe Awards? They really seem to have gained a lot of momentum since the Pia Zadora years and to the point where they’re not the equal of the Oscars but they really seemed to have come up in the world. Do you share that view?
Well, awards are important if they’re patronized by important people. It’s as simple as that. If award ceremonies are shoddy a state of affairs that’s an excuse for a TV show, and they’ve got loads of D-list and C-list people turning up, then it has no validity. If an awards show has got Brad [Pitt] and Angelina [Jolie] and Jack Nicholson wandering around, then I think people suddenly look at it in a different way.
But what award ceremony is more valid than the next, you know? I don't know. I don't know. Who’s an expert? It’s art; you can't win. If it’s an awards ceremony and it’s your peers, people say, "Well yeah, but they don't count. Well if it’s votable the public will stay with us, it’s a popularity contest, who cares?" So I don't know if you can ever make award ceremonies valid. You either agree with the result or you don't. What makes them important is their patronage, you know, the aids of patronage.
.jpg)
Ricky Gervais and his longtime girlfriend, Jane Fallon, at the Los Angeles premiere of "The Invention of Lying"
Do you have to approach writing for the Golden Globes and for a hosting job much differently than you would writing your own stand-up material?
Well, the answer is I've never done a hosting job before, really. With stand-up, I suppose I write some ideas out. Well, I don't literally. I have a bag of things to talk about. And you go out there and you try them and they evolve, the public picks your best hour really. If some of it works, it stays in, it gets better, it gets bigger laughs. You drop the things that get the smaller laughs. With a hosting job, you get one go. And I think you've probably got to be a little bit broader and clearer but I've never done it before. What I'd like to be able to do is as I say the few times I've been up there, I've done my one-minute acceptance speech or a speech before handing it out and if I could do a dozen of those over a three-hour period, then I think that I'd be very happy.
So I'll probably treat each link as it comes, as opposed to trying to do a themed narrative. I've never done it before, so I'm guessing, really. But hopefully, it'll be like 10 times the things you've seen me do when I popped up once. That’s what I'm assuming.
Is "The Ricky Gervais" HBO show taken entirely from the podcast or have you taped anything new?
No, it’s taken entirely from the podcast. We just went into a room and we chatted and we put it out there … There’s nothing rehearsed. There’s nothing re-recorded. And they've just taken those bits and animated them sort of behind our backs so to speak. So it’s a new type of thing, really. It’s a reanimation as I like to call it. But you'd be surprised, you'd think that wouldn't work like an animated radio show.
But Karl goes off on flights of fancy in their scenarios and role play. It looks like we've scripted an episode of something because they just take it … If you haven't seen it, it’s hard to imagine. But it’s not just three blokes animated having the conversation it goes off like it was a scripted narrative piece because of Karl. So you can really get into it, it adds to it, it works. It works with your eyes shut, so to speak; we know that. And so it was important the animation added to it as opposed to detracted.
So it’s necessarily a finite show because the material is already recorded?
Yeah, well it is, but then I think we've recorded about 40 hours so far and we’re carrying on, we’re doing the guides at the moment. We've got another couple of those. So we do that for fun; everything I've ever done is a labor of love. I cannot wait to get into a room with Steve and Karl and prod Karl like he’s some sort of weird brain in a jar for my own amusement. So I'll do that until I'm 75. I will do that, listen to Karl’s philosophy on life until the day I die. I will never be bored with that. So we’re never going to run out of material.
.jpg)
Ricky Gervais on "Inside the Actors Studio," in an episode taped in September 2009, and airing in January 2010
You mentioned that you’re a huge "Dexter" fan. What do you think of the show this season?
Yeah, well, Clyde Phillips has been sending me the episodes that they got. And Americans, we’re so far behind. But I've only watched six episodes so don't give anything away, but I'm loving it. I think it’s the best season so far. I absolutely love it.
Oh, it’s just great. And there’s just such great lines. And I love Dexter’s sister. There’s one thing where there’s a line she went, "If you smell me again I'll punch you in the throat," which I think is just one of the best lines I've ever heard on anything on television.
Are there any guest stars you would like to see come on and play some wacky role on the American "Office"?
Ryan Gosling. I'd like to see Ryan Gosling do something like a really sort of moody nerd who’s not touched by anything but he frustrates the whole team maybe. Just someone you think could go mad with an Uzi in McDonald’s because someone treated him badly. I think he could play a really angst-y sort of guy. And they can't get through to him. Michael’s going, "You can't smoke here." And he goes, "There’s no law against smoking." Well, there is, actually, but I can just imagine, I think he could really do some exciting.
I love Will Arnett. I think he’s amazing. I think Louis C.K. is the funniest stand-up in America at the moment. Oh, there’s loads of people. I'm in awe of artists and talent in general. And they've got to be nice, too, and most people I've met in this industry are really, really nice, which is a pleasure. I joke about it and I tease them, but you know what? It’s a great industry; it really is. I'm not going to do this on the night I'm going to tell them how worthless they are, obviously.
But yeah, no it’s been great. So I also thought maybe I'd like to see them watching an episode of "Extras" and Michael Scott in "The Office," and they’re going, "Oh, this is good program." And I'd like Michael Scott to go, "Yeah, they should do an American remake and I think I'd be great in that role."
RELATED LINKS ON EXAMINER.COM:
"The Invention of Lying" Toronto press conference (Fairmont Royal York Hotel)
"The Invention of Lying" Toronto press conference (Sutton Place Hotel)
Photo credits: Photos #1, 4, 7, 10: NBC. Photos #2, 3, 8: Reuters. Photo #15: AP. Photos #5, 9, 15: Bravo. Photos #6, 11, 14: Getty Images. Photo #12: RickyGervais.com. Photos #13: HBO.
Comments