Dear Ricky Gervais,

Dear Ricky Gervais, I don't like those t-shirts. Please stop wearing them. Always, Capra

I watched The Golden Globes last week, and I thought you were really funny. I know you’ve received a lot of criticism about how “mean” and “over the line” you were. But I think that people may just take themselves a bit too seriously. I’ve also watched every single episode of the original British version of The Office. You should know that The Office pretty much confirmed for me that I will never, ever work in one. I understand that there are lots of jobs, professions and careers out there– from Regional Manager of a paper company to hosting a big-time awards show to being in a techno band. So there is a wide range to choose from and I’m open to lots of options!

But I’m really not about finding the right job someday. I’m more about doing things I love. Like Joseph Campell once said, “Follow your bliss.” Your job is to be a comedian, and you do it very well indeed. I understand that you tried your hand at being an 80s pop star once in a band called Seona Dancing, and I was wondering what you think of your flashy videos now? I don’t think I’ll be hurting your feelings if I say that you totally made the right decision to go down the comedy route.

As far as the celebrities who are really, really mad at you right now, don’t worry about it. They will get over it, and so will you. This might be a blessing in disguise and maybe the really talented, smart people will want to get in your camp and throw gigs your way. That would be so nice!

You were saying things at the Golden Globes that were clearly comedic and all in good fun. But the only thing I didn’t think was all that funny was the rehab comment about Robert Downey, Jr. Not because it was mean, but because he’s been sober for a really long time now and it just seemed sort of dated. Actually, the truth is that he is so dreamy. Charlie Sheen, on the other hand, is so not dreamy. He’s still getting in trouble as of, you know, yesterday.

I also think people need to realize that British humor is actually really different than American humor. From what I know, the cornerstone of British humor is about roasting people and tearing one another down. Brits are, by nature, very self-deprecating. On the surface, this sort of humor may seem mean-spirited, but if you dig a little deeper, the real art of this sort of funny is about having the self-confidence and strength to laugh at yourself. It’s about letting go of your ego and allowing humor to rule the moment and be the gateway for saying, “Show business is sort of silly, isn’t it? I have it pretty good, don’t I!”  I’m sure there were some aspiring actors watching the Golden Globes saying to themselves, “I would give anything in the world to have Ricky Gervais make fun of me on the Golden Globes.” It’s all about perspective, I guess.

Americans– especially American celebrities– tend to think a whole lot of themselves and take things very, very personally. But there is a grand tradition of insult humor even in this country. Joan Rivers and Don Rickles come to mind, of course. But even Stephen Colbert and Sarah Silverman have made headlines in the last few years using humor to poke fun at important people. Oh, and then there’s Kathy Griffin.

So I just want to let you know that despite all of this controversy you’ve generated over the last few days, I’m still one of your biggest fans. I would not like it if you made fun of people who didn’t put themselves in the spotlight– like old people, children and emergency workers. That would not be cool. But since you don’t do that, you’re OK with me. I hope you keep creating memorable, funny characters like Andy Millman in Extras. That would be great. Also, I love the bit you did with Elmo. Great job.

But (and this is my friendly jab at you) I don’t like those black t-shirts you wear in interviews sometimes. They make you look like Simon Cowell’s forgotten even more evil twin. (hehe)

Always,

Capra

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