In a role that saw him nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series at this year's Emmys, Ricky Gervais returns as Derek Noakes - a sincere, sweet natured individual who loves animals and has a heart of gold. To celebrate Series two of Ricky's award-winning comedy drama Derek, which will be available to own on DVD from 17th November 2014, we take a look back at Ricky's many faces on the big screen, telly and as himself…
David Brent - The Office
Ricky gained iconic status playing annoying boss David Brent in the hilarious mockumentary series The Office. Brent is the type of boss who wants to be a friend and mentor to those who work for him, and imagines his workers find him very funny and enjoy his company, while still respecting him and looking up to him as a boss, even a fatherly figure. However, his employees generally find him pretentious, arrogant and mean.
Andy Millman - Extras
Ricky played Andrew 'Andy' Millman, the lead character of Extras whose dream is to become an actor. He left his steady day job at Natwest in Wokingham in order to pursue it, and is endlessly frustrated by the fact that his agent Darren Lamb is incompetent. The only work he can get is as a film extra. In contrast to Gervais' other famed role as David Brent, who, through his desire to be liked by those around him comes off as pathetic, Millman often makes little or no attempt to be liked and Gervais played both of these roles perfectly.
Mr. Taylor - Cemetery Junction
Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant wrote, directed and both starred in this British coming-of-age comedy-drama set in the 1970s. Ricky plays Mr Taylor, Freddie Taylor's bigoted father
Charles - The Simpsons
Ricky contributed to the writing of and guest starred as Charles in The Simpsons episode 'Homer Simpson, This Is Your Wife'. As a big fan of the show he felt it was a dream come true. Gervais' performance was praised by critics, being listed as one of the best guest appearances.
Ricky As Himself
Perhaps the very best faces Ricky has treated us too have occurred out of character…on a plane, in the bath or giving his beloved cat Ollie a cuddle. Both hilarious and terrifying, Ricky's Twitter is just full of these pictures of his fantastic face!
Derek - Derek
Gervais does it again and brilliantly plays 50-year-old Derek Noakes, sweet natured individual who is a care worker in a home for the elderly. He likes watching reality television shows and game shows and is interested in celebrities, fame, YouTube, and above all, talking about animals. He is kind, helpful, and selfless, with good intentions. He is vulnerable because of his childlike naivety and distractions from society. He is ridiculed and ostracised, as well as being marginalised by mainstream society because of his social awkwardness and lack of inhibitions. But through all this, Derek says it is more important to be kind than to be clever or good-looking.
DEREK SERIES TWO AND THE SERIES ONE & TWO BOX SET COME TO DVD ON 17th NOVEMBER
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