Gervais was born and raised in Reading, Berkshire, England. He was half of 1980s New Wave duo Seona Dancing. He is known for television series including "The 11 O'Clock Show", "The Office", "Meet Ricky Gervais", "Extras", "An Idiot Abroad", "Life's Too Short" and "Derek". He wrote a children's book, "Flanimals". He has performed stand-up shows "Animals", "Politics", "Fame" and "Science". He has starred in movies: "Ghost Town", "The Invention of Lying" and "Cemetery Junction". He has won seven BAFTA awards and two Emmy awards.