How a sci-fi icon became Gervais' latest TV starRicky Gervais has already made the hapless Karl Pilkington into an international star. So how did Warwick Davis, already known for his work in "Return of the Jedi," "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" and the "Harry Potter" films, become the star of Gervais' latest series (playing himself, no less)? “I called Warwick up and asked if he would mind being kicked in the face for ‘Extras,’" Gervais told CNN. Not long afterward, Gervais read Davis' biography. "I discovered what an amazing life he’s had and how funny it was, and how Warwick was so funny about it, and Warwick said we should do a show about it. It just suited our sensibilities perfectly." Gervais’ ‘Life’s Too Short’ another peek into showbizLet's set the scene for Sunday's series premiere of "Life's Too Short": Warwick Davis takes us around his office, where we see images of his performance as Wicket the Ewok in "Return of the Jedi," and a poster of his 1988 box office disappointment, "Willow." Stopping at the poster, Davis remarks that most of the massive budget for the Ron Howard film has since been made back...and that's basically the series in a nutshell. Davis, ever the optimist about his career, gives us a glimpse into his life – both as a talent agent for his fellow little people and as a struggling actor himself – one that is not quite as glamorous or promising as he makes it out to be. HFPA: 'Never say never' to another Gervais-hosted GlobesLast year critics said he was too harsh. This year they said he was too soft. But next year he might be just right. It’s too soon to tell, but there’s a chance Ricky Gervais, the Goldilocks of awards show hosts, could return to host his fourth Golden Globe Awards in 2013. The president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, the organization that puts on the Globes, told The Hollywood Reporter, “Never say never.” Ricky Gervais may host the Golden Globes againApparently Ricky Gervais wasn't too offensive at the Golden Globes earlier this year, because the New York Post claims that the hilarious Brit’s been asked back. As the host of this year's Globes ceremony, Gervais let loose on Hollywood with some harsh jokes, but in the end, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association enjoyed the program. The organization said in a statement in January that the "HFPA would never condone some of his personal remarks," although they did add, "We loved the show. It was a lot of fun and obviously has a lot of people talking. When you hire a comedian like Ricky Gervais, one expects in your face, sometimes outrageous material." NBC wants Gervais back for the Golden GlobesBack in January, Ricky Gervais made headlines when he hosted the Golden Globes, and proceeded to take shots at many of the Hollywood stars in attendance, not to mention the awards themselves. Gervais went on record as saying that this second time hosting would be his last, but that doesn't mean he's not wanted by the network that put on the show. Gervais told E! that NBC is interested in having him back for a third time as host, but he said, "I think the Hollywood Foreign Press would need an awful lot of persuading." FULL POST Ricky Gervais: I didn't dis 'The Office' finaleControversial comedian Ricky Gervais has gotten himself into hot water again, this time over comments he made about the cameo-filled season finale of "The Office." In a recent entry on his blog, Gervais—who executive produces the NBC series and wrote and starred in the U.K. edition—gave his take on the final episode, in which he, Jim Carrey, James Spader and even billionaire Warren Buffett all compete for the regional manager job vacated by Michael Scott (Steve Carell). "Watching The Office finale may remind some of the Chris Martin episode of Extras," Gervais said. "If you’re going to jump a shark, jump a big one. I assume most people know I didn't do the U.S. remake for the art. I did my version for the art." |
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