Ricky Gervais Net Worth (Money & Salary)

What is the net worth and salary of Ricky Gervais?

Ricky Gervais, a British-born actor, comedian, writer, and filmmaker, has a net worth of $160 million. His wealth primarily comes from creating the TV series The Office. Initially a British series in 2001, it later had a successful American adaptation, running for nine seasons and earning billions in royalties. Gervais also earns millions from comedy tours and Netflix specials, fetching him up to $20 million per special. His 2023 “Armageddon” special alone made over $30 million.

Syndication Earnings

Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, the co-creators, have earned millions from The Office through producer credits and syndication deals. Gervais holds a 10% stake in the show’s syndication equity, translating to substantial profits.

To date, Gervais has made over $100 million from syndication sales. In 2019, NBC acquired the rights for $500 million, which were previously held by Viacom and Netflix.

Early Life

Ricky Dene Gervais was born on June 25th, 1961, in Reading, England. Raised as the youngest of four siblings, he studied philosophy at University College London, where he met his long-time partner, Jane Fallon.

Early Career

After a brief music career, Gervais transitioned to radio and later TV, initially working on shows like The Sketch Show and The 11 O’Clock Show. He then created The Office, which marked a turning point in his career.

Breakthrough With The Office

In 1999, a short film by Stephen Merchant featuring David Brent caught the attention of the BBC. Gervais and Merchant were commissioned to create a pilot script, leading to the creation of The Office. Initially underwhelming, the show gained popularity through DVD sales, prompting its continuation and eventual success.

Gervais and Merchant were hailed as comedic masterminds with the successful release of the second season in 2003, much to the delight of fans everywhere. Following the triumph of The Office in Britain, the show underwent a remake in the United States, with Gervais and Merchant in producer roles. Moreover, The Office has been adapted for audiences in other nations such as Brazil, Sweden, France, among many others. Gervais later attributed his success in the American entertainment industry in the years that followed to the critical acclaim he received for The Office.

After The Office

After the success of The Office, Ricky Gervais ventured into numerous other TV series. The initial one was Extras, a series that featured renowned celebrities playing exaggerated versions of themselves on fictional film sets. Additionally, Gervais ventured into his own show, The Ricky Gervais Show, in 2010. Ricky Gervais also played a role in the creation of shows like Derek, Life’s Too Short, An Idiot Abroad, and After Life. An Idiot Abroad was a reality series starring Ricky’s former radio producer, Karl Pilkington, also known as the “idiot,” who was reluctant to travel outside of England.

Stand-Up Comedy

Since the 1990s, Ricky Gervais has excelled as a stand-up comedian. His stand-up career flourished following the success of The Office, and he has extensively toured with his act over the years. Netflix has broadcast his comedy specials on multiple occasions.

Film

Throughout his career, Ricky Gervais took on roles in several high-profile films. In 2005, he voiced the character “Bugsy” in the animated film Valiant. One of his most famous roles was in 2006’s Night at the Museum, where he portrayed a museum director. He later reprised the role in the sequels. Over the next few years, Gervais secured roles in movies such as Ghost Town, The Invention of Lying, and Special Correspondents. He also provided his voice in 2022’s Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank.

At present, Ricky holds seven BAFTA Awards, two Emmy Awards, a Screen Actors Guild award, and three Golden Globe Awards – a show he has hosted five times.

Netflix

Reportedly, in 2018, Netflix paid Ricky $20 million for a standup special. Prior to this, Netflix had acquired his special “Humanity,” also for $20 million. Between June 2017 and June 2018, Ricky amassed $25 million from various endeavors, making him one of the five highest-paid comedians globally. He continues to release specials on the platform to date.

Personal Life & Real Estate

Choosing not to marry or have children, Ricky Gervais and his partner, Jane Fallon, have made this decision. While Gervais has been involved in several charitable causes, his support for animal rights stands out prominently. In 2015, reports emergedRicky Gervais, known for his dedication to animal rights, has pledged to leave his entire fortune to charities supporting animal welfare. Opposed to hunting, poaching, and illegal animal trading, he has garnered numerous accolades for his contributions to the cause, including praise from organizations like PETA. Additionally, Gervais, a staunch atheist and advocate for same-sex marriage, is a prominent figure in philanthropy.

In 2006, the couple purchased a London home for approximately $6.5 million, later listing it for sale in 2015 at $11.8 million. Subsequently, in 2016, they moved into a new residence acquired for just under $16 million. They also own a $3.75 million apartment in the Barbizon 63 building in Manhattan.