Ricky Gervais
Ricky Gervais was born on the 26th June 1961. He is an English comedian, actor, voice actor, film director, producer, musician, screenwriter and former radio presenter. Gervais was educated at Whitley Park Infants and Junior Schools and received his secondary education at Ashmead Comprehensive School. He then moved on to the University College London in 1980 in which he earned an upper second class honours degree. He started off in 2000 with his own chat show on channel 4 called Meeting Ricky Gervais. He then went on to achieve greater fame for his role in the BBC TV show The Office and Andy Millman in Extras. He has also stared in a number of films Ghost Town, The Invention of Lying and Muppets Most Wanted. He has also written the bestselling book series Flanimals.
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Engagement in Cultural Diplomacy
Humanitarian Causes
Gervais is a supporter of gay rights. Upon the introduction of same sex marriage in England and Wales calling it “a victory for all of us- anything that promotes equality, promotes progress”. Gervais has also spoke out about fox-hunting and bullfighting. He wrote to Gordon Brown in an attempt to persuade him to stop using black bear fur as caps for the Foot Guards. Gervais has also contributed his voice to a PETA video which is campaigning against the use of animal fur and skin in fashion.
Philanthropic Donations
In 2006, he donated the profits from a series of warm up shows for his 2007 stand up tour to Macmillan Cancer Support. Gervais claims that about a million pounds was raised for charity. Gervais is linked to around 24 charities and foundations, including ‘Comic Relief’, ‘Prostate Cancer UK’, ‘Teenage Cancer Trust’ and ‘Cool Earth’.
Notable Actions
Gervais has won seven Bafta Awards, five British Comedy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, two Emmy Awards.
