Ricky Gervais tells Stephen Colbert he dislikes the idea of dying but doesn't 'mind being dead'
After a two-week hiatus, 'The Late Show With Stephen Colbert' returned this week and its June 15 episode showcased an interview with one of the most hilarious and controversial comedians, Ricky Gervais, aka the original Michael Scott aka David Brent. The Emmy award-winning comedian and remembered host of the Golden Globes brought a good amount of laughter to the episode, a breather from the show's usual political interviews. The interview took a spiritual turn with a discussion of God and the lack thereof, what Gervais would do with his physical body after he passes, and a teaser for his show 'After Life'.
Gervais, who stars in Season 2 of 'After Life,' told Colbert that while he can complain about being in quarantine, he wouldn't do that considering there were "nurses doing 14-hour shifts." The comedian explained that he actually prefers the quarantine, saying that he doesn't like to dress up to go places nor does he want people over. Hilariously proclaiming that he was naked from the waist down, Gervais continued to make fun of people who irrationally freaked out when the pandemic first hit. In a few minutes of just pure laughter, Gervais brought up how he wondered what people that were freaking out and buying toiler paper were even thinking.
Have you ever wondered what the comedian would do if Armageddon or the end of civilization ever hit? He just revealed it. Apparently, he would trade-in toiler paper for a bottle of wine. "I'd rather be drunk," said Gervais. From here the conversation delved into the fact that Gervais is an atheist. "If God doesn't want me to find him, I'm not gonna find him," revealed the comedian who joked that the Covid-19 pandemic and resulting quarantine has made him more moral. "I don't have to lie anymore," said Gervais, revealing that he now can say "No, I'm too old to risk it, I'll die" using the virus as an excuse to not go out to events or occasions. His previous excuse used to be, "Oh I can't, I'm giving blood to the orphanage."
Sipping on an evening beer, while already thinking about wine at dinner, Gervais spoke about the upcoming season of 'After Life' where he serves as creator, writer, and director. While most are familiar with the show, Colbert encouraged Gervais to reveal the comedian's insider take on it. Gervais plays the role of Tony, a man whose wife passes away from cancer leaving him "angry, depressed and suicidal." Deciding that he [Tony] was going to live and punish the world, Gervais says Season 1 was about "shock, anger, and denial" while Season 2 will be "negotiating" the fact that if he [Tony] decides to live what is in it for him. "He's gotta find a reason to live," says Gervais of Tony. The character is also an atheist just like Gervais. The comedian explains that spirituality and healing are part of Season 2 while reiterating one of Tony's lines. Tony says he wants to be with his wife, and when questioned how he can think of that since he doesn't believe in an afterlife, Tony replies, "I know she's nowhere, I'd rather be nowhere with her than somewhere without her."
The conversation later got deeper with Gervais revealing what heaven to him would be like, his concept of hell, and what he would do with his physical body once he passes. When asked if there were a paradise, what would it be for him? Gervais replied, "I know what it would be -- me running around' playing with dogs. Me with animals, like a Disney movie," using Snow White as an example. When it came to hell, Gervais said, "There are lots of things that annoy me. There is no limit, is there? I can always add to the horror," showcasing his dark humor.
The comedian further revealed that he has got nothing to fear because he doesn't believe in the afterlife. Revealing that he would give his body to science after he passed so "it does some good," Gervais said, "I don't like the idea of dying, I just don't mind being dead." Needless to say, this was an interesting and hilarious interviews, especially in comparison to the usual politics discussed on the show.
'The Late Show With Stephen Colbert' airs weekdays on CBS.