Get To Know Piers Morgan
READ about Piers Morgan's long career in journalism here.
Thank You
![Into the Jungle with Jack Hanna](http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/dam/assets/121126045719-pmt-hanna-cheetah-00012828"-search-tease.jpg)
Ricky Gervais thinks Twitter is "quite equalizing"... but he isn't joining
Following his interview with Piers Morgan (airing tonight), we talked to Ricky Gervais in the green room for a quick Q&A. Although he won't be re-starting his Twitter account, he's a fan of the service. "I love the fact that it's an immediate source of information. On the whole, it's quite a good-spirited thing," he said. "It's quite equalizing." (But "you can't rant in 140-characters" he said, so he's not getting on.)
So what did he think of Piers and the interview?
"Really good, not as scary as anyone thinks," he said of the Piers interview. "He was really sweet and respectful, he'd done his research. I can't believe I'm saying this about him."
The full interview with Ricky Gervais airs tonight on CNN 9pmET/PT, and 2000 HK and 2100 CET.
Latest video
I was upset by Ricky's very last remark; when signing off, he said: "and thanks to God for making me an atheist"... Totally inappropriate.
He's a comedian. Stop taking everything so seriously.
Piers Morgan is a discrace i am embarrased to be English.................................why should the Yanks put up with a social climber of the worst order!! he should realise his position in life and stay there!!
Thank you. Everyone lighten up.
Zadie,
What offended you the most? That your own beliefs are weak? Or that Ricky Gervais profess his own beliefs?
Either way, really think!
Why? Because he's been honest? What's wrong with that? I rather deal with a person who is telling the truth about his/her beliefs than someone who is just telling me what I want to hear. No hypocrisy there!
Favorite part of night was his sign off – HILARIOUS – cause everyone likes to thank god at award shows – very appropriate and funny!
If you were a fan of Rcky Gervais you would know he is an atheist...Get over it..It was briliant
Hey Zadie-
He talks about that remark during the interview tonight.
I find it really stupid that you have to be a politically correct comedian nowadays what happened to the days of Lenny Bruce, George Carllin, Richard Pryor, I think that when you have a job that pays you double digit millions, you live better than anyone else in America and you have umpteen awards to say how good you are at the easiest best paid job in America you can either get a thicker skin or lighten up . Ricky was entertaining and funny. I am gonna quit watching those shows that are put on for free, free food, free clothes, free drinks, free jewels oh poor babies couldn't take a joke. I thought Hanks and Allen appeared uppity I use to like them but they are believing too much of their own hype!
Please stop using America when referring to the United States OF America. There are 31 countries in America and the US or USA, take your choice, is just one of them!
I support you 100%. You wrote it so well. Thank you.
There are 31 or so countries in ' The Americas' But, there is only 1 America and that is the United States of America. So if some choose to call the US America, they are technically correct (though I prefer to say the states or the US). It's like Mexico, The official name is Estados Unidos Mexicanos ( United States of Mexico or The United Mexican States). They call the country Mexico and it's citizens Mexicans. Besided the US is the only country within 'the Americas' with the name America in it. This argument seem to be creeping up pretty often in the past few years, I have know idea why since it pretty self-explanatory.
Cracking up!!! Awesome comment!
BTW, I totally agree with the point of your post. I thought RIcky Gervais was fantastic.
I'm a Brit living in America and I cringed when Ricky made some of his comments at the Golden Globe Awards. Not because of what he said, but because I knew that his words would be blown out of proportion and it would upset many Americans. I have the very same sense of humor as Ricky and I have had to seriously curb my tongue since moving here. However, my friends and colleagues who know me well, and I feel comfortable talking to honestly LOVE my sense of humor.
In my experience, the majority of Americans “get” my humor and reciprocate accordingly. I have a thick skin and I can take it as well as dish it out. It’s not meant to offend and if I do, then for that I’m sorry. I wouldn’t deliberately want to hurt someone, but that’s life. Even Ricky Gervais said that he doesn’t mean to offend people, but what he does is comedy. British people love that kind of comedy. Not only that, his type of humor is what attracted Hollywood to him in the first place. I’ve heard it said that his career is over in the states now. That would be a shame because the US will miss out on a very talented comedian and writer, but it probably won’t be any skin off his nose.
These actors put themselves out there. Then they get upset when their indiscretions are reported all over the media. They want the fame, the adoration and the money but they want their indiscretions brushed under the carpet (wouldn’t we all???) but people like Ricky Gervais are bound to bring them back up with their comedic comments. Once again, that’s life!!! If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.
All of the people I know in the US share Ricky's sense of humor – he is the funniest comedian ever (at least his stand up stuff and live stuff). This is just rhetoric to stir trouble in the media for ratings and/or religious fanatics at work. He is just plain darn hilarious and we all know it – everyone there thought he was funny – Presenters knew who was hosting and knew his style so whether they feigned offense or just tried at a witty retort that failed to bring a laugh also, they weren't really offended. If anyone was offended, they need to quit watching tv altogether. Some of the religious people who were offended by his hilarious and witty last comment are watching shows like Jersey Shore and worse and claiming some kind of superior morality – HA! RICKY IS AWESOME – I hope he hosts every award show forever!!!!!
Piers and Ricky together, GREAT! Thank you Ricky! Piers, LOVE YOUR SHOW!
Definitely, a Class Act, Piers!
Love Ricky Gervais!! He stayed true to his style of comedy and wit. He may have been too much for such a mainstream audience, but producers knew what they were getting...classic Ricky!
I am looking forward to the Gervais interview tonight, since I found him to be so offensive on the Golden Globes show that I had to turn it off after about 40 minutes–I just could not take anymore of his vulgar, insulting, tasteless venom. I have a sense of humor, but I did not find him to be entertaining at all–can't he be funny without spewing personal insults at everyone? It's not a matter of being politically correct, it's a matter of basic decency and civility. I guess I am just old-fashioned, but if that is good humor, I won't be watching any more shows like that.
Basic decency and civility??? Since time began comedians have made fun of current affairs and the audience that is watching them, whether it religion, overweight people, Jews, Blacks, Whites, Hispanics, skinny people, etc, etc. So don't think that this is a new thing. And comedians are supposed to shock, that is how they get most of their laughter. So you tell me of a comedic skit or monologue that you laughed at that wasn't poking fun at some segment of society.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with self-deprecating humor, or humor based on generalities, or segments of society as a whole–I often laugh out loud at that type of humor. But isn't that far different from directing an insult at one person regarding a personal failing or addiction or disease? To insult Robert Downey Jr, over his struggle against addiction would be like making fun of Michael Douglas because of his cancer. I just do not think that is either funny or appropriate.
PLeeeese!! ...and that's, in a nutshell what is so obvious about the lack of sense of humour over here....The British sense of humour is, as Piers says. sarky and honest..get over yourselves!! Those pumped up, over inflated egos at the Globes got a shot of honesty...because ,let's face it..what he said is true as we all know, why sugar coat it!!! As a Canadian and Brit, I loved it , funny, acerbic and above all straight to the point!!!! As to Piers, miles better than the syncophantic and geriatric Larry King.....his Oprah interview,,great! Make these 'celebirtys' think, make them uncomfortable, make them honest!! no more sucking up!! Watching every night now..great television!
You were offended by what he said to Robert Downey Jr? Did you hear Robert's "funny" comedic stuff?? he told each one of his leading ladies, that he would "do them" on the stage right there and then in front of his wife. I thought that was actually quite crass and did NOT see how that was "funny" compared to Ricky Gervais??!!
yes Steve it is good humour, very good humour, and not to be taken seriously. Ricky is brilliant entertainment!
the truth hurts, I support the host of the Golden Globes. They,the actors and actresses, forget the fantasy world only goes so far and then reality sets in. they are not holier than thou!
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Ricky Gervais!!!
He is the main reason I tuned into the Golden Globes. I am so sick of self-absorbed celebrities who get paid ridiculous amounts of money for, a lot of them, BAD movies. When was Angelina Jolie or Brad Pitt's last hit? The only movie I have seen in the last year is "The King's Speech", which was wonderful! (I am not a Brit.) Many celebrities say horrible things about politicians, they can dish it out, but can't take it. They live in such a sheltered world in LA and have no idea what most Americans are going through. I am a Christian, I believe in free speech, so was not offended by what he said at the end. It's his opinion and he's not asking anyone to join him. Anyway, GO RICKY!!! You are much better than them. I would love to see you in more movies, TV, whatever.
Ok, what the heck? Why is America importing these Brits to do what Americans do best? Journalism and comedy and everything else. Please! I'm still mad that Larry King's spot went to this guy. What the heck? Really? Gervais is just not funny and no he does not have to be politically correct or anything; he just has to be funny not insulting. When you make jokes, they can't be at other people's expense. If someone feels that he/she was put down and others are laughing; well that is not a joke. That is bullying or humiliating not funny. So whatever. They both need to leave. I want someone else in LK's spot like Alec Baldwin or Micheal Moore or even Chris Rock or whatever, but just not P. Morgan. Please!
There's nothing more funny than seeing these pathetic people being offended....to be offended it had to have been directed at you but alas nobody here is considered important for the hollywood crowd....i could even bet the majority think and say what ricky said but keep it to themselves..... and for the record he didn't say anyhing that wasn't true... coping a quote from a soap.
"Ah yes, truth. Funny how everyone is always asking for it but when they get it they don't believe it because it's not the truth they want to hear it."
Helena Cassadine
Wasn't supposed to be a reply
I just watched some of the highlights of the Globes and was very entertained. There was NOTHING wrong with what and how he said what he did. I'm not necessary condoning the bashing of people verbally, but a good roast is just that! Does anyone out there remember Don Rickles? My goodness, Ricky is Mother Goose compared with Rickles' style of humor! Our world has gone in the wrong direction. We're so politically correct that we are afraid to say anything – and people can't take ANYTHING lightly – it must all be so SERIOUS. I realize it's a different world from the days of Rickles, but if we lose the ability to laugh at ourselves we will have lost a major part of what makes us human. And, as other commenters have noted, when your are double digit millionaire actors, you are in the spot-light and thus open to ridicule – and yes, a little comic ribbing as well.
All right, I guess I misunderstood–I did not ralize that this was a "roast" type show. I thought it was going to be a dignified award show, in which you would normally have a little class. I guess I would not have been so offended by Gervais's insulting people for their addictions or broken relationships, etc., if I had realized that that was the purpose of the show–my bad.
the globes are supposed to be the fun award show, that is why the "stars" are sitting at tables and the booze is flowing, its not like the oscars where everyone is just sitting in their seats, the globes show the stars mingling raising their glasses to the camera etc... Gervais was getting paid to do a job and he did it well. The producers knew he would be sharp and funny and he was. End of story
Every human being, country and religion, are terrorists! Get over it! Life and People, especially THINKERS, make decision and actions, which may conflict with another. They may or may not, have pulled the trigger: But, they make that decision; at their own life experience.
Just look at the true history of the United States of America, yesterday and today. One may be surprise of the horrific acts ones own country! If one judges another individual, the tables by natures law will be turned on the judge.
Who is Piers Morgan again? All this hype...for what? The man is about as interesting as watching paint dry.
International, Intelligent, Witty and surprisingly talented individuals; can truly put some on the defensive. Which can only complicate their own train of thought. Piers and Ricky, keep up the good work!
Rickey Gervais is totally brilliant: Shock and Laugh Brilliant.
Shock and Awe did not make me laugh.
His remarks the other night were beyond the pale . He should be banned from working over here ever again.
What a baby you are, are you upset because someone made fun of some pampered overpaid prima donnas. Grow up, get a laugh and worry about more important things like, maybe, wars, recessions, unemployment, cancer, something – but really, never be allowed to work in the US again. Maybe write a letter to the INS and suggest that.
Ricky Gervais is a riot. He's hilarious, timely, and the much needed kick in the ass that Hollywood needs. Way to go Ricky... and great show so far, Piers. Congrats!
I thought his comments at the Globes about Robert Downey, Jr. and his troubles with drugs and the law were a bit low because it has been a while since all of that happened and Robert has gotten on with his life and career and he serves as an inspiration to a lot of people. Other than that I thought he was hilarious. And if he wants to be an atheist, that is his choice... it has no effect on my life, so what do I care?
I thought Ricky Gervais was hilarious and entertaining at The Golden Globe Awards. Let's face it, what he said was true. We are all human, including Hollywood. This is no different than when we honor someone in a "Roast" like that of the stars of yesteryear, such as Dean Martin with his drinking habits and Johnny Carson and his numerous wives.
All right, I guess I misunderstood–I did not ralize that this was a "roast" type show. I thought it was going to be a dignified award show, in which you would normally have a little class. I guess I would not have been so offended by Gervais's insulting people for their addictions or broken relationships, etc., if I had realized that that was the purpose of the show–my bad.
Dignified?!?!?!?!? Lmao!!!! What is so dignified about a group of people Togther in what can be called a "vanity"fair??? Alll patting themselves on their backs .... A dignified event can be called the cnn heros event...the rest is just a bunch of b for something that does not improve lives or stop a war or find a cure... Just like their movies, these award shows are done for entertainment values and for them to feel better about themselves as if having millions is not enough!,,,
Ricky WAS GREAT! Stars need to get over it I thought they loved the Sportlight!!!
Ricky I have not been able to find anywhere to write you for fan mail. PLEASE KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK! YOU are great And SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO refreshing!!
Thanks!!!!
I don't like Rick Gervais, he says he dosent care if anyone likes him. I love him lol Paula
I've seen Ricky Gervais many times in the past, but, tonight, I watched him on the Piers Morgan show and I saw him for for the first time. I liked what I saw.
Ask any Brit over 50 what a "Twit" is and you will get an idea of what a Twitter user ("Tweeter"?) is.
Ricky, do not ever apologize to Hollywood for insulting and abusing them. They absolutely deserve it. Let's see, continuously paying an elite group of people millions of $ for turning in Blockbuster-sized loads of crap simply because they are Julia Roberts or whoever-they-are. Are we talking about movie actors or CEOS at AIG and GM and Enron? They're laughing at the poor suckers paying for those movie tickets to waste two hours, why can't we have a laugh at them?
DITTO!
I continue to like Piers, because tonight he has Ricky Gervais and I think Ricky is Absolutely Fabulous! He was fantastic on the Golden Globes and it is a shame that he must now try to justify his comedy....really ridiculous in my opinion.
Rick Gervais is very full of himself and evidently cares only about himself. I think the success of your show will hinge on the quality of the people you interview.
Love Love Ricky, the Golden Globes got it all wrong. You have to remember the audience are most losers. Piers love your show lucks of luck. I hope you don't get homesick, I love London and you have class.
'
I think what Ricky has missed is that every thing that he added about some celebrities' background is NOW old
news,, in the States. YAWNNNNNN! We've heard it all before, read it or whatever from Leno, Letterman, Conan, Chelsea, Jimmy, et al who have worked that stuff over ad nauseum. I think he should have better
researchers, if he had such persons digging up the old crap on the celebs. By the way, he really looks great having lost the chubs. But perhaps he's become a victim of th old "Hollywood Curse", when hubris backfires. See what the curse is about in the fil "Cat's meow". It's as old as Hollywood.
Maybe Ricky, had a health check up and decided to better himself.
I am loving it. I am a very patriotic American, but I think we are over sensitive. That is why the Weakest Link didn't work in the US, we get so offended if someone says something we consider mean spirited. I love Britisih chat shows so I am going to put Piers on my DVR, especially now since Jonathan Ross is off BBCA. Piers seems able to laugh at himself and at the same time bring a level of professionalism we expect.
Thank you, Piers, for probing Ricky re: where he stands spiritually, and sharing your own beliefs. I noticed that was the first time in the interview that he began stammering and lost his confidence. however, you shared your beliefs and thoughts with class. Before tonight I had no opinion of you, but you have now gained my respect.
Antoinette,
Compassion, is the Key! But, if that is how you judge another person; my compassion is for you.
Agree. Well put.
LOVE RICKY GERVAIS!! Get over yourselves! He is hysterically funny and I listen to his podcast daily and he just looks at things in a differnt light but he's an intelligent comedian who is always on the edge. Back to basic's, if you didn't like him, hit the MUTE button. Otherwise let the rest of us enjoy him. Ricky Gervais is the only reason I watched the show.
Just want to comment on the show overall. I like it in general – like it much more than Larry King. However, the one thing that bugs me is that Piers constantly interrupts his guests. They are usually elaborating on their response and Piers will talk over them, asking a totally new question. Please stop it. Its annoying.
I want to know where I can find the audio track theme of Piers Morgan tonight. I absolutely love it and want to listen to the whole piece.
Who is this guy? other than an atheist. Perfer Larry's style.
Bring back Larry!!!!!
Piers is refreshing. I usually flip between Fox and CNN but these past few nights I've stayed with him on CNN. His interviews are insightful, challenging and much more interesting than the bantering on Fox.
Piers, what Ricky probably would've said (given time) regarding your comment on atheists fearing death is the same as most atheists believe and that is, because this is the only life we get, we value it and the lives of others a great deal more than most religious folk. You won't find atheists flying planes into buildings in order to get into paradise. Nor will you see atheists murdering others safe in the knowledge they'll be absolved of that sin if they are contrite and confess. We seek to get as much enjoyment out of this life as possible while making the lives of others more enjoyable. Dying is simply falling asleep and never waking up.
I don't see how what he said is any one else's problem but his...why do you care what he says or believes. How does that affect you directly? That that weaken your belief, then that would be your problem.... For the rest any consequences it would be faced by him not you, therefore i don't see the reason for such a pointless uproar...for me to care about someones elses opinion about something important to me it has to come for someone that i consider important...the rest goes in one ear and out the other...i don't waste my mind with things that are not important.... Nobody is obligated to think,agree,follow,share,like,dislike anythink you consider to be important just to you....at the end it's his problem
He shouldnt have to apologize or feel bad for any of it.... Get a sense of humor whiners.... If you dont like what you heard, then dont follow his career. I swear some peope wont be happy until we dont have any rights or any fun or any thing.
I loved ricky in the gg...the only reason i bothered to watch...i cryed laughing soooo hard... If the stars got offended stop doing idiotic things that make for comedic fodder... As for the rest complaining you can tell that they do not see stand ups too frequently....cause when you see a chris rock, george carlin, Lewis black, joan rivers, bill maher the list can go on and on...they wouldn't have been so pathetically alarmed as they have been.
Ricky Gervais, I love you. This was a great show, and I will watch it again. You're a genius you know. Good job, Piers, except when you didn't let Ricky finish. Then you sounded like wolf blitzer.
Having one Brit interviewing another Brit is exceedingly boring. I hope that CNN will sell this programs franchise to BBC where they expect to hear the queens English. I get CNN International, and in Thailand they show Piers instead of The Situation Room, which is much more informative. He is a poor replacement for Larry, but who wouldn't be. Find an American that speaks our English to do a new program.
Ricky Gervais speaks the Queens English? I've heard it all now hahahahaha funniest comment ever!!
Ricky is a narcisistic tiny child...he'll never grow up. Ban him from anything. What a jerk!!!!!
Best comment made tonight by Piers regarding the Gervais controversial jabs at the stars: if you invite a Hammerhead Shark over for dinner, and it eats your guests, why would you be surprised. Good for Ricky for not backing down on his position, and kudos to Piers for a much better interview tonight...less interruptions and kept the nonsensical questions to a bare minimum.
Piers, what a great week you're having. Love your casual, relaxed and confident interview style. You actually LISTEN to the person and can switch the subject on a dime. One thing that's so great is how you can stop a line of chit chat when you know it's going to go nowhere and BAM! You move it another direction without being rude. You are exciting to watch and I really enjoyed the interview tonight. Every night has been great. Wishing you great success. I'm just a stay at home Mom in Texas, but all this week have put the children to bed early so I can watch your show!!!!!
As a Christian myself, I found Ricky Gervais HILARIOUS and frankly more honest than most believers claim to be. At least the man professes what he believes and doesn't apologize or walk on eggshells... Not everyone is going to share the same beliefs as everyone else... I think its time we all stop with the waterworks and accept that. I am so sick of the small minority of Christians making the majority of the rest of us look like completely intolerant, ignorant jerks. I find Ricky Gervais to be funny, original and very sincere.
Also, Piers Morgan I am sincerely enjoying the show! Honestly; aside from being a bit choppy at times (not flowing like many interviews I've seen) I find that you ask questions I would want to ask if in your shoes. Thank you!
Rubbish, if you were really a Christian you would be as offended as any 'believer' that this fool would say such an irresponsible thing as "Thank God I am an Atheist". And Amy, I will not go on to explain why because quite clearly it is you who is ignorant and shall I add blind and deaf. Go talk to your priest or pastor and try to figure this out on your own. If you liked this comic so much the least reaction you could have possibly had would be sympathy for him that he is lost, instead you cheer for his stupidity. Grow up and stop calling yourself a Christian for God's sake.
Hector, your intolerance reminds me of the Taliban or the Pakistanis that have sentenced a woman to death for being a Christian. You must understand that a majority of people in the world consider Christianity to be blasphemy just as you consider their religions to be false. Not everyone can be RIGHT. So, what's the true belief? No one knows for sure and that's part of the reason Ricky and I are atheists. To us, you're all delusional. Sorry, but that's the way of the world. Deal with it.
Top notch interview. Great television. Surprisingly enjoyable, entertaining, funny, and worth my time. I'll be back for more, despite my general lack of enthusiasm for British Nationals on American Television joining together for a good bashing of Hollywood, and talking in general in that somewhat pompous and irritating accent of you haughty Englishmen, I truly enjoyed this examination of a long overdue Hollywood ribbing.
Have watched all four shows now. Tonight, was probably the first night that Piers let theguest answer the questions. I find that is the only thing wrong with the show. To me, it doesn't matter who the quest is, if they can't answer the questions it doesn't matter. I wish that the show wasn't taped so we could have some current issues. I'll keep watching the show because it's a pleasant change.
Piers Morgan is a great surprise to me as a talk show host! I love the show and format!!! Way to go!
I have loved each one so far!!! Looking forward to more..go Piers!
As far a Ricky Gervais...I have been always on the fence about him, ...and now...Brilliant!!!
Smart, and in this interview just Brilliant! I thought he was honest and carried himself as a true professional!!!
Looking forward to the next Globes with a Brilliant Ricky as a host.
Ricky is terrific!