Ricky Gervais, the sharp-witted British comedian, actor, writer, and filmmaker, has carved out a staggering net worth of $160 million as of 2025. At 63 years old, Gervais is not just a household name in the comedy world but a global entertainment powerhouse, thanks in large part to the lasting legacy of The Office and his wildly successful stand-up specials and Netflix deals. But how did Ricky Gervais build this immense fortune, and what makes him one of the most influential comedic voices today?
How Did Ricky Gervais Make His Fortune From The Office?
The bulk of Gervais’ wealth is undeniably tied to The Office. What began as a low-key British mockumentary series in 2001 has since morphed into a multi-billion dollar franchise. Co-created with Stephen Merchant, the UK version was initially met with lukewarm reception. However, it gained traction through DVD sales and word-of-mouth, prompting a second season. The real windfall, however, came when the American version of The Office took off in 2005, running for nine seasons with 201 episodes.
Gervais reportedly owns at least 10% of the show’s syndication points. This means he pockets 10% of the profits every time the show secures a new deal or syndication rights. When NBCUniversal shelled out $500 million in 2019 to bring The Office to its Peacock streaming service, Gervais’ bank account saw another massive boost. To date, he has made over $100 million before taxes from syndication alone. And with The Office being a constant streaming hit, those checks aren’t stopping anytime soon.
What Are Ricky Gervais’ Other Major Income Streams?
While The Office set the financial stage, Gervais is far from a one-hit wonder. He’s also a sought-after stand-up comedian who commands major paydays for his specials. Netflix paid him a reported $20 million each for his specials Humanity and SuperNature. His latest special, Armageddon, grossed over $30 million globally in 2023, reinforcing his status as one of the highest-paid comedians in the world.
Between June 2017 and June 2018 alone, Gervais raked in $25 million, making him one of the top five highest-paid comedians during that period. His touring schedules remain lucrative, with sold-out arenas and global audiences eager to hear his unapologetically sharp humor.
How Did Ricky Gervais Break Into The Industry?
Gervais’ path to fame wasn’t exactly conventional. Born on June 25, 1961, in Reading, England, he initially aimed for pop stardom in the 1980s but pivoted to radio after the music career fizzled. While working at XFM, he met Stephen Merchant, setting the stage for their future partnership on The Office. Gervais also got his feet wet in television writing for The Sketch Show and later gained notoriety as a controversial host on The 11 O’Clock Show. His early hosting gigs were marked by politically incorrect and often outrageous commentary, laying the groundwork for his now-iconic comedic style.
What Has Ricky Gervais Done Beyond The Office?
Post-The Office, Gervais kept the momentum going with several acclaimed projects. He co-created Extras, a comedy series where celebrities played exaggerated versions of themselves, earning further critical success. His show Derek, a heartfelt dramedy, also resonated with audiences, while An Idiot Abroad, featuring Karl Pilkington, became a cult favorite.
Another major win was After Life, a dark comedy-drama that Gervais wrote, directed, and starred in. Released on Netflix, it garnered both critical acclaim and strong viewership numbers. Gervais’ ability to balance humor with poignant emotional storytelling continues to be a hallmark of his work.
In addition to his TV successes, Gervais has had roles in several films, including Night at the Museum, Ghost Town, and The Invention of Lying. He’s also lent his voice to animated films like Valiant and Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank.
What Does Ricky Gervais’ Personal Life Look Like?
Despite his fame and fortune, Gervais leads a relatively grounded personal life. He has been with his longtime partner, author Jane Fallon, since 1982. The couple has chosen not to marry or have children, a decision Gervais has openly discussed over the years.
A passionate advocate for animal rights, Gervais has pledged to donate his entire fortune to animal welfare charities. His activism has earned him multiple accolades from organizations like PETA, and he’s often vocal on social media about animal protection issues. His commitment extends beyond advocacy—Gervais is known to consistently support campaigns against hunting and animal cruelty.
What Properties Does Ricky Gervais Own?
Gervais has also made smart real estate moves. In 2006, he and Fallon purchased a home in London for about $6.5 million, later listing it for $11.8 million in 2015. By 2016, they had upgraded to a new property worth nearly $16 million. Additionally, Gervais owns a $3.75 million apartment in the Barbizon 63 building in New York City.
What Makes Ricky Gervais Continue to Stand Out?
Gervais isn’t just another celebrity with a fat paycheck. His razor-sharp humor, willingness to challenge social norms, and ability to blend comedy with heartfelt narratives have cemented his status as a modern-day icon. Whether it’s lampooning Hollywood at the Golden Globes or delivering Netflix hits, Ricky Gervais shows no signs of slowing down.
With $160 million in the bank and a legacy that’s still growing, Ricky Gervais is a rare figure who blends critical success with mass appeal—and he’s doing it all on his own terms.
