1. Ricky Gervais
Acting, yeah? Pretending to be a completely different person. Its not easy. So dont yeah? Lets face it. Ricky Gervais is Ricky Gervais. Im not saying that thats a
bad thing either. For me, Gervais is sort of like Russell Brand in that, even as a cinematic presence its his personality we pay for, not necessarily his ability as an actor. Hes a presence; one which you cant temper or control, youve just got to release it, preferably on camera, stand back and watch it go. If you didnt catch the UK Office on its original UK run, let me tell you, it was quite unlike
anything wed ever seen before comedy wise. And Gervais sat at the core of it all as the co-writer, co-director and lead performer. Later, in his next series Extras (which was again incredibly funny and even tearfully heart-warming in small doses, as is Gervais hallmark) central character Andy Millman wasnt exactly the
furthest you can travel from David Brent. Fast forward a few years into his Hollywood fame, to his turns in The Invention of Lying; Night at the Museum; Ghost Town. Can you spot the difference? No, I cant either Gervais approacheswell, everything, with the same casual, dry, awkward deadpan delivery; from hosting the Golden Globes to performing in a sitcom to protagonist duties in a huge Hollywood vehicle. Thats what we pay for after all. That said, Im wondering whether Gervais will eventually start to struggle. For now, hes probably one of the keepers of modern comedy but there are already those who feel hes worn out his welcome. Where do you stand? So there are ten actors who cant seem to stop playing themselves. Anyone youd like to add to the pile? You know where the comments are.