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Ricky Gervais: I am grounded because I was 40 and already fat when I found fame

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By deepak · August 7, 2026 · 2 min read

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Ricky Gervais believes he has stayed grounded despite his success because he did not become famous until he was 40 and “already fat”.

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The comedian, 65, became well-known when he co-created and starred in sitcom The Office, which premiered in 2001 when he was 40.

The series, which had two series, was broadcast in more than 80 countries and is regarded by many as one of the best TV shows of all time.

Gervais appeared on This Morning on Friday, where co-host Josie Gibson asked him how he stays grounded despite his success and being “absolutely loaded”.

He said: “Am I grounded? I don’t know. I think it’s because I made it when I was 40.

“If you make it when you’re 18, it changes you. I was already fat and I hated the world.

“And you’ve got the same friends and family as well, I don’t think I could be anything other than this.”

The actor was promoting his Netflix adult animated series Alley Cats, which also features the voices of Tom Basden, Diane Morgan and Natalie Cassidy.

Speaking about recording the show, Gervais said: “Usually with animation you’re alone in a booth, this, we were all in the same room at the same time. That’s why it feels like mates talking and swearing.”

Source: Read the original article on www.standard.co.uk