Ricky Gervais: The Story So Far [ILLUSTRATED] (Hardcover)

~ Michael Heatley (Author)
Key Phrases: entertainments manager, The Office, David Brent, Stephen Merchant (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

It's been an unorthodox road to the top for Gervais, who was brought up the youngest of four brothers in rough public housing in the early 1960s. He studied philosophy at London University and, after graduation, worked for the university as entertainments manager before embarking on several other short-lived jobs that included managing nascent Brit-pop stars Suede. Gervais became a presenter on London alternative radio station XFM in 1996, where he met his writing partner and long-term collaborator, Stephen Merchant. Television rungs on the stepladder to fame included Comedy Lab and an unsuccessful chat show, Meet Ricky Gervais, all in the late 1990s. Then The Office became the talk of the water cooler in offices all over, and Extras followed in 2005, attracting guest stars of the caliber of Ben Stiller, Samuel L. Jackson, Patrick Stewart, and Kate Winslet. This biography is a must read for all fans of the man and his work. Michael Heatley has written numerous books on the rock and pop world with subjects that include Elton John, Guns N' Roses, David Gray, Queen, Justin Timberlake, Eminem, and Robbie Williams.

About the Author

Michael Heatley is the author of the bestselling biography John Peel: A Life in Music, which was described by Sunday Times reviewer Clive Selwood as 'a monumental achievement'. He is also a music journalist and a highly respected music historian.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Michael O'Mara (September 28, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1843172194
• ISBN-13: 978-1843172192
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #769,344 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Ricky Gervais:The Story So Far, June 1, 2007

By	Kristen M. Linn "Ricky Fan" (USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I looooove Ricky Gervais and wanted to know more about him. If this describes you, then I wouldn't get this book. I am none the wiser about him. There isn't anything in this book that you can't find by Google-ing him or Yahoo-ing him online, which it seems that the author did. And the last part of the book is basically a synopsis of the episodes from The Office and Extras.

It is an unauthorized biography... 'nuff said.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars RG: Story so far - big disappointment, November 21, 2007

By	Renton (Houston, TX USA) - See all my reviews

I was very disappointed in this book. It was obvious that it had not been commissioned by the man himself and that the information had been gleaned from information already in the public domain. In fact the odd piece of info is inaccurate. I feel I have wasted my time reading it. Will wait for the autobiography I think.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Story Behind the Master, January 10, 2007

By	Ann Bathgate "Return To Harmony.com" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I was introduced to this comic genius by my husband, a British citizen. He suggested we watch a small BBC mockumentary called simply, The Office, which consisted of a sad little office manager of a depressing paper company somewhere across the pond. I watched it with my eyes covered. It was like watching a car accident, but I was enjoying it. Of course, we Americans know the Brits have a great sense of humor. We steal all their ideas. After several awards and now the American version hit show, The Office, more people are realizing Ricky's talents. Ricky Gervais is the Comic King, in my mind anyway.

Michael Heatley provides a very readable testament to this shy and unaffected actor, director, writer and comedian. We learn of Ricky's simple upbringing and the thread of comedy that has shown itself throughout his family and close knit friends to this day. It is a delight to read of Ricky's musical talents, for it is obvious he actually CAN sing, as heard in his song in "The Office" Series One, Episode 4, and the now infamous and brilliant "Simpsons" episode where his character sings a love song to Marge. Surprisingly, it was curious to see how many projects he did work on before the famous "Office" , since Americans were not familiar with "The 11 O'Clock Show" and "Meet Ricky Gervais...", which gave guests the chance to literally 'meet' Ricky as host, not necessarily promote themselves. Discovering how Ricky and his successful partner, Steve Merchant, met by chance, fate and strange sense of humor was a fun read, for it is obvious that their teamwork is hilarious as well as successful. I continue to have personal 'marathons' of the british "Office" and now enjoy the current work, "Extras", which is really popular in the US now. Posters of that silly face are everywhere. Photos are included in this book, including a lovely pic of his longtime partner, Jane, who must be put up for sainthood.

If you are a fan of Ricky, you'll enjoy this book and his background. I would have enjoyed more of Ricky's personal rantings throughout the bio, but being the shy guy he is, it makes sense for him to enjoy his privacy and doing what he loves best; making us all watch his comedy as we attempt to cover our eyes in dread and horror. It certainly is "The Story So Far..." because I know we'll enjoy many more delights from Ricky's wonderful comedic essence. (Maybe an Office Musical....oooh!)

Love ya babe.