Ricky Gervais vs. Hollywood: His Most F–ked-Up Golden Globes Jokes
During his three-year stint as Golden Globes host from 2010-2012, Ricky Gervais earned a reputation for being politically incorrect and aggressive with his humor. Oh, how he treasured that edgy badge of dishonor: “I guarantee they will not invite me back,” the comedian predicted after his last gig. Now that Gervais returns this Sunday, plenty of people are wagering how he’ll bite the hand that feeds him. But other than an obsession with his penis (and others), his off-color “offensive” humor can now seem rather quaint.
As the 54-year-old British writer-producer told The Hollywood Reporter, “I’ve never understood the controversy around the Golden Globes. That stuff I did, I was shocked that people thought that was shocking. Genuinely. I thought, what have I said wrong? I didn’t say anything outrageous or libelous … it couldn’t have been that bad.” And he’s kinda right. As we prepare for Round Four of Ricky Gervais v. Hollywood, a look back at how he got that reputation for taking on the establishment. And who, ultimately, won.
2010: Ricky v. Hollywood, Round 1
For his intro to the hosting gig, Gervais introduced Bruce Willis as Ashton Kutcher’s dad (that’s when Demi Moore was still married to the young actor), and he made plenty of Mel Gibson jokes — which no one really winced at, since everyone hated the star for his anti-Semitic rants. Gervais was feted for being a breath of fresh air.
On Surgery and His Penis:
“Looking at all the wonderful faces here today reminds me of the great work that’s been done this year — by cosmetic surgeons … I’ve had some work done, too. I’ve had a penis reduction. Just got the one now. And it is very tiny. But then so are my hands, so when I’m holding it it looks pretty big.”
On Angelina Jolie and Adoption:
“Actors aren’t just loved here in Hollywood, they are loved the world over. You could be in the third world and get a glimpse of a Hollywood star and it could make you feel a little bit better. You could be a little Asian child with no possessions and no money. But you could see a picture of Angelina Jolie and you’d think, ‘Mummy!'”
On Colin Farrell Being an Irish Drunk:
“The Golden Globes … doesn’t just celebrate talent, it celebrates difference. It crushes prejudice and stereotype. One stereotype I hate is that all Irishmen are just drunk, sweary hell-raisers. Please welcome Colin Farrell.”
Verdict: Ricky-1, Hollywood-0