He has a degree in Philosophy from the University of London. Gervais burst into mainstream fame with his ground-breaking BBC Two television programme The Office (for which he won 6 BAFTAs and 2 Golden Globes) and the series Extras, both of which he co-wrote and co-directed with friend and collaborator, Stephen Merchant. Besides writing and directing the shows, Gervais also played the lead roles of David Brent in The Office and Andy Millman in Extras. As well as these, he has had three sell-out stand-up tours; Animals, Politics and Fame, is a best-selling author of his series of Flanimals books