Ricky Gervais’ funniest moments

A fixture on TV screens for nearly two decades (2021 marks the 20th anniversary of cult hit The Office), Ricky Gervais has been phenomenally successful as a comedian, writer, actor, director and producer.

Worshipped by fans and fellow comics alike, the Reading-born funny man, who turned 60 on 25 June, has created and starred in a string of critically acclaimed TV shows and movies, embarked on sell-out tours and picked up a glut of awards along the way.

Read: Comedian Jenny Eclair on middle-aged rage and more

To mark his milestone birthday, we look back at some of Mr Gervais’ most side-splitting moments.

Free Love Freeway

The character that made Mr Gervais famous, The Office‘s David Brent spawned countless cringe-inducing scenes during the mockumentary’s two seasons.

In the fourth episode of season one, Wernham Hogg’s guitar-wielding regional manager gifted us with this spirited performance of the terrible (and, we hate to admit it, terribly catchy) Free Love Freeway.

That Golden Globes monologue

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“Let’s go out with a bang,” Mr Gervais said at the start of his fifth and (allegedly) final time hosting the Golden Globes, before proceeding to eviscerate the audience of A-listers at the 2020 ceremony with a blistering opening monologue that took aim at (predictably) Jeffrey Epstein and Harvey Weinstein, as well as (less predictably) James Corden and Judi Dench.

You can watch the controversial speech – and the audience’s hilarious reactions – on Facebook.

Extras

Playing struggling ‘background performer’ Andy Millman opposite a host of uber-famous guest stars, Mr Gervais’ performance in Extras landed him an Emmy and a BAFTA.

Running for two seasons (plus a Christmas special), one of the show’s most memorable scenes was when Sir Ian McKellen described his acting ‘method’ to a confused Millman. Watch the series on Amazon Prime.

After Life

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The comedian’s latest series, After Life, follows the trials and tribulations of a man called Tony (played by Mr Gervais, who also wrote, produced and directed) following the death of his wife.

Read: Billy Connolly: I don’t want to be on stage with Parkinson’s

In episode five of season one, Tony takes it upon himself to help nephew George by threatening to murder the playground bully with a monologue delivered in Mr Gervais’ trademark darkly comic tone.

The David Brent dance

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Taking the crown for most hide-behind-your-hands awkward but hilarious moment, it’s got to be the high-kicking, finger-pointing, grunting monstrosity that is David Brent’s impromptu dance ‘performance’ in The Office.

Leaving his assembled colleagues agog, it cemented David Brent’s place in the TV comedy pantheon.

Read: Celebs on why being in your 50s is actually great

Are you a fan of Ricky Gervais? Why not share your favourite series of his in the comments section below?

– With PA

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YourLifeChoices Writers
YourLifeChoices Writershttp://www.yourlifechoices.com.au/
YourLifeChoices' team of writers specialise in content that helps Australian over-50s make better decisions about wealth, health, travel and life. It's all in the name. For 22 years, we've been helping older Australians live their best lives.
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