Gervais burst into mainstream fame with his ground-breaking BBC Two television programme The Office (for which he won 6 BAFTAs and 2 Golden Globes) and the series Extras, both of which he co-wrote and co-directed with friend and collaborator, Stephen Merchant. Besides writing and directing the shows, Gervais also played the lead roles of David Brent in The Office and Andy Millman in Extras. As well as these, he has had three sell-out stand-up tours; Animals, Politics and Fame, is a best-selling author of his series of Flanimals books and works also with Merchant and Karl Pilkington in his world record-breaking podcast The Ricky Gervais Show.

In addition to his work in films such as Night at the Museum and Stardust, he is the only British comic to write and star in an episode of The Simpsons. Prior to finding mainstream success with The Office, Ricky was the lead singer and principal songwriter for New Romantic duo Seona Dancing.

Is the youngest of four siblings.

Very good friends with comedian Jon Stewart.

He has been with long term partner producer Jane Fallon since 1982.

His height is 5' 8" (1.73 m).

Worked as a DJ on London's XFM radio station and managed bands before going into TV comedy.

Won the 2003 O.K. Comedy Award.

Can play the guitar.

Former manager of the UK indie band Suede.

He grew up in relative poverty but he has always admired his mother for the way in which she did not allow it to get in the way of a happy upbringing. She got herself into debt in order to make sure he had plenty of Christmas presents and it took her the whole of the following year to work her way out of it until Christmas beckoned again.

• Official Ricky Gervais website
• Wikipedia page
• IMDB page