What is the net worth and salary of Ricky Gervais?
Ricky Gervais, a British actor, comedian, writer, and filmmaker, boasts a net worth of $160 million. Most of his wealth comes from his role as the creator of the television series The Office. Initially launched in 2001 as a limited-run series in the UK, it was adapted in 2005 into an American version that aired 201 episodes across nine seasons. The American adaptation of The Office has become one of the most financially successful shows in syndication history, accumulating billions in royalties and fees. Consequently, Gervais continues to earn tens of millions whenever the show is renewed or sold to a new platform. In addition, he generates substantial income from his comedy tours and Netflix standup specials, with Netflix reported to pay Ricky $20 million for a single standup special; his 2023 “Armageddon” special alone grossed over $30 million.
Earnings from Syndication
During the original airing of The Office, Gervais and co-creator Stephen Merchant earned tens of millions through various producer and creator credits. However, Ricky’s substantial profits have come from lucrative syndication and licensing agreements in recent years. He holds at least a 10% stake in The Office‘s syndication equity points, meaning he receives 10% of all profits generated by the series.
So far, Ricky Gervais has easily surpassed $100 million in earnings before taxes from syndication sales.
In June 2019, NBC, owned by Comcast, acquired the rights to air The Office for $500 million starting in 2021. Prior to this, the show had been featured on Viacom-owned channels like Comedy Central and had a long-standing presence on Netflix.
Background
Ricky Dene Gervais was born on June 25, 1961, in Reading, England. His father was a repatriated French-Canadian, and he grew up as the youngest in a family of four siblings. Following secondary education, Gervais pursued philosophy at University College London, where he earned his degree. During his university years, Gervais met Jane Fallon, who has been his partner since 1982.
Initial Career Steps
Ricky Gervais began his entertainment journey in radio after an unsuccessful attempt to become a pop star. While he was the head of speech at XFM, he crossed paths with Stephen Merchant, whom he later appointed as his assistant. Together, they would eventually create The Office. Gervais kicked off his television career by writing sketches for the British comedy show The Sketch Show and later portrayed an intentionally provocative and politically incorrect host on The 11 O’Clock Show. Additionally, he appeared in a comedy show titled Meet Ricky Gervais, though it did not achieve great success.
Breakthrough With The Office
In 1999, Stephen Merchant produced a seven-minute short film as part of a film production course project, featuring the character David Brent—Ricky Gervais’ future counterpart on The Office. High-ranking BBC executives viewed the short and requested a pilot script from Gervais and Merchant. Subsequently, they developed the pilot, leading the BBC to greenlight the show.
Initially, The Office was not well-received, premiering with a short run of six episodes that garnered little interest. However, as word of mouth spread, the DVD sales improved significantly. It soon became evident that there was a demand for a second season, prompting the BBC to once again approve the next installment, much to the delight of the show’s fans.In 2003, Gervais and Merchant gained recognition as comedic geniuses following the successful launch of the second season. After the triumph of The Office in Britain, the show was adapted for American audiences, with Gervais and Merchant serving as producers. Additionally, The Office has seen various adaptations for audiences across several countries, including Brazil, Sweden, France, and many others. Gervais later mentioned that the acclaim he garnered for The Office paved the way for his success in the American entertainment sector in the years that followed.
After The Office
Ricky Gervais became involved in numerous other television series after the success of The Office. His first venture was Extras, which featured well-known personalities playing comedic versions of themselves on fictional movie sets. In 2010, Gervais also launched his own program, The Ricky Gervais Show. Moreover, he contributed to the creation of various shows, including Derek, Life’s Too Short, An Idiot Abroad, and After Life. An Idiot Abroad was a reality series starring Ricky’s former radio producer, Karl Pilkington, dubbed the “idiot,” who was not a fan of traveling beyond England.
Stand-Up Comedy
Since the 1990s, Ricky Gervais has been a prominent figure in stand-up comedy. His stand-up career flourished following the success of The Office, leading him to tour extensively with his act over the years. Netflix has broadcasted his comedy specials multiple times.
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Film
Throughout his career, Ricky Gervais has taken on roles in several prominent films. In 2005, he lent his voice to the character “Bugsy” in the animated film Valiant. One of his most recognized performances was in 2006’s Night at the Museum, where he depicted a museum director. He later reprised this role in its sequels. Over the subsequent years, Gervais starred in films such as Ghost Town, The Invention of Lying, and Special Correspondents. Additionally, he provided his voice for the 2022 film Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank.
As of this moment, Ricky has accumulated seven BAFTA Awards, two Emmy Awards, a Screen Actors Guild award, and three Golden Globe Awards – a show that he has hosted five times.
Netflix
In 2018, it was reported that Netflix paid Ricky $20 million for a stand-up special. Previously, the streaming service had purchased his special “Humanity,” also for $20 million. Between June 2017 and June 2018, Ricky earned $25 million from his various activities, positioning him among the top five highest-paid comedians globally. To this day, he continues to release specials on the platform.
Personal Life & Real Estate
Ricky Gervais and his partner, Jane Fallon, have opted not to marry or have children. While Gervais has participated in numerous charitable initiatives, he is particularly recognized for his advocacy for animal rights. In 2015, reports indicated that Ricky Gervais had committed to leaving his entire estate to…Animal rights charities receive a significant portion of his fortune. He holds strong opposition against all types of hunting, poaching, and illicit animal trade. Due to his various efforts and contributions towards animal welfare, Ricky Gervais has garnered multiple awards and received recognition from organizations such as PETA. Moreover, Gervais identifies as a staunch atheist and advocates for same-sex marriage.
The couple invested approximately $6.5 million in a London residence in 2006. In 2015, they put this property on the market for $11.8 million.
In 2016, they purchased a new house for slightly less than $16 million. Additionally, they own a $3.75 million apartment situated in the Barbizon 63 building in Manhattan.