Trivia

In the early '80s was in a pop group called "Seona Dancing". He was the main singer while Bill McCrae wrote music. They were not successful in the UK; however, they were very popular in the Phillipines.

He grew up in relative poverty but he has always admired his mother for the way in which she did not allow it to get in the way of a happy upbringing. She got herself into debt in order to make sure he had plenty of Christmas presents and it took her the whole of the following year to work her way out of it until Christmas beckoned again.

He has been with long-term partner, producer Jane Fallon, since 1982.

Revealed in an online interview that he does not like using his fame to just make money, including an example when he was offered nearly $4,000,000 for just one day's work on an advert for an unnamed company.

In 2004 Gervais released a children's book called "Flanimals." The sequel, "More Flanimals," was released in 2005.

His favorite film is This Is Spinal Tap (1984).

Has stated in interviews that he turned down several film roles before he accepted his lead role in Ghost Town (2008). These included Mission: Impossible III (2006), The Da Vinci Code (2006), Ocean's Thirteen (2007) and "The Pirates of the Caribbean" trilogy.

Can play the guitar

Friends with George Michael.

Animal rights group PETA Europe have decided to name a bullock (a cow) they rescued in India, in honor of his love of all creatures [June 24, 2009].

Very good friends with American comedian and TV presenter Jon Stewart and British comedian and TV presenter Jonathan Ross.

Is the youngest of four siblings by 11, 13 and 14 years.

(May 10, 2010) Merited a place in Time magazine's - The 100 Most Influential People in the World ("Artists" category) - with an homage contributed by Karl Pilkington.

Worked as a DJ on London's XFM radio station and managed bands before going into TV comedy.

Is an atheist.

Ranked #83 on the 2008 Telegraph's "100 most powerful people in British culture" list.

Favorite all-time comedian is Woody Allen.

Won the 2003 O.K. Comedy Award.

Cites Mike Leigh as a big influence.