Funny bones, to me, are more important than funny lines. If a comedian is just not likable and doing the lines, you could read them yourself. Whereas if someone [you like] shambles out, and they tell you what a bad day they've had, they don't have to say anything. I love them. I want to hug them because they've been through something. And it comes back to empathy, always empathy.
Ricky GervaisSuggesting I hate people with religion because I hate religion is like suggesting I hate people with cancer because I hate cancer.
Ricky Gervais[As a kid] I did enjoy making people laugh but I was also attracted to funny people. I'm [still] quite happy to not be the one trying to make other people laugh. I'm happy laughing at someone else. I enjoy laughing and I'll happily be the one just laughing all night if you can make me laugh.
Ricky GervaisI think that's the fundamental thing - you can go anywhere you like as long as you're following a character that the audience likes and understands.
Ricky GervaisSpirituality really lost its way when it became a stick to beat people with: โDo this or youโll burn in hell.
Ricky GervaisI don't think a comedian should even be concerned with being cool or sexy, as soon as you do, you aren't a comedian any more. Looks are still the most important thing for women when it comes to meeting a partner. And that's fair enough, but a sense of humour is really important too. For starters, it's a great indicator of whether you are going to get on. If the first time you go on a date you don't find each other funny, there's a fundamental problem.
Ricky Gervais