Key Takeaways:
– Ricky Gervais made his mainstream TV debut in 1998 and is known for his role in The Office UK and the sitcom ‘Extras’.
– He has performed five multinational stand-up comedy tours, earning him millions.
– His stand-up show, ‘Humanity’, was bought by Netflix, paying him a hefty $40 million.
– Despite ranking third in The Sun’s list of the highest-paid British comedians, Gervais is deemed the richest British comedian according to Celebrity Net Worth.
– His current estimated net worth sits at a staggering $160 million.
Ricky Gervais: A Promising Start
Comedian Ricky Gervais, renowned for his character, David Brent, in the UK version of The Office, first appeared on mainstream TV in 1998. His sincere and charming performance in the sitcom ‘Extras’ earned him the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor.
Becoming a Stand-up Sensation
Gervais’s career evolved from being a comedian actor to becoming a significant figure in the stand-up comedy circuit. His first notable stand-up show was part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2001. From there, he embarked on five multinational comedy tours, his first being in the UK in 2003.
The Trilogy of Fame
His trilogy of live shows kicked off with a tour called ‘Animals’, followed by ‘Politics’ and ‘Fame’. Though some criticized his controversial Ipswich serial murders joke in the third show, fans remained loyal, some paying up to $130 for tickets on eBay within hours of release. His income from his stand-ups, alongside his earnings from The Office and the show ‘After Life’, contributed significantly to his flourishing wealth.
Gervais’s Ups and Downs with Netflix
Gervais’s stand-up comedy narrative took an exciting turn when Netflix bought his show ‘Humanity’, his first special on the platform. This deal reportedly earned him a whopping $40 million. His subsequent shows, including ‘SuperNature’ and ‘Armageddon’, were also Netflix specials. Despite facing backlash for cracking jokes on sensitive topics, Gervais’s shows were well received and earned him national awards.
Ricky Gervais Breaks Ticket Record
Perhaps his most exceptional career highlight was Gervais’s stand-up show, ‘Armageddon’, at the Hollywood Bowl. Selling out 17,500 seats, this single gig earned him $1,790,206.50, breaking records for the highest-grossing stand-up performance ever.
Is Ricky Gervais the Richest British Comedian?
Despite being listed third in The Sun’s list of highest-earning British comedians, Celebrity Net Worth pegs Gervais’s earnings at least four times more, making him the richest British comedian. Significant income sources include The Office royalties and his various stand-up shows.
Ricky Gervais’ Net Worth
With substantial income from his shows, Gervais’s estimated net worth is around $160 million. He also has an impressive real estate portfolio, owning a swanky London home and apartments in Manhattan and Los Angeles.
Ricky Gervais’ New Stand-Up Tour ‘Mortality’
On October 22, 2024, Gervais kicked off his latest stand-up tour, ‘Mortality’, at the Barbican in York. He has also announced the US and Canada legs of his show, with one performance being at the Los Angeles Hollywood Bowl. Fans continue to anticipate what Gervais will bring next to the comedy world. With his continuously expanding net worth, he unquestionably holds a secure position as one of the richest comedians globally.
