Sean Borg Goes LA! » Ricky Gervais

Kate Beckinsale, Emily Blunt and Colin Firth Attend Stephen Merchant’s Hello Ladies!

SBGLA — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 23:58:48 +0000

The Brits were out in force last night to support funnyman Stephen Merchant (right inset pic) as he brought his hit comedy show, Hello Ladies to Hollywood,

It was also date night for attendees, actresses Kate Beckinsale and Emily Blunt who both had their American hubbies Len Wiseman and John Krasinki in tow.

Actor Colin Firth completed the star-studded gathering, playing third wheel as he walked into the Beverly Hills’ Coronet Theatre with Emily and John.

‘Hello Ladies’ is about Merchant’s lack of success with the women, despite his many awards and critical acclaim. His reasons, according to Merchant include his tightfistedness and his pedantry, and because of his gawky and lanky 6ft 7 inch frame, and, as with his BBC2 sitcom Life’s Too Short, he delivers plenty of funny and very physical material from his unusually ginormous stature.

Some of his battle-of-the-sexes gags wear thin at times; as does his routine on the glibness of text message speak.

However, a finale in which he re-enacts an old GCSE drama play on issues of prejudice is a showstopper, using his unsubtle teenage self as a license to be gleefully un-PC. This hints of a far more mischievous Merchant lying just around the corner… So Hollywood, watch out!

Merchant, known for his collaborations with funnyman Ricky Gervais, who hosted the Golden Globes last Sunday, spoke about the difference between English and American audiences.

Earlier this week he told the Los Angeles Times, “In England, the audience can be quite surly at times,’

‘You can walk on and you get the feeling that they are sitting with their arms crossed sort of, “Yeah, listen. It was raining, we had to park the car, so this better be funny mate.”

He added, “American audiences just seemed much more enthusiastic. like ‘Yay! It’s great, it’ll be fun! Let’s enjoy.”

I give ‘Hello Ladies’ 5 stars and a BIG thumbs up, well done to Merchant, for managing to slap us full-force in the mush with this incredibly original piece of comedy… Go see it!

Tickets available at Ticket Master

Ricky Gervais Focusing on his Fitness!

Nick Crew — Wed, 11 May 2011 13:26:20 +0000

At first glance you may mistake Ricky Gervais‘ face pulling for a new comedy character he is working on, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, this is the face of true determination and exhaustion, as funnyman Ricky is determined to keep himself on his strict fitness regime!

Gervais confessed last year that approaching 50 had made him very aware of his own well being, and with people forever commenting on his ever expanding waistline, he said to himself; “You’re going to die at the age of 51 of a heart attack, you fat idiot.” So since then he has pushed himself to the limit and lost over two stone with regular runs, similar to the one he was spotted doing yesterday in Primrose Hill, near his north London home.

Well, they say no pain, no gain right Ricky? I’ve never seen him looking so trim. However, with all that time spent in LA LA land, he might want to work on his tan a little! Just a thought…

Russell Brand is ‘Symphonized’!

Nick Crew — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 17:32:27 +0000

Being ‘Symphonized’ is the recognition of all recognitions, and if that is true, then Russell Brand has well and truly hit to the big time in Hollywood. The British funnyman has been turned yellow for an appearance in The Simpsons and it looks as if the cartoon’s creators have got the character spot on!

The episode, which aired on America’s screens on yesterday, sees Brand appear along side Hollywood beauty Halle Berry, Curb Your Enthusiasm actor, JB Smoove and fellow Brit, Wallace and Gromit creator Nick Park.

Russell is said to be delighted with being asked to be in The Simpson’s and told The Sun newspaper, “Once you’ve gone yellow, you’ve made it. My ideal show would be where I have a cartoon relapse with Barney and Homer and get smashed out of my mind with them.”… Well, having seen the episode I can tell you it’s not quite along those lines. In fact it’s much more based around ”awards season” so then its no surprise to hear that Ricky Gervais also joins the cast for a second stint in the show. Can’t wait!

Ricky Gervais is Back to His Old Self… Already!

Nick Crew — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 17:46:56 +0000

It seems to have gone rather quiet for Ricky Gervais ever since he was allowed to set the record straight over his Golden Globes furor on Piers Morgan Tonight…luckily for him.

However, it hasn’t taken the British funnyman too long in getting back to doing what he does best…mocking others!

Only this time round the jokes are far less cringe-worthy and more like the ‘vintage Gervais’ we all know and love as Ricky reprises his role of David Brent opposite Steve Carell’s character Michael Scott on the US version of The Office.

The pair shares a brief encounter as Scott enters an elevator as Brent exits. Scott mimics Brent’s English accent saying: “You’re English, correct?” Brent takes offence, replying: “If you are taking the mickey you’ve picked the wrong person.”

Scott replies: “I’m not picking on you, I’m working on an English character called Reginald Poofter.”

The hilarious scene ends with the two characters realizing they share the same sense of humor. Brent pretends to say ‘hello’ to Scott in a bizarre foreign accent, saying: “I’ve got a Chinese fella, not politically correct but ‘Herro? Herro?’ Not that you can do that nowadays.”

It will be interesting to see how the American audience receives Gervais when the final episode hits out screens this week. I eagerly await their reaction!

Oprah Brings Out Piers Morgan’s Soft Side!

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 23:17:03 +0000

America caught its first glimpse of Piers Morgan as a serious journalist with the premiere of his new interview program Piers Morgan Tonight on CNN. Morgan has replaced the legendary Larry King, who hosted his flagship interview show Larry King Live for twenty-five years in what is now Morgan’s time slot.

American audiences mostly know the British personality from television competitions such as America’s Got Talent, on which Morgan is a talent judge, and Donald Trump’s The Celebrity Apprentice, which Morgan won in 2008. On the other side of the pond, however, Morgan is better known for his work in journalism after having worked his way up in the British press to host various news programs including his most recent television show Piers Morgan’s Life Stories on ITV.

It seems fitting that Morgan chose Oprah Winfrey to be his first interview guest to launch his new American show as Winfrey, probably the most famous interviewer in the world, ends her twenty-five year old sydicated talk show and launches her OWN cable television channel. Winfrey has also proven herself to be a big ratings draw as is indicated by the high ratings of Morgan’s first CNN outing with the queen of talk by his side.

Before Piers Morgan Tonight premiered on CNN, Morgan promoted himself as a merciless interviewer who cuts straight to the truth of his subjects, referencing his ability to even make Simon Cowell cry during an interview. However, Morgan did not exactly live up to his self-proclaimed hard-hitting image during his interview with Winfrey. Instead, he exhibited more humility and graciousness during the interview than is prescribed by his reputation. Between the moments of curiosity, determination, and fluffy humor, Morgan appeared to be slightly nervous, insecure, and humbled by the event. Morgan’s apprehensively lighthearted demeanor would be expected from most people conducting such an interview; however, it was a little surprising coming from the snappy Brit who has interviewed hundreds of celebrities over the years.

To his credit, Morgan’s interview with the most successful talk show host in history was ultimately sufficiently insightful. He questioned her about the death of her baby when she was 14 that sparked her thoughts of teen-suicide, her refusal to marry her long-term partner Stedman Graham, and he even had the cheek to ask her how much money she is worth. And yes, he did eventually manage to get Winfrey to become a little teary-eyed during their discussion of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Winfrey’s efforts in making King’s dreams for America come true.

In the end, Morgan simultaneously revealed his respect for Winfrey and his uncertainty about his own interviewing skills with his final question, which was “How have I done?” Winfrey answered with the less than confidence-building response, “surprising.”

Morgan’s upcoming guests include infamous radio talk show host Howard Stern, former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and controversial British comedian Ricky Gervais. Good luck Piers!

Ricky Shows off his ‘Globes’ in Golden Underwear!

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 22:43:32 +0000

Now, after leaving a room full of Hollywood A-listers speechless on Sunday night, you can either go one of two ways… One, you can hide yourself away from the rest of Tinsletown and hope they will all eventually see the funny side, or two, you can pose in a tight gold pair of boxers, on a sunny balcony, and have the picture posted all over Twitter for all to ogle at.

As you can see Ricky Gervais prefers the latter… Clearly, and this is why we forgive him!

The British funnyman was presented with the golden boxers by Ellen DeGeneres on her U.S. chat show last week and was told to wear them for the special occasion.

We’re unsure if the 49 year old actually went through with his challenge, but he certainly showed them off the day after; along with his new trim body. A clever publicity diversion I ever I saw one.

I’m not advising you do this at home, but if you look closely, you can almost see Ricky’s very own Golden (ahem)… Globes!

Ellen then posted the picture on her Twitter page, along with a caption saying: “Please enjoy this photo of Ricky Gervais in my underwear.” We believe you Ellen; those golden undergarments could well be yours!

The Winners (and Losers) of the 2011 Golden Globe Awards!

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 07:43:35 +0000

I thought the 2011 Golden Globes was a roaring success, hosted once again by Ricky Gervais, who kicked off the event with some great commentary on some of the more terrible nominees like The Tourist. However, this year the British funnyman barely managed to walk the fine line between some totally offensive jokes to laughworthy quips.

On top of that we were often left wondering why Gervais would inexplicably disappear for huge chunks of time, unlike in 2010 when his presence seemed to dominate the podium for most of the whole show.

Had Ricky seriously pi**ed somebody off this time around?! I think so…

Even my pal, CNN’s Piers Morgan tweeted curiously:“Gervais not seen for an hour now. #whatthehellhappened.” Followed up by: “Where is Ricky Gervais? Seriously.”

Perhaps it was this comment that might have him in hot water with some of Hollywood’s elite, when he said: “Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor - two heterosexual actors pretending to be gay, so the complete opposite of some famous scientologists then,” Gervais said before adding, “My lawyers helped me with the wording of that joke. They’re not here.”

You could hear the shock reaction pouring from the audience as they gasped at his slanderous humor. Gervais is a very funny guy indeed, but attacking religion or sexuality should never be up for laughs, I personally feel he went a bit too far this time. I had visions of the comedian being reprimanded backstage for his unwarranted remarks, at least that would explain his disappearing act!

After Gervais finally returned to our screens appearing slightly ‘subdued’ Piers continued his tweeting with, “Re Ricky “MIA” Gervais – blimey, hope this isn’t what they do to all Brits on TV in America. #bitesnails.” Well, let’s certainly hope not, eh Piers!

The big winner of the night was The Social Network, picking up four awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay and Best Score.

Glee stole the show on the TV side, taking home Best Television Series – Comedy or Musical, while Jane Lynch and Chris Colfer received best supporting actress and actor wins.

Robert De Niro accepted the Cecil B. DeMille Award for lifetime achievement from Matt Damon for his performances in movies such as Taxi Driver, The Godfather, Part II and Goodfellas. The actor joked that his less noted films such as Frankenstein, Jacknife, and Little Fockers were missing from the presentation reel.

Michael Douglas looked well on the road to recovery and received a standing ovation as he took to the stage to present the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Drama.

Douglas, pictured (right) posing with his gorgeous wife Catherine Zeta Jones, and another happy couple, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, won huge laughs from the audience when he joked about his warm reception, he said: “There’s got to be an easier way to get a standing ovation.

Thank you all very much. I’m really very, very happy to be here tonight.”

Aww, and we were happy to see you there too Michael!

Here’s the complete list of winners…

TELEVISION

Drama Series: Boardwalk Empire

Musical or Comedy Series: Glee

Actor, Drama: Steve Buscemi, Boardwalk Empire

Actress, Drama: Katey Sagal, Sons of Anarchy

Actor, Musical or Comedy: Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory

Actress, Musical or Comedy: Laura Linney, The Big C

Miniseries or Movie: Carlos

Actress, Miniseries or Movie: Claire Danes, Temple Grandin

Actor, Miniseries or Movie: Al Pacino, You Don’t Know Jack

Supporting Actor, TV Series, Miniseries or Movie: Chris Colfer, Glee

Supporting Actress, TV Series, Miniseries or Movie: Jane Lynch, Glee

MOTION PICTURES

Drama: The Social Network

Musical or Comedy: The Kids Are All Right

Director: David Fincher, The Social Network

Actor, Drama: Colin Firth, The King’s Speech

Actress, Drama: Natalie Portman, Black Swan

Actor, Musical or Comedy: Paul Giamatti, Barney’s Version

Actress, Musical or Comedy: Annette Bening, The Kids Are All Right

Supporting Actor: Christian Bale, The Fighter

Supporting Actress: Melissa Leo, The Fighter

Original Score: Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, The Social Network

Original Song: “You Haven’t Seen the Last of Me” (written by Diane Warren), Burlesque

Foreign Language Film: In a Better World Animated Film: Toy Story 3

Screenplay: Aaron Sorkin, The Social Network

MORE: Best & Worst of the Golden Globes Paul Drinkwater/NBC

HONORARY

Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award: Robert De Niro

Ricky Gervais to get Simpson-ized!

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 18:44:13 +0000

Comedic actor Ricky Gervais has agreed to lend his voice to the popular animated series The Simpsons to play a cartoon version of himself in an episode to air in early 2011. The guest star stint will be the comedian’s second on the programme, as he voiced a British office manager on an episode that aired in 2006, which he also helped develop.

Speaking with the website Chortle, Gervais said: “I recorded [the voiceover] last week. Didn’t mention it as I don’t like to show off. You know that. It’s a fun episode.” He added: “It’s weird that I can talk about popping up in The Simpsons so casually.”

Working on The Simpsons appears to have been a lifelong dream-come-true for Gervais, as he said: “When I first got into comedy someone asked what my ultimate ambition was. I said, ‘to get a joke on the The Simpsons.’ I have been a very lucky boy indeed.”

Not only has Ricky been able to “get a joke on The Simpsons,” but will have been featured on the series twice in addition to befriending the show’s creator Matt Groening along the way. Congratulations on achieving your greatest ambition Ricky… twice!