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Ricky Gervais: The Story So Far by Michael Heatley
Book Summary InformationAuthor: Michael Heatley Edition: Hardcover Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published) Published: 2007-09-28 ISBN: 1843172194 Number of pages: 224 Publisher: Michael O'Mara
Book Reviews of Ricky Gervais: The Story So FarBook Review: The Story Behind the Master Summary: 4 Stars
I was introduced to this comic genius by my husband, a British citizen. He suggested we watch a small BBC mockumentary called simply, The Office, which consisted of a sad little office manager of a depressing paper company somewhere across the pond. I watched it with my eyes covered. It was like watching a car accident, but I was enjoying it. Of course, we Americans know the Brits have a great sense of humor. We steal all their ideas. After several awards and now the American version hit show, The Office, more people are realizing Ricky's talents. Ricky Gervais is the Comic King, in my mind anyway.
Michael Heatley provides a very readable testament to this shy and unaffected actor, director, writer and comedian. We learn of Ricky's simple upbringing and the thread of comedy that has shown itself throughout his family and close knit friends to this day. It is a delight to read of Ricky's musical talents, for it is obvious he actually CAN sing, as heard in his song in "The Office" Series One, Episode 4, and the now infamous and brilliant "Simpsons" episode where his character sings a love song to Marge. Surprisingly, it was curious to see how many projects he did work on before the famous "Office" , since Americans were not familiar with "The 11 O'Clock Show" and "Meet Ricky Gervais...", which gave guests the chance to literally 'meet' Ricky as host, not necessarily promote themselves. Discovering how Ricky and his successful partner, Steve Merchant, met by chance, fate and strange sense of humor was a fun read, for it is obvious that their teamwork is hilarious as well as successful. I continue to have personal 'marathons' of the british "Office" and now enjoy the current work, "Extras", which is really popular in the US now. Posters of that silly face are everywhere. Photos are included in this book, including a lovely pic of his longtime partner, Jane, who must be put up for sainthood.
If you are a fan of Ricky, you'll enjoy this book and his background. I would have enjoyed more of Ricky's personal rantings throughout the bio, but being the shy guy he is, it makes sense for him to enjoy his privacy and doing what he loves best; making us all watch his comedy as we attempt to cover our eyes in dread and horror. It certainly is "The Story So Far..." because I know we'll enjoy many more delights from Ricky's wonderful comedic essence. (Maybe an Office Musical....oooh!)
Love ya babe.
Summary of Ricky Gervais: The Story So FarIt's been an unorthodox road to the top for Gervais, who was brought up the youngest of four brothers in rough public housing in the early 1960s. He studied philosophy at London University and, after graduation, worked for the university as entertainments manager before embarking on several other short-lived jobs that included managing nascent Brit-pop stars Suede. Gervais became a presenter on London alternative radio station XFM in 1996, where he met his writing partner and long-term collaborator, Stephen Merchant. Television rungs on the stepladder to fame included Comedy Lab and an unsuccessful chat show, Meet Ricky Gervais, all in the late 1990s. Then The Office became the talk of the water cooler in offices all over, and Extras followed in 2005, attracting guest stars of the caliber of Ben Stiller, Samuel L. Jackson, Patrick Stewart, and Kate Winslet. This biography is a must read for all fans of the man and his work. Michael Heatley has written numerous books on the rock and pop world with subjects that include Elton John, Guns N' Roses, David Gray, Queen, Justin Timberlake, Eminem, and Robbie Williams.
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