Ricky Gervais

Born: 25 June 1961
Where: Reading, Berkshire, UK

Something of a late-starter, at least in terms of comedy, Ricky is well aware that his chosen route to success, whilst preferable, was certainly not typical.

Born in Reading in the early sixties, he made it to university in London where he secured a degree in philosophy.

After a brief career in a pop band (called 'Seona Dancing') he dallied with the odd job before managing a band called Suede for a short while (walking away shortly before they were signed).

It was at the radio station Xfm that Ricky took on a new assistant, Stephen Merchant, who would later become co-writer/director of 'The Office'.

His TV show 'Meet Ricky Gervais' came hot on the heels of Ricky's popularity in the 11 O'Clock Show and, although the show finished in October 2000, Ricky and his partner Stephen had already been developing their ideas for an office-based mock documentary.

Months of work would come to fruition in 2001 when the BBC aired the first episode of 'The Office'.

Twelve episodes and a two-part Christmas special later and The Office is consigned to broadcasting history.