Ricky Gervais

Ricky Gervais (born June 25, 1961) is a comic writer and performer who grew up in the English town of Reading, Berkshire. Gervais has recently achieved mainstream fame, enjoying success with his award-winning BBC2 television programme The Office, which he co-wrote and co-directed with long-term friend and collaborator Stephen Merchant. As well as writing and directing the show, Gervais also played the lead role of David Brent. In 2005, Gervais returned to BBC Television with his new sitcom, Extras.

Background

Gervais's father is of Quebecois descent and grew up in Quebec, and came to the UK on duty during the Second World War, where he met his wife. Raised as the youngest of four brothers, Ricky Gervais has described his childhood as nice and "normal".

Related Topics:
Quebecois - Quebec - Second World War

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Gervais received his early education at Reading's Ashmead School. He then went on to University College London in 1979 to study biology, later switching to philosophy. During the early 1980s Gervais remained in London and met his long-term partner Jane Fallon. He was also the lead singer of the New Romantic group Seona Dancing. The group released two singles that failed to break the top 40 in the UK: "Bitter Heart", and "More To Lose", which became a massive hit in the Philippines. This came as a great surprise to the band, who had actually broken up the previous year.

Related Topics:
University College London - 1979 - Biology - Philosophy - 1980s - Jane Fallon - New Romantic - Seona Dancing - Philippines

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