Renaissance Man: Ricky Gervais

Ghost Town star Ricky Gervais quotes Keats and cracks wise. What's not to love?

Sheila Rock for TIME

Actor, director and funnyman Gervais in London

Before we walk into the galleries of the Getty Museum, Ricky Gervais feels the need to lean against a railing overlooking the hills of Los Angeles and quote Keats' When I Have Fears That I May Cease to Be. At length. "I know what he means now," he says. "You hit an age and you realize, What is your legacy? And you don't want to waste your time on things that you're not proud of." Dude, I'm thinking, let's go make fun of paintings! But I can't stop him. I'm not asking questions, yet he starts telling me about the existential...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!