Ricky Gervais: From Redundancy to Renowned Success at Age 37
Ricky Gervais Spills the Beans on His Rise to Fame: From Redundancy to Superstardom
In a candid post on social media, comedy legend Ricky Gervais has revealed the inspiring story of how he turned his life around after being made redundant at the tender age of 37. The 64-year-old comedian, known for his biting wit and unapologetic humor, took to his online platform to share a reflective tale of taking risks and pursuing his dreams.
Gervais, who has become synonymous with hit shows like "The Office" and "After Life," revealed that he was given a lump sum after being let go from his job at Xfm radio station in 1998. Instead of panicking, he decided to take a calculated gamble and try to make it as a comedian. In a bold move, he set himself a six-month deadline to turn his passion into a career, or face the prospect of getting another job.
"I was 37, and I thought, 'Why not? It's worth a punt,'" Gervais wrote on social media, highlighting the sense of optimism and determination that defined this pivotal moment in his life. Little did he know that this decision would set him on the path to becoming one of the most successful comedians in the world.
But what makes Gervais' story even more remarkable is his humble beginnings. Born on a working-class estate in Reading, the comedian has spoken openly about how his upbringing influenced his creative pursuits. In an earlier interview with The Guardian, he confessed, "I was always creative, but I also had a tendency to be lazy." This juxtaposition of traits might have seemed like a recipe for disaster, but instead, Gervais channeled his energies into his craft.
"I think you should know something about me first," he began in the 2009 interview. "I never tried hard at anything. I was born smart on a very working-class estate. A couple of people I knew went to university apart from me, but all the way through I was the smartest kid in school. That's luck, but I was proud of it." However, as he grew older, Gervais came to realize that his attitude towards life needed a serious overhaul.
"It's ignorant and it's a tragic waste," he reflected on his earlier approach to life. "The work itself is the reward. The struggle itself is the reward." It seems that this newfound appreciation for hard work and dedication has served him well, as evidenced by his incredible success in the entertainment industry.
But Gervais' recent post wasn't just a nostalgic trip down memory lane; it also highlighted the challenges he's facing with his current property plans. The comedian's £6 million countryside mansion in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, is set to undergo significant renovations, but there's a small problem: a family of bats has made themselves at home in the loft.
According to reports seen by The Scholarly Note, over 270 soprano pipistrelle bats were spotted flying from the building, while thousands of droppings were discovered on site. As a result, Ricky will need to obtain a special license from Natural England before commencing work on his rebuild. The plans have been put on hold until further notice.
In another development, Gervais' previous proposals for renovations had hit a stumbling block when the Environment Agency raised concerns about flooding risks. The agency had rejected his initial proposal last September, citing that the project represented "inappropriate more vulnerable development in a high flood risk zone."
It seems that Ricky's plans to demolish his existing home and build a new property with a gym and tennis court have been put on hold – at least for now. As he navigates this latest challenge, fans can't help but be inspired by the comedian's determination and resilience.
After all, as Gervais himself once said, "The struggle itself is the reward." It's clear that this philosophy has served him well throughout his career, and will likely continue to propel him forward in the years to come.