Back in Time Today
Ricky Gervais is a master of controversy, wit, and unapologetic humor. Whether it’s his fearless roasting at the Golden Globes, his stand-up specials, or his brutal Twitter comebacks, Gervais never holds back. Here are 19 of his best jokes that show why he remains one of the funniest comedians around.
1. On Aging
“I see old people in the gym, trying to get fit. You’re old. Eat what you want. You’ve earned it. Have some cake. What, you’re going to drop dead a week earlier?”
Gervais uses his sharp wit to address the pressures of aging and the societal obsession with fitness. His comedic advice to the elderly to indulge a little more is a reminder to enjoy life. The joke highlights his perspective on how sometimes, life’s simple pleasures, like cake, are more important than conformity.
This humor resonates with people who find humor in the realities of aging, encouraging acceptance and laughter.
2. On Religion
“I love how when people say they’re offended, they act like that means something. Well, I’m offended by some things too, but you know what happens? Nothing.”
This joke captures Gervais’s view on the often exaggerated reactions to offensive remarks, especially in the context of religion. His humorous take suggests that personal offense doesn’t necessarily warrant public outrage or action. By poking fun at the common phrase “I’m offended,” he brings attention to the over-sensitivity prevalent today.
Gervais’s ability to turn controversial topics into comedy showcases his fearlessness in tackling subjects that others might shy away from.
3. On Fame
“Some people think having a lot of Twitter followers makes you important. Hitler had millions. Still a di**.”
With his signature dark humor, Gervais discusses the illusion of social media fame. By comparing Twitter popularity to historical figures, he highlights the absurdity of equating follower counts with significance. This joke cleverly navigates sensitive territory while underscoring the idea that true worth isn’t measured by online metrics.
Gervais’s humor often serves as a reality check, reminding audiences that numbers don’t define character or morality. His comparison might be provocative, but it drives the point home effectively.
4. On Complaints
“Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right.”
This joke succinctly encapsulates Gervais’s philosophy on personal offense and subjective truth. He challenges the notion that being offended confers legitimacy or correctness. Through humor, he questions the automatic credibility often given to those who voice complaints.
Gervais’s straightforward commentary on this topic encourages a more critical view of what constitutes genuine grievance. His ability to distill complex ideas into short, impactful jokes is part of what makes his comedy resonate with audiences worldwide.
5. On Free Speech
“The world’s gone crazy. You can’t say anything anymore without someone taking it the wrong way. People get offended on behalf of other people, who aren’t even offended!”
Gervais’s take on free speech highlights the paradox of modern communication. His joke points to the growing trend of people taking offense on behalf of others, even when those others are indifferent. This commentary on hypersensitivity is both funny and thought-provoking.
His humor encourages reflection on the complexities of communication in today’s society, where the line between free speech and offense is increasingly blurred. Gervais navigates this with comedic precision.
6. On Twitter Culture
“Twitter is like a town square where people are shouting random opinions, and then someone gets offended because they think you were talking about them.”
In this joke, Gervais likens Twitter to a chaotic town square where misunderstandings abound. His humor captures the essence of social media’s often tumultuous nature, where assumptions and misinterpretations run rampant.
The joke reflects on how easy it is to offend or be offended online, sometimes without intent. Gervais’s comedic take serves as a reminder to not take digital interactions too seriously and to navigate the online world with a bit more humor.
7. On Animals
“I prefer animals to people. At least they don’t pretend to be something they’re not.”
Gervais’s preference for animals over people speaks to his appreciation for authenticity, a common theme in his humor. Animals, in their simplicity, become a source of comedic truth for him. This perspective charms audiences who find solace in the sincerity of animals as opposed to human pretensions.
His humor here is warm and relatable, resonating with animal lovers and anyone who appreciates a good-natured jab at human nature. Gervais’s animal appreciation is a humorous yet profound commentary on authenticity.
8. On Cancel Culture
“Being ‘canceled’ is like the equivalent of being hit with a fluffy pillow by someone who doesn’t know how to throw.”
In this quip, Gervais minimizes the impact of cancel culture through humor. By comparing it to a poorly thrown pillow, he downplays the perceived severity of being “canceled.” His approach suggests that while cancel culture might seem daunting, it often lacks real substance.
Gervais’s comedic take on this societal issue encourages audiences to view cancel culture with a critical yet humorous lens. His ability to tackle delicate topics with levity is part of his enduring appeal as a comedian.
9. On Hosting the Golden Globes
“Why do people say, ‘Oh, they’re just jokes’? Yes. That’s why I say them. Because they’re funny. I’m not actually going to kill anyone. It’s satire. Look it up.”
Gervais uses this joke to defend his comedic style, particularly during high-profile gigs like the Golden Globes. His humor underscores the distinction between joke and intent, urging audiences to recognize satire’s role in comedy.
By addressing criticism with humor, he emphasizes that jokes are meant to entertain, not harm. Gervais’s self-awareness and wit shine through, reinforcing his reputation as a fearless comedian unafraid to push boundaries.
10. On Wealth
“Some people say, ‘Why don’t you give your money away?’ I do. But if I tweeted about it, I’d be virtue signaling, wouldn’t I?”
Gervais tackles the topic of wealth and charity with his usual sharpness. His joke highlights the hypocrisy surrounding public declarations of philanthropy, suggesting that genuine acts of giving don’t require social media validation.
By poking fun at virtue signaling, Gervais encourages a more sincere approach to charity. His humor invites audiences to consider the motivations behind charitable acts, subtly calling out those who seek attention rather than making a real difference.
11. On Awards Shows
“I don’t care anymore. I used to. But now, I just say what I want, and if they don’t like it, they can’t take my house.”
Gervais’s joke about awards shows reflects his nonchalant attitude toward the entertainment industry. By expressing indifference, he highlights the freedom that comes with not seeking approval from industry elites.
His humor resonates with those who appreciate authenticity and the courage to speak one’s mind. Gervais’s ability to remain unfazed by potential backlash makes him a refreshing figure in an often image-conscious world. This joke serves as a reminder of the power of self-assurance.
12. On Social Media Warriors
“I said something once. People didn’t like it. But the people who liked it didn’t say anything. So I only heard from the ones who didn’t like it. That’s Twitter.”
In this joke, Gervais points out the imbalance of feedback on social media. His observation that negativity is often louder than positivity resonates with many who navigate online platforms.
Gervais’s humor sheds light on how the vocal minority can skew perceptions. By addressing this phenomenon with comedy, he invites audiences to reflect on their own digital interactions, reminding us that silence doesn’t equate to disapproval.
13. On Comedy Boundaries
“If you don’t like a joke, don’t laugh. It’s that simple. You don’t have to write an essay about why you’re upset.”
Gervais uses humor to simplify the complexity of comedic boundaries. His joke underscores the importance of personal choice in entertainment, encouraging audiences to navigate content with discernment rather than critique.
Through this joke, Gervais advocates for individual responsibility in responding to comedy. His straightforward advice to not engage with content you dislike is a refreshing reminder to take humor lightly, reflecting his profound understanding of comedy’s role in society.
14. On Self-Awareness
“People take themselves too seriously. I don’t. I take my dog seriously. She deserves it.”
Gervais’s humor about self-awareness is both light-hearted and insightful. By juxtaposing human seriousness with a dog’s simplicity, he highlights the absurdity of inflated egos.
His joke serves as a reminder to appreciate the uncomplicated joys in life. Gervais’s affection for his dog adds a personal touch, making the humor relatable for pet lovers. His ability to blend humility with comedy endears him to audiences who value authenticity and light-heartedness.
15. On Politics
“Everyone’s got an opinion. Most of them are wrong.”
In this joke, Gervais addresses the abundance of opinions in politics with his characteristic wit. His humor challenges the idea that every opinion holds equal weight, suggesting that many are misguided or uninformed.
Gervais’s ability to critique political discourse through comedy offers a fresh perspective on a topic often fraught with tension. His light-hearted dismissal of political opinions provokes thought, while his comedic delivery ensures the message is received with a smile.
16. On Dieting
“I love when people say, ‘Oh, you’ve lost weight!’ No. I’ve just learned how to stand at the right angles in photos.”
Gervais’s joke about dieting and photography plays on the illusions created by cleverly angled photos. His humor acknowledges the societal pressures around weight and appearance while offering a comedic escape from them.
His self-deprecating wit makes the joke relatable to anyone who’s tried to look their best in pictures. Gervais’s approach encourages audiences to laugh at the absurdities of image culture, promoting self-acceptance over perfection.
17. On the Afterlife
“I believe in ghosts the same way I believe in God. I don’t.”
Gervais approaches the afterlife with his usual irreverence, equating belief in ghosts with belief in God. His humor challenges conventional views on spirituality and the supernatural, provoking both laughter and reflection.
This joke encapsulates his skepticism and willingness to tackle taboo topics with ease. His comedic style invites audiences to question deeply held beliefs, all while maintaining a playful tone. Gervais’s ability to engage with heavy subjects through humor is a testament to his comedic genius.
18. On Dark Humor
“Comedy is meant to push boundaries. If it doesn’t offend someone, you’re not doing it right.”
Gervais’s humor often ventures into dark territory, and this joke serves as a defense of his comedic philosophy. He argues that true comedy challenges comfort zones and provokes thought.
By embracing the potential for offense, Gervais highlights the transformative power of humor. His belief in comedy as a boundary-pushing art form resonates with fans who appreciate his boldness. Gervais’s fearless approach ensures his comedy remains impactful and relevant.
19. On His Own Legacy
“I don’t want to be remembered for my jokes. I just want to be remembered for how much I annoyed the right people.”
In this joke, Gervais reflects on his legacy with characteristic cheekiness. His desire to be remembered for challenging the status quo rather than for individual jokes encapsulates his comedic ethos.
Gervais’s humor often targets societal norms and expectations, making him a provocateur in the best sense. This joke is a testament to his commitment to authenticity and his willingness to ruffle feathers for a greater purpose. His legacy is one of laughter, challenge, and change.