Ricky Gervais Talks 'The Office,' Replacement, Defends Golden Globe Performance (VIDEO)

Months later, Ricky Gervais still stands behind his high profile insult-fest as the host of the Golden Globes.

Gervais, who tore into Hollywood's biggest stars and rustled some major feathers with his performance, defended his routine once again Tuesday night during an appearance on "Late Show with David Letterman."

Encouraged by Letterman reading -- and praising his jokes -- Gervais said that joking about celebrities was a sacred rite.

"I didn't think I did anything wrong, they were just jokes," he said. "I did nothing wrong and I wouldn't apologize for it... These people are the most privileged, richest people in the world -- if you can't joke about them, what can you make a joke about?"

That said, Gervais also said that he didn't think stars were offended, citing a conversation he had with Johnny Depp.

"I think they were worried to be seen laughing at other people," Gervais said about the celebrities in the crowd. "I think they were laughing, some of them were a little worried, but I don't think people were offended. This is a few people saying oh it was terrible, it was controversial."

As the creator and star of the original British version of "The Office," Gervais serves as an executive producer for the American version. With Steve Carell, who plays the boss role that Gervais had in Britain, leaving the show, Gervais is set to make a season finale guest star appearance. But will it be more than that?

"Why would I get up at six o'clock every morning?" he asked, laughing off the speculation. "I get half their wages anyway!"

Letterman then asked how long he thinks the show will go on.

"I don't know how long a documentary would hang around an office," Gervais joked. But will it be canceled? "I don't think they do that with such a show in America. They've got loads of people to play the boss. There will be more people who play that boss than dogs who played Lassie."

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Comments

[Aitch5]

09:49 AM on 04/15/2011

There is a definite place for satire and parody in our pop culture. The celebs who are the butt of his jokes will be crying all the way to the bank.

[jackdaniel58]

08:00 AM on 04/15/2011

Overrated

[Joseph Schmoe]

07:18 AM on 04/15/2011

If you don't like Gervais, don't watch. It's really that simple.
If you feel the need to defend rich gasbags who don't even know you exist, have at it.
They're delighted to take your money.
Again.

[edejan]

03:16 AM on 04/15/2011

He was the only entertaining person on that show. Ricky is great/

[Guy Incognito]

02:07 AM on 04/15/2011

Tell it like it is, RG!

[Dee Dee Russell]

11:18 PM on 04/14/2011

He is excellent! Top notch satirist.

[slimguru]

11:09 PM on 04/14/2011

Look around: Gwyneth Paltrow on her wonderfulness, Reese W bemoaning her lack of privacy while selling her wedding pix to People, celebs in bikinis, Charlie Sheen -- I'd say Hollywood positively needs Gervais' wicked tongue. He has nothing to apologize for.

[Aitch5]

09:48 AM on 04/15/2011

x2

[thebirdstheword]

06:14 PM on 04/14/2011

while i don't think gervais needs to apologize, i do think rolling stone gave him a pretty good taste of his own medicine in their last issue.

[Darsan54]

05:54 PM on 04/14/2011

Ricky has nothing to apologize for .

[nelly55]

06:04 PM on 04/14/2011

agreed

[pene]

04:55 PM on 04/14/2011

Rickey Gervaise is a very funny guy. Why apologize? He has nothing for which he should apologize. If you want to live the celebrity life, grow a thicker skin.

[jwald1]

03:41 PM on 04/14/2011

I can't remember any other person that ever hosted the golden globes, but i will never forget him. love him!

[RonNYC]

02:16 PM on 04/14/2011

Good for him. He was funny as well.

[John Denton]

12:42 PM on 04/14/2011

Ricky, you're a smart guy but your callous remarks weren't delivered at some alternative London night club. I didn't like Hathaway's stiff decorum display at the Oscars either, but you stank the place up.

The thing about the cozy club of cinema production and beautiful people that you were trying to lance is that there's a pretty cool tradition at the two top film awards of creating humor that laughs with, not at, famous people. There are some times when sincere celebration shouldn't be scoffed at by cynics such as yourself.

I know you're pissed because you're too ugly for anything but small character parts, but we all have our problems; don't take it out on the pretty people.

More Bob Hope, Less Benny Hill, K?

[PrecooledToast]

03:19 PM on 04/14/2011

but it's not a cool tradition. we shouldn't be pandering to those people. many of them think they are more important than they really are and it was refreshing to see someone refrain from praising them for literally nothing.

[Hank007]

07:40 PM on 04/14/2011

1. Those award shows were designed as advertising and marketing vehicles, they aren't actual 'awards'.
2. The producers approved his script in advance, and saw him rehearse every line.

[SaddleBum]

11:22 AM on 04/14/2011

how long are they going to re-hash those harmless remarks at a second-rate awards show?

[MsMassachusetts]

09:53 AM on 04/14/2011

Go Ricky! There is a reason the Globes are televised. To entertain the audience at home. In other words, US. We loved the job Ricky did. I know I laughed often and heartily. The pampered celebs can get their egos stroked anytime they want. WE want to be entertained. Otherwise the ratings will be in the toilet.