Ricky Gervais in the film, The Invention Of Lying _460
“I’ve always been attracted to humour and funny people in general, and it’s a joy to make people laugh but it’s not as good as laughing yourself.
“I’d rather be the bloke in the room laughing at other people, I don’t need to make people laugh, I surround myself with funny people, I laugh all the time.”
Gervais recently finished work on Cemetery Junction, which he wrote, directed and produced with long-term comedy partner Stephen Merchant and is due out next year.
He also starred in it, but ask him whether he prefers being director, actor or writer and he’s quick to respond.
“The reason I ever started being in stuff or producing it or directing it was to protect the writing.
“I see the writing as the DNA and all the rest is bringing up the kid.”
As for collaborating with Stephen again, it’s a no-brainer.
“As a comedian, the funniest you can be is with people you know and you’ve known for years.”
THE Invention Of Lying is released in cinemas on Friday, October 2
