Ricky Dene Gervais was born in a suburb of Reading, Berkshire, to Eva Sophia (House) and Lawrence Raymond Gervais, a hod carrier and labourer. His father, born in Ontario, Canada, of French-Canadian descent, and his mother, an English native, instilled in him a unique cultural heritage. Gervais was educated at Ashmead Comprehensive School and later pursued higher education at University College, London, where he earned a degree in Philosophy.
After university, Gervais attempted to launch a pop career with Seona Dancing, a duo he formed with a fellow student. This synth-pop act, with a somewhat pretentious name, was heavily influenced by David Bowie, and Gervais's vocal style was often compared to the legendary musician. Although the duo failed to breach the UK top 75 and earn a place in the Guinness Book of British Hit Singles, their music has survived and is frequently used to tease Gervais in interviews. Despite his own lack of success, Gervais remained within the music industry, even serving as the manager of Suede.
Gervais had to wait a long time before achieving the fame he had hoped would come with a pop career. In the 1990s, he formed a writing partnership with Stephen Merchant. In 2000, he landed his own comedy chat show on Channel 4, Meet Ricky Gervais, which attracted legendary guests such as Jimmy Savile, Michael Winner, Paul Daniels, Peter Purves, Stefanie Powers, Jim Bowen, and Midge Ure. The series only ran for six episodes but a year later, greater stardom came for Gervais with the debut of BBC comedy The Office.
Although it was not initially received to great acclaim or viewing figures, The Office is now often cited as one of the greatest comedy series of all time and has been credited with reinventing the sitcom. Gervais starred as the obnoxious and embarrassing office manager David Brent, who has since been voted in various polls one of the greatest comic characters. It also prompted an American remake, The Office, in 2005. Gervais had further success with another sitcom, Extras, which attracted a series of celebrity guests, including Ben Stiller, Samuel L. Jackson, and his musical idol David Bowie.
Gervais has become one of the most popular and omnipresent comedy performers of the 21st century, hosting the Golden Globe awards, lending his talent to films, becoming a voice artist, and appearing on numerous talk shows. He has become one of the best-known British comedy figures in America.
