Net Worth Ranker
What Is Ricky Gervais’ Net Worth?
As of today, February 28, 2025, Ricky Gervais, the British actor, comedian, writer, and filmmaker, boasts a substantial net worth of $160 million. This financial success is primarily attributed to his role as the creator of the globally acclaimed television series, *The Office*. His net worth is largely composed of earnings from the show’s initial run, syndication deals, comedy tours, and Netflix stand-up specials.
The Office: A Goldmine of Royalties and Syndication Earnings
Ricky Gervais’ financial standing is inextricably linked to the success of *The Office*. The British version, a limited-run series that started in 2001, laid the groundwork for the American adaptation in 2005. The American version extended to 201 episodes across nine seasons. The show has generated billions of dollars in royalties and fees through syndication. Gervais, owning at least 10% of *The Office’s* syndication equity points, earns 10% of all profits generated by the show, translating to tens of millions of dollars with each renewal or sale to a new platform. It is estimated that Gervais has earned over $100 million before taxes through syndication sales to date. In June 2019, NBC, owned by Comcast, acquired the rights to air *The Office* beginning in 2021 for $500 million, marking a significant milestone in the show’s financial legacy. This added significantly to the Ricky Gervais’ net worth. Before that, the show had been featured on platforms like Netflix and Viacom-owned networks, such as Comedy Central.
During the initial run of *The Office*, Gervais and his co-creator, Stephen Merchant, earned significantly through various producer and creator credits. It was the syndication and licensing deals that truly amplified Gervais’ earnings. Ricky Gervais’ net worth was substantially impacted by these deals.
Stand-Up Comedy and Netflix Specials
Apart from *The Office*, Ricky Gervais has carved a niche for himself in stand-up comedy, earning millions through comedy tours and Netflix stand-up specials. Netflix reportedly paid Gervais $20 million for a single stand-up special, with his 2023 “Armageddon” special grossing over $30 million, further boosting his net worth. In 2018, Netflix reportedly paid Ricky another $20 million for a stand-up special. Between June 2017 and June 2018, Ricky earned $25 million from his various endeavors, solidifying his position as one of the five highest-paid comedians globally.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Ricky Dene Gervais was born on June 25, 1961, in Reading, England. His father, a French-Canadian, raised Ricky as the youngest of four siblings. After his secondary education, Gervais pursued philosophy at University College London, where he obtained a degree. While at the University, Gervais met Jane Fallon in 1982, with whom he has been in a relationship since.
Gervais’ journey into the entertainment industry began after a failed attempt to become a pop star, leading him to radio. While serving as the head of speech at XFM, he hired Stephen Merchant as an assistant, which would later culminate in the creation of *The Office*. His early television career involved writing sketches for the British comedy show *The Sketch Show*, and later hosting *The 11 O’Clock Show* as an intentionally offensive and politically incorrect character. He also starred in a comedy show called *Meet Ricky Gervais*, which was not a great success.
The Genesis of The Office
In 1999, Stephen Merchant’s seven-minute short film featuring the character of David Brent, the character later played by Ricky Gervais on *The Office*, laid the foundation for the series. This short film was presented to BBC executives, who commissioned a pilot script from Gervais and Merchant, paving the way for *The Office*. Despite initial lukewarm reception, the show gained traction through word-of-mouth and DVD sales, leading to a second season. In 2003, Gervais and Merchant were celebrated as comedic masterminds following the successful release of the second season. The success of *The Office* in Britain led to the remaking of the show in the United States, with Gervais and Merchant serving as producers, and recreations for other countries like Brazil, Sweden and France.
Post-The Office Ventures
Following *The Office*, Ricky Gervais contributed to numerous TV series. *Extras* featured celebrities portraying comedic versions of themselves on fictional film sets. Gervais also created *The Ricky Gervais Show* in 2010, and co-created shows like *Derek*, *Life’s Too Short*, *An Idiot Abroad*, and *After Life*. *An Idiot Abroad* was a reality series starring Ricky’s former radio producer, Karl Pilkington.
Gervais has been successful as a stand-up comedian since the 1990s, his stand-up career boosted by the success of *The Office*. He has toured extensively and released several comedy specials on Netflix. Ricky Gervais’ net worth benefitted from his tours and Netflix performances.
Film Career
Ricky Gervais has appeared in several notable films. In 2005, he voiced “Bugsy” in *Valiant*. One of his most recognized roles was in *Night at the Museum* (2006), where he played a museum director, a role he reprised in sequels. He also appeared in *Ghost Town*, *The Invention of Lying*, and *Special Correspondents*. In 2022, he lent his voice to *Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank*. He has won seven BAFTA Awards, two Emmy Awards, a Screen Actors Guild award, and three Golden Globe Awards, which he has hosted five times.
Personal Life and Real Estate Investments
Ricky Gervais and his partner, Jane Fallon, have chosen not to marry or have children. Gervais is a supporter of animal rights and has pledged to leave his fortune to animal rights charities. Gervais is opposed to hunting, poaching, and illegal animal trading. He has received awards and recognition from organizations like PETA for his animal welfare efforts. Gervais is an atheist and a supporter of same-sex marriage.
In 2006, Gervais and Fallon purchased a London home for around $6.5 million, listing it for sale in 2015 for $11.8 million. In 2016, they acquired a new home for just under $16 million. Additionally, they own a $3.75 million apartment in the Barbizon 63 building in Manhattan. These real estate investments contribute to Ricky Gervais’ net worth.
