Ricky Gervais, born June 25, 1961, in Reading, Berkshire, England, is an English comedian, actor, writer, director, and producer best known for co-creating and starring in the BBC sitcom *The Office* (2001–03) as the awkward boss David Brent.[1][3][4] After studying philosophy at University College London, he briefly pursued music as the singer of the new-wave duo Seona Dancing, which scored a hit in the Philippines with "More to Lose," and managed the band Suede.[1][4][6] Gervais rose to prominence on Channel 4's *The 11 O'Clock Show* (1998–2000), then collaborated with Stephen Merchant on *The Office*, a mockumentary that became the most successful British comedy ever, airing in over 90 countries and spawning 13 remakes, including the U.S. version.[1][2][3][5] The series won Golden Globes for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy and Best Actor for Gervais in 2004, alongside multiple BAFTAs and a Peabody Award.[1][4][5] He followed with *Extras* (2005–07), earning an Emmy for Best Actor in a Comedy Series, and created *After Life* (2019–22), praised for its third season.[1][2][3][4] His stand-up career includes acclaimed tours like *Humanity*, *SuperNature*, *Armageddon* (2023 Netflix special, Golden Globe winner for Best Performance in Stand-Up), and *Mortality* (touring 2024–2025), with his Hollywood Bowl show setting a Guinness record for highest-grossing comedy gig.[2][3][4] Gervais hosted the Golden Globes five times (2010–2020), noted for sharp humor.[1][2][4] He has voiced roles in films like *Night at the Museum*, *The Invention of Lying*, and *The Willoughbys*, and appeared in *The Simpsons* and *Ghost Town*.[1][4][5] Gervais has amassed seven BAFTA Awards, five British Comedy Awards, two Emmys, five Golden Globes, and two Rose d'Ors, ranking among top comedy lists like Channel 4's 100 Greatest Stand-Ups (No. 3 in 2010) and *Time* 100.[1][2][7] His Netflix specials and tours maintain his global relevance.[3]