I like Ricky Gervais, he’s funnny, and despite a lot of the television series The Office making you laugh and squirm at almost the same moments, it was still one of the most original and comedic programs in a long time. His stand up is also very, very funny, I’m sure any Canadian Comic associated with the MovieBlog would agree!
It’s also refreshing to know that he has morals, and bags of them, or else he just loves talking himself up like so many Bond associated actors. However, he has been quoted in IMDB as saying that he’s not in this business for the money and has turned down around √Ǭ£10 million worth of roles. He said that he was embarrassed by the amount of money that he was offered for a second series of The Office, never mind the money from Hollywood.
Among the roles Gervais has turned down are English butler Higgins in George Clooney’s remake of 80s TV program Magnum PI, a part alongside Al Pacino in The Merchant Of Venice, a role in the upcoming Pirates Of The Caribbean sequel, and a cameo in TV drama 24. Gervais, 43, says, “The money being offered was criminal. But I am not interested in money. I’m interested in doing something I am proud of. Money gives me the creeps. I hate it when people print how much I’m getting paid. It’s not guilt. It’s embarrassing enough being an actor for a living – it’s a worthless, pointless job. But when people know you earn a thousand times what a nurse earns it’s f**king embarrassing. I am not proud of my earnings. I’m proud of my work. I’ve probably turned down √Ǭ£10 million.”
If it’s true, the roles he’s been offered are interesting. Okay, he’s close to the Higgins look and he might carry a part in The Merchant of Venice especially since it is a UK production, and there’s a natural connection in Pirates with his co star from The Office, but 24? Doesn’t this just reek of grabbing someone with some recent headlines and carrying some public recognition, especially since he’s actually well liked and respected, and throwing them at a movie?
Still I am really glad to hear his comments regarding his pay, and despite that I’m stunned to see he turned down so much money! He could have taken it and given it to some nurses. Now, that is a different movie!
