Ricky Gervais and the Golden Globes go way back together.
It was in January 2004 that an unknown Gervais and his ground-breaking British comedy series, “The Office,” shocked Hollywood by winning two Golden Globes (one for him, one for the show).
Gervais’ Golden Globes win triggered his extraordinary rise in America — everything from guest shots on “Alias” and “The Simpsons” (he wrote the episode), an HBO series, “Extras,” and selling “The Office” format around the world — including NBC’s Emmy-winning version starring Steve Carell.
Gervais, 48, returns to the Golden Globes next month (Jan. 17 on NBC), this time as host — and as an internationally known personality.
Q: You seem to be embarrassed by your wealth and success. Are you?
A: No. I knew that if I did a successful program like ‘The Office’ it would change my life and the upshot of that would be fame.
I’m very conscious of that; I never wanted to be lumped in with those people who’d do anything to be famous.
There was this thing in England with, ‘Oh, if he doesn’t want the money he should give it back to the BBC.’ That’s not my point.
I was merely saying I’m not proud of being rich, but if I’m gonna be rich or famous, at least I should be proud of how I got rich and famous. I’m not ashamed of it.
If you win the lottery, you’re not ashamed of winning the money — you’re just not proud of winning the lottery.
There’s a subtle distinction between pride and lack of pride.
Q: Are the expectations for you higher now?
A: I don’t feel the pressure in any way other than, Is it the best I can do?
I sort of learned a life lesson from ‘The Office’ . . . I tried harder with ‘The Office’ than anything I’d ever done in my life and I never had such a reward.
It wasn’t the success or even the achievement, per se, but that I was rewarded for trying hard. And that was a revelation at [the age of] 38 — it’s the struggle that counts. Nothing else matters. If you tried your hardest, whatever you made is amazing.
If you do something for yourself, it might not be the biggest thing in your neighborhood, but I’ll tell you, there’s 6 billion people in the world and there’s enough of them to go, ‘I’ve never seen this before, this is my favorite thing.’
Being a global cult is 10 times bigger than being the biggest thing in your country for that Christmas.”
Q: Why host the Golden Globes?
A: I would never do the Oscars or the Emmys. It’s way too much work.
The Globes is a proper industry party with people at tables with drinks, getting drunk.
When the Globes called I said, ‘I’m not doing rehearsals and I’ll write my own stuff.’ I’m gonna turn up and wing it, probably drunk.
I’m doing this for a laugh; I only do things now that could end my career. It’s like an adrenaline sport for me and if I’m being honest, I don’t care what happens.
I just don’t care. If you try your best and have no malice in your heart, you can sleep at night — and I’ll certainly sleep that night because I’ll be so drunk!