An Epochal Open Letter from Ricky Gervais. To the BBC, my fans, and the entire entertainment community: As I sit down to reflect on the fantastic ride that my career has been, I am overcome with appreciation. There is no better moment than now to convey my genuine gratitude to those who have helped shape my journey and lifted me to new heights.
Thank you to the BBC for taking a chance on me all those years ago. You believed in a relatively unknown comic with an unconventional style of humour. “The Office” was more than just a television series; it served as the framework for everything that came after. Your willingness to embrace innovation, take risks, and believe in creative freedom gave me the confidence to push limits as both a performer and a storyteller.
My fans all over the world, your continuous support has been the most humbling gift of my career. From laughing at David Brent’s clumsiness to crying over “After Life,” you’ve been there for me the entire time. Your letters, tweets, and comments serve as daily reminders of the power of humour and humanity. I am grateful for your trust in me to make you laugh, ponder, and maybe cry.
To the entertainment community—my peers, colleagues, and critics—you have both inspired and pushed me. Laughter, arguments, and even rare controversies have all played an important role in my development, not only as an artist but also as a person. My journey has been one of enormous privilege, but also one of purpose. The opportunity to utilise comedy as a tool for introspection, critique, and connection have kept me going. And, while the praises and plaudits are great, the ultimate satisfaction is knowing that my art speaks to so many.
As I move forward, my commitment remains unchanged: to create meaningful, honest, and, above all, amusing content that speaks to the human condition. I owe this to you all—the BBC, my fans, and the larger creative community. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for making this life possible.
With love and joy.
Ricky Gervais