Date: October 28, 2024
Location: London, UK
In a recent post, comedian Ricky Gervais opened up about a pivotal moment in his life nearly three decades ago, when he found himself at a crossroads after being made redundant at the age of 37. Instead of diving into another traditional job, he took a leap of faith, using his severance pay to give himself a six-month window to make it as a comedian. That gamble paid off, as today he stands as one of the most celebrated names in comedy.
Thanks to everyone who complained about this trailer and even signed a petition to get #Armageddon removed from Netflix. You helped it win a Golden Globe & become the most watched special in the world 😂
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) October 27, 2024
Reflecting on his journey, Gervais expressed gratitude for those who ironically criticized his latest special, Armageddon. Released on Netflix, Armageddon faced significant backlash, even inciting a petition to remove it from the platform. But rather than dimming its success, the controversy amplified its reach, propelling it to become the most-watched comedy special on Netflix and ultimately winning a Golden Globe.
Gervais humorously acknowledged his critics, thanking those who “complained about this trailer” and helped amplify his work’s visibility. What began as a moment of doubt and financial uncertainty for the British comedian has evolved into a testament to resilience, passion, and the unpredictable power of public opinion. Gervais, now internationally recognized, continues to impact audiences worldwide, proving that sometimes a gamble on yourself is the best bet of all.
