>> this is "piers morgan tonight." last time ricky gervais was here, he had just mortally offended pretty much every big star in hollywood at the golden globes last year. by a wonderful coincidence, he's back again, just after offending just about every major star in hollywood at the golden globes. welcome back, ricky, and congratulations on behalf of everybody in britain. >> they took it better this time. >> they did take it better. >> they've had a year to get used to it. the first time they went, why is he saying all these awful things. then the second time, they thought, oh, they're jokes. >> is that better? >> i didn't want them to take it bad, and i don't think i said anything that bad the first time. and they are jokes. i'd rather entertain and people gasp -- i cherish the gasps. they're just as good. >> not everybody seemed to enjoy your jokes as much as others. i mean, sir elton didn't seem massively enthusiastic. >> yeah, yeah, he had a grumpy look on his face. but i don't know. at least he can still, you know, use expressions. most of them are too botoxed up. you don't know if they're smiling or not. but, i made a decision both years to -- you don't pander to the people in the room, there's too many people watching at home. so you want everyone to enjoy it, but it's not a spectator sport, an award show, and i try to make it one. but it was my favorite one. it was my favorite one. i really, really enjoyed it. i thought they were a lot lighter and cooler about -- >> i tweeted on the night, i have a picture of how joyous you would have felt the moment you ferris heard that jodie foster and mel gibson were making a movie called "the beaver." >> too easy, isn't it? >> it's what's called a home run, isn't it? knocking it out of the park. >> i think you are single handedly changing the way all americans feel about award ceremonies. when i first came out here, they were the most sickening, back-slapping events imaginable. four, five hours of people telling each other how wonderful they are. you have bricked that balloon so spectacularly, i don't think anyone of them can go back to that anymore. that's why you're this national treasure. >> well, i think it's fine if they want a mutual back-slapping session, but don't televise it. because there's nothing in it for people at home. i have nothing against those people. i work with a lot of them, i admire a lot of them. and also, it was gentle ribbing. this wasn't me going out there trying to undermine the moral fabric of america. they were gags. and it shows how badly the so-called offended stars took it. johnny depp in the new series, they were cool about it. i think the same as everything, okay? it's always people offended on someone else's behalf. you talk to the person, they go, i was fine about it. >> do you have a moral code yourself? >> of course i do. >> how would you define it? >> well, you can't, because it's not from a set menu, you know? unlike religion, i don't have a set menu. you take instance -- >> how do you test it for yourself? what's your litmus test? >> well, you can't. i have to sleep at night. that's the only way i can do it. and this is the thing about offense, okay, it's not right or wrong, it's about feelings. and feelings are personal. so i'll give you an example. i did a stand-up tour here and i make jokes, ironically, if i come down on the wrong side about third world famine, cancer, the holocaust, aids. these are subjects, and this is the problem with the interview, some people, when they hear any taboo subject, they mistake the target of a joke with the subject of a joke. and they don't have to be the same. you can make a joke about race without being racist. and the reason i don't like actual racist jokes is not because they're offensive, because they're not funny, because they're based on a falsehood. so there has to be truth and honesty in comedy. and people think, oh, he's talking about a subject, it's terrible. and i did this gig with all those subjects, and i got a letter from someone saying, i enjoyed the gig, i enjoyed it, we were laughing all the way through, except we didn't appreciate the jokes about the holocaust. so they knew the jokes were a joke, they knew jokes about cancer were jokes, but that was too much for them. that's the problem with personal feelings. >> but are there some things -- >> you can't be objective. >> but some people would say that things like the holocaust should never be the subject of humor. >> it depends what the joke is. it's as simple as that. you can tell a right-on joke about the holocaust like you can tell a right-on joke about anything. it depends -- it comes from a good or a bad place. and you have to know what you're doing. and i like walking that tightrope and i like the gasps coming first and then people realizing that it's okay. no bad, no bad at all can come from discussing taboo subjects. it's where it comes from and how it's discussed and, you know, and i think that i've always done a -- and things like i'm in "the office," it was clear, because it was a character. when david brent went over, and the only black guy, and said, i love sidney portier, people knew he was uncomfortable with difference as opposed to being racist. when garif was talking about the woman in the wheelchair, talking about there should be tests, they know that we're laughing at his attitudes. but when it's under your own name, they get confused. do they think, does he mean that? clever people know. they know there's irony. they know where the satire is. and you can't legislate against stupidity. the more you dumb it down, you lose the satire. >> i get it. >> so i don't apologize for people not getting it. if anyone gets it, it's gettable. and there's always -- as i said, there's always going to be someone that's offended by what you say. many people are offended because you exist, particularly you. again, i've read the forums. but what we meant to do. >> for a very long time, you would never have imagined being in hollywood. and now you are a bona fide superstar who comes to hollywood, does movies, and so on and so on. what is the reality of hollywood excess? >> well, i don't know about that. you know, i'm in my pajamas by 6:00 after i've worked out. and -- >> how does it come to this? >> i like a glass of wine. but i don't really mix in those circles. the people i know in hollywood are usually sort of writers and directors and show runners and producers. you know, i'm not -- i came to this business when i was nearly 40, you know? i'm 50 now. i'm -- >> is that the trick? is it to not be famous too early? >> well, i think so. and that wasn't intentional. either way, i didn't hold back saying, hold it, i'm going to be famous when i'm 38. hold on. and i was never trying to be famous. and i feared it. >> is it a lot easier, is my point, to be older and become famous? >> i think so, yeah. because i think it was oprah who said, if you don't know who you are by the time you become famous, it will define you. and i think, you know, these things, these things don't -- i mean, i'm in it for the work. i love the work. you know, everyone knows that we get paid very well. you know, nice reviews are good. awards are great. but it's the work. it's the i can't believe my luck, i get up in in the morning, i have an idea, and i can start writing that idea and it will get made, at moment. >> what i can't believe is the way you look, because we all fell in love back in britain with fat, chubby ricky. >> i wasn't that fat. >> you were pretty fat. and you drank a lot of beer. >> you didn't tell me then, huh. people come up and say, you look fantastic. you just meant i looked terrible before. you should have it then, i would have worked out faster. i keep throwing these trousers away. >> you were the beer and fish eating bigger guy. >> i still do that. >> how much weight have you lost? >> not much at all. i think about 25 pounds. >> that's quite a lot. >> i've done it by working out. i still eat too much, i still drink too much, but the next day i punish myself in the gym. i work out like rocky, and i feel great. >> even your teeth look gleaming. >> i haven't had them done. >> anything to them? a little bit of hollywood smiling -- >> i got things in the luxury lounge once, those -- i thought they made me gag. >> what made you -- >> but i brush them. suddenly i'm fat and disgusting who didn't clean my teeth. i had a few pounds, yeah. and the beard helps. i wear black. >> what made you go on this vanity kick? >> it wasn't a vanity kick. it was a health kick. the truth was, it was christmas, i was 48, a couple of christmases ago, and i had eleven sausages, and i sat there feeling ill. the number of times i said, jane, i'm having a heart attack. i'm having a heart attack. and i thought, you know what, life is good, and i don't want to blow it. i don't want to go, hold on, just -- >> by the way, it wasn't just me, because this dashing feature in "men's health" magazine, the feature we never thought we'd see of you, this immaculate kickboxing gervais, "how ricky gervais lost it," he went from chubby loser to comedic. his next act, losing the gut and gaining respect. >> that's good, isn't it? i'm glad i lived this long to get to comedic otour. >> where would you be without that? >> it would be the death of a fat, chubby loser who never cleans his teeth and stinks. ricky gervais died today at the age of 48 through sausages. death by sausage. that's a prison term. what, cut that. >> do you get more groupies now? >> i don't -- never got groupies. >> really? >> no, i've been with my girlfriend for 30 years. >> that doesn't stop groupies. >> the one who i say, i'm having a heart attack, jane. >> does she prefer you as a svelte comedic otour or a chubby loser. >> i think she loved me for both. when she met me, i wasn't a chubby loser. i was about ten stones. and i also used to do judo, karate, every day, and then i hit 30 and got a job and went to the bar afterwards. i got heavier and heavier. i'd say through my 30s and 40s, until you go, when did that happen? because i used to -- you think, that'll never happen to me -- >> it's absolutely true. >> and it does. it's so easy. but it's easy to lose it as well. i found it remarkably -- i haven't gave anything up. i can't diet. i can't give up my cheese and wine. but i can, luckily, because i'm self-employed, and i've got my own gym, i've got no excuse. i've got no excuse. i hear you've got a trainer as well. your producers tell me. >> yeah, yeah. he doesn't let me advertise it yet, because he doesn't think i'm good for his brand. let's take a break and come back and talk about twitter. because you love twitter as much as i do. >> yeah. >> and like your work. >> thank you. this is delicious okay... is this where we're at now? 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[ male announcer ] you do, business pro. you do. go national. go like a pro. the funniest show in the history of television. i love this show. >> i wouldn't call it the funniest show in the history of television. >> this show was hilarious. >> don't talk about the funniest show. history of television? >> "seinfeld" was a lovely show. >> it was good. >> i will treasure this, ricky. >> i've got the laugh track it on it too. we didn't do one. >> ricky gervais on the hit hbo show "curb your enthusiasm." a classic, classic -- >> i love my career. i've been very lucky with the things i've been asked to do from "the simpsons" -- but that was an absolute joy. and it made me realize why people come and do extras and life's too short with me. because when you apply a twisted version of yourself, you suddenly find out that the worse you make yourself, people go, well, he can't be that bad. so you really go for it. to make it obvious. >> let's talk about twitter. because you came late to the game. later than me. but you've become equally obsessive. you love twitter. why do you like it so much? >> i like it for lots of reasons, because it's the whole of humanity in your pocket. there's the best and worst of the world on twitter. there are some brilliant people out there and there are some people that shouldn't be allowed sharp objects, okay? and i treasure them both. >> talking of sharp objects, you tweeted this picture of yourself to say, on my what to piers morgan at cnn, i think i'll fit in well. what were you getting at? >> as a comedian -- >> what were you getting out? you'd fit in well lacking like that? >> i thought i looked intellectual there, and cnn is obviously the home of intellectuals. so i was hoping that i'd have a go. but, yeah -- >> you get really intense on twitter. you get into proper battles with people. >> yeah. >> why do you take it so personal? >> but at home i'm smiling. when someone's arguing with me, 5,000 years old, yes, i'm smiling. of course i'm smiling. the fundamentalist view of the creation of the earth is rather like an episode of "the flintstones." so i have to laugh at those sort of things. >> how does your atheism, which you're passionate about, how does that play with your american audience, given that so many people in america are god-fearing people and probably take exception to it. >> well, but they shouldn't. we talked about this last time. why should they take offense that i don't believe in their god or any other god? and i say to them, you know, tell me the reasons why you don't believe in all the other god's? and that's the reason i don't believe in yours. and i've got nothing against people believing in god. in fact, if it, you know, did make you a kinder person, if you do good things in his name, then, great. but there's the rub. it's when i see some of these religious fundamentalists saying that they've told their 5-year-old children that if they turn out gay, they will burn in hell. that to me is child abuse. that's nothing to do with religion or spirituality. that's child abuse. so that's why i'm passionate when it comes to that. >> what do you think of the republican nomination race, given that some of the candidates clearly position themselves quite deliberately to say, anti-gay marriage, all that kind of thing, based on their religious beliefs? >> well, we're back to offense, aren't they? just because they're offended by someone being gay, doesn't mean they're right. it's this strange thing, that being gay is a choice. being gay isn't a choice. i want to go, you try it, then. if it's a choice, have a go. see how much you like it. >> someone who's come to america and been the personification of the classic old america dream of, you know, they take anybody from anywhere, and anyone can make it big here. they don't really care what else -- >> i came fat with terrible teeth -- >> you were the chubby loser. and now look at you. >> your huddled masses. look at him. he's huddled. but america is fantastic. it is the land of opportunity. and there's, you know, bits of both cultures that i love and hate and the wonderful thing about being between england and america, they are both the land of freedom. and criticize them all you want, but know that you're in a place that allows you to criticize it. and that's lucky. you know? and that's great. and that should be cherished. and freedom of speech for me is one of the most important things that, you know, discovered. and i would fight for the right of it. and even though i don't believe in god and i don't believe, you know, unlike most religions, i treat all religions the same. i think they're all wrong -- not morally wrong, but i don't think there is a god. but if someone said, we're banning religion, i'd march to not have it banned. because it's your right to believe what you want. and it's your right to be wrong. and i'll fight for that right. >> let's take another break and come back, and i want to play you what steve carell said about you. >> can i have it cut? can i have it censored if i don't like it? i'm that powerful. >> he had strong views. 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[ male announcer ] progresso. 40 soups 100 calories or less. i'm piers morgan, and do be fooled by my british accent, because it's all i've got. tonight, we examine the controversy surrounding this year's super bowl halftime show. joining me first is the woman at the center of that controversy, m.i.a. >> bam, bam! >> that was my eagerly awaited debut on "saturday night live." ricky, i don't know about you, but i thought that accent was shocking. >> i'm glad he said what he was doing. that was the test, isn't it? >> everyone says to me, well done, mate, badge of honor that you've been humiliated on america's number one comedy show. >> it's very flattering, and i think you're probably fine, because we're british, we might see the differences, but to america, that probably does sound pretty spot-on. >> yeah, going, wit, wit, wit, wit. >> just do that now. >> we don't do that. do i do that? >> i don't think so. at least, you know, at least he took the mickey out of things that aren't that bad. >> should we play what steve carell said about you? >> yes, please. >> i enjoy the idea that you're slightly uncomfortable. >> he's a lovely man. he wouldn't say anything bad about me. >> could you do what ricky does? >> oh, not in a million years. >> why? >> i think i would just get too skittish. >> but you could play a ricky gervais character. >> perhaps. but to actually go in front of people -- >> and offend them to their faces. >> i don't think that i necessarily -- the it doesn't mean i'm a better person, it just means i don't have that kind of guts. it's funny, he always makes fun of me. always. and he's also, in a personal way, very sweet to me. before one of these award shows, he pulled me aside and he said, hey, i've got a few things i wanted to go after with you, is that okay? and i'm like, of course. so there is a gentler side to him that people don't necessarily see. >> you're all heart, aren't you? >> he's such a lovely man, though. >> but he thinks you're sweet because you go up to him and say, i'm going to call you a [ bleep ] in a minute, just to warn them. >> but if i had access to them, i'd warn everyone. i've got nothing against people. >> do you like steve carell? >> he's great. he's fantastic. he's not only brilliant, but he's one of the loveliest people in hollywood, nice, honest, hardest working guy. i mean, i don't know how he does it. yeah, i've got nothing but -- >> as you said, he's got -- it's a great interview. i'm going to run it very soon, but he's got one of those heads that's just funny. >> he's good. because you know why? he's nearly handsome. he's got that -- he's got -- he's like bob hope. if you look at him, he's chiseled, he's great, but he's got something -- he's got beady eyes. he's good. i like him. and that was a compliment, by the way. he's very handsome. i mean, he's comedically handsome. he's not imposing. he's not bland. why are we going on about how good looking steve carell is? what am i? chopped liver? >> let's talk about love. >> go on. >> how many times have you been properly in love in your life? >> what, with romantic love? >> well, with i'm assuming women. >> yes. i meant as opposed to family and kittens. >> yeah, proper, romantic love. >> i'd say this one. >> once? >> once, yeah. >> you've been with the same woman 30 years. she's a lovely, smart, attractive -- >> there we go. >> long-suffering woman. >> yeah, yeah. >> why haven't you married her yet? >> well, we are, really. we are. >> and yet you're not. >> well, i mean, we've, you know, we share everything. >> do you think you ever will? >> um, never say never. there's no reason we're not getting married other than there's no point at the moment. there might be at one day. but i'm not digging my heels in and saying, we're never going to get married. but there's no point, really. we don't want our families to meet. that's the thing. >> how do you show your romantic side? >> i don't know. should it be -- is there a definition? i think i am romantic. i think i'm very romantic. the fact that we've been together for 30 years. we're soul mates. no one knows as much about me, no one loves me as much. and that's mutual. i don't think you can get more romantic than that. and i think buying someone a card once a year is irrelevant. it doesn't do it for me. that's not romance. that's a tick on a calendar. it's nothing, you know? we like each other's company. we don't like anyone better. >> you've had this amazing career path, amazing in many ways. if i was to have the power to re-live for you one moment -- this is not personal, it would be professional, really. a moment in your life, what would it be? >> there's just loads of things whizzing through my head, but they're all from childhood. >> like what? >> i just remembered one, my brothers and sisters are a lot older than me, the next one's 11 years old, then 13, then 15. i was 12, eating my corn flakes, and i said to my mum, why are all my brothers and sisters so much older than me, and she said, because you're a mistake. and i just laughed. i love honesty. there's little things like that, that i just sometimes -- >> little magical moments. >> it's so sweet. i remember when i went to do -- i went to -- i was good academically in school, at sciences. and i went to college to do biology, and after a couple of weeks, i changed to philosophy. and i came back at christmas, and my mum had gotten me a book on biology, it was so sweet. and i said, mum, i'm not doing biology anymore, i'm doing philosophy. and she went, what good is that? and i said, it doesn't matter because i'm going to be a pop star. and she went, pop star is another word for junkie. i and told her what the advance was, and she said, mick jagger bought his mom a house in wales. >> ricky, it's been a pleasure as always. you fly the flag brilliantly for my little country. and it's a great joy to watch you in action. >> thank you. cheers, man. thanks, mate. >> ricky gervais. there's only one ricky gervais. >> thank god. >> thank god. [ female announcer ] if whole grain isn't the first ingredient in your breakfast cereal, what is? now, in every box of general mills big g cereal, there's more whole grain than any other ingredient. that's why it's listed first. get more whole grain than any other ingredient... just look for the white check. hollywood doesn't exactly celebrate the people behind the scenes very often, with the possible exception of my guest tonight, "new york times's" david steinberg, a comic institution. some of your favorite actors in "friends," "seinfeld," "curb your enthusiasm," and he's brought a friend with him, who's apparently in comedy in some vague way. steve, isn't it? >> steve. >> david, let's focus primarily on you here. i think we've all agreed, you are a comic institution. as "the new york times" said. so tell me about being a comic institution. >> well, i should be in an institution. i don't know if i am an institution. >> you were how many times on johnny carson? >> about 140 times. >> that has to be a record, doesn't it? >> bob hope was the most, and i was the second most. you know, he could call me in on the last minute. people used to drop out of "the tonight show". and i always find it amazing that someone had something more important to do on "the tonight show." >> and the great thing was, you never did. so you were always available. >> i was there all the time and the other go-to person was bob newhart. he could come in the last minute and talk to johnny and it would be fine. so one day i said to bob, i said, i'm flattered that we got to do this so much. and he said, i talked to johnny about him, and johnny said, he loved it because we bombed all the time. >> making him look good. of course. that's why i invited you both today, obviously. >> hey! i'm done. >> let's get serious. you guys have collaborated on this new documentary series for showtime about comedians. why did you do this? you're executive producer and you both appear in it. what was the idea? >> well, my partners at carousel had this idea to sort of trace comedy in terms of generations and how it cross-pollinates and sort of look to people's inspirations. but it was too big an idea for a movie. so we very rapidly realized that this had to be a series. >> we actually shot it, we shot a lot of it as a movie. >> and you've got incredible names. it's like a role call of superstar comedians, isn't it? so is this like a definitive history of comedy? how are you billing it? >> well, i don't know if it's a definitive history of comedy, but it is -- >> of what makes people love? >> it's unique in the way in which the comedians talk about what they do. it's just -- something about it is just totally unique. there is no audience, there is no pressure. they're not on, but they're funny. >> let's take a little watch. let's watch a clip here. >> i have 28, on tape, different stories. >> that happened between you and him. >> that never happened. >> that never happened. >> i remember my mom, you know, she literally -- she would try to make me feel good about my size, but she would always do shtick. she'd say, he's a large boy, but he's also heart. but when he came out of me! >> weather-wise, such a cuckoo day! >> amazing. >> it's a brilliant lineup. immediately, i'm laughing. this is obviously going to be a huge success, this thing. but what is the definition of comedy? is there one? when you all get together. >> it's so subjective. you know, what's funny to one person is not at all to someone else. i sort of refrain from saying that something is funny or not funny, because just because i don't find it funny doesn't mean a multitude of people don't find it -- >> are you a funny person by nature? >> as evidenced by this interview, no, clearly not. i don't light up a room. i'm not the type of person who can hold court. and i was never a stand-up, with so i'm not proficient at that at all. but i enjoy comedy. i enjoy laughing. >> i want to play something to embarrass you now. i interviewed lisa kudrow and i put a question to her. and i hope this will embarrass you. let's watch this. this is her answer. >> oh, god. >> name one person who you think everybody finds funny. >> steve carell. >> that's true. >> okay. >> i've never heard anyone who doesn't find steve carell funny, right? >> that's right. >> that's true. >> see, i challenged her thinking there wasn't an answer, and she came up with two, she said tina fey as well. >> no. it's mostly me. >> i don't think she is that funny. >> no. >> it's all about you, isn't it? >> tina fey, oh, good book. yes, she can write a book, yes, she can executive produce her own show, but not so good. that's really, really kind. again, i think it's a matter of personal taste. our own influences growing up, i had people from like peter sellers to steve martin from jack lemon. it was sort of all over the map. >> but being a comedian wasn't your great burning ambition. you were going to be a lawyer or -- there were all sorts of career paths lined up. what was the moment for you when the lights lined up and you said, i'm going to be a comedian. to me, it always seemed this horrible, soulless profession. having to make people laugh must be the hardest thing in the world. >> it was when i started getting paid to do it. because i thought, if i can make money as an actor, if i can make a living as an actor, that was my goal. but the fact that i just over time realized that i was making more money being a comedic actor than a dramatic actor. so that's what it was for me. >> do you feel a pressure to always be on? we were talking about this a little earlier. i mean, when you go out and people meet you, when they meet me, they just say, hey, what was steve carell like? when they meet you, there must be this horrible pressure for you to be constantly hilarious? >> no, i constantly set the bar really low. seriously. like going on a talk show, i see some comedic actors, comedians going on and just swinging for the fences in terms of their bits and what they're doing. and i early on decided i'm going to be congenial, but i'm not going to try to do anymore than that. and if it's funny, you know. >> take a little break. when we come back, we'll talk about the presidential race. because i'm imagining from a comedic point of view, instantly you'll laugh. but do you really? 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(announcer) starts working on contact and at the nerve level. to block pain for hours. new capzasin, takes the pain out of arthritis. from work. you know, at the christmas party. >> please stop. >> the last person in the world that i'd want to hurt is you. >> if you keep talking, i'm going to get out of the car. >> but i think when i did it, it just shows how broken we are. >> okay. >> oh, my god! cal! >> that was in "crazy, stupid, love." one of the favorite comedy movies for me. steve carell back with me now along with comedy legend, david steinberg. who wrote this? you must love this. let's talk about the comedic value of the presidential race and the republican race in particular. there have been some fantastically funny moments in this. do you thank god every day that these things happen? >> yes, this is a gift from god to comedians, the likes of which we have never seen before. it's like, you couldn't -- it's a ship of fools that is -- it's just unbelievable. you know, i used to have a theory that i took almost through all of the presidencies. and it was that you're either -- it's like the three stooges. you're either a mo, who's in charge or a larry who wants to be a mo, or you're curly, who is nuts and totally just off the page. this is all curlys. >> it's a little bit like that. >> there's no mo and larry here. >> almost everybody has huge comic potential. >> actually, i was just thinking of your analogy, and ron paul is sort of a shemp. >> no question. >> i mean, physically, at least. >> yes, yes. the hair. >> it's funny, when we were on "the daily show," when i was on "the daily show" with my wife, it was the same way. we were so thankful when anything that we perceived of as ridiculous would happen. >> because rather than most people who want to just have information, you must be just be itching for something to happen. >> there were researchers on "the daily show" that that's all they would do, is watch for those little tidbits and they'd cut them and they'd throw them in there. and, you know, the writers were fantastic. >> but when you watched these debates, where they'd go at each other, i think the philosophy that you get from them is that character is overrated. they don't care about character in any way, shape, or form. is it's gone. i think it's been overrated through the years. you know, not the best -- some of the best presidents, their character wasn't great, so the republicans are sort of in the sweet spot of having no character. >> character some matters when someone else is lacking in character. >> yeah. >> yes. they can be devoid of character and you can go after them for that. people will hide your own lack of character, correct? >> exactly. >> you've made this great series about comedy. if i could trap you both on a desert island, separately, and you could have one comedian with you to make you laugh for the rest of your days, who would you take? >> i would take alan arken. >> why? >> because he makes -- one to one, he makes me laugh more than anyone i've ever met. >> really? >> he's so dry and so acerbic, he just -- i love being around the man. >> who would you take? >> i'd probably take groucho. i might take marty short. again, nonstop, funny, all time. but groucho was so acerbic and he was fun. >> you came to this late in terms of acclaim and everything else. if you're honest, did you prefer life before when you were more anonymous or have you actually embraced the whole fame thing with great enthusiasm? >> it's much, much better to be rich and famous. there's no -- >> i love that honesty. >> i mean, what do you say? i -- but my life hasn't changed that much. i certainly have more money than i did. but my home life, my family life, all of that really has stayed essentially the same. >> you're resolutely normal, is my sense of you. when i read interviews and stuff, you say you still go to the mall, you go to the movie theaters, you've got two young kids you like to just the issue you don't go partying, you just do your job, you go home. you're batting way above your strength with your wife. >> absolutely. >> everyone's in agreement about this. >> i don't dispute that in any way. but it's interesting, because i think had -- because this all did happen later in life for me. and i think i sort of had my ducks in a row at that point. and i'd figured things out for the most part in terms of my goal and my wants and dreams. and what was giving me happiness, ultimately. i think if it happened early in life, i don't know if it would have been the same story. i like to think it might have been, but you never know. >> it's tougher to do when you are younger. let's come back and talk about the office. i know ricky gervais very well. how you feel about him and leaving the show. >> inside comedy. your show. mid grade dark roast forest fresh full tank brain freeze cake donettes rolling hot dogs bag of ice anti-freeze wash and dry diesel self-serve fix a flat jumper cables 5% cashback right now, get 5% cashback at gas stations. it pays to discover. like in a special ops mission? you'd spot movement, gather intelligence with minimal collateral damage. but rather than neutralizing enemies in their sleep, you'd be targeting stocks to trade. well, that's what trade architect's heat maps do. they make you a trading assassin. trade architect. td ameritrade's empowering, web-based trading platform. trade commission-free for 60 days, and we'll throw in up to $600 when you open an account. you will be thin. you won't drool over pizza like an animal anymore. you will find love. >> i'm pretty much okay with who i am now. >> don't be. never settle for who you are. >> classic steve carrel from his office. the office obviously began with ricky gervais. what was interesting about watching your version is he was more empathetic, your character. i heard you say the reason was you wanted to create someone who did run. seven series rather than just this thing that ricky came up with. me about that. >> he knew the run would be limited. he could play this guy that was insufferable. a truly terrible person. >> no redeeming feature. yours did though. i liked it. >> i did feel that in order for -- television people are -- i know it sounds cliche, but they are inviting them into your homes every week and into their living rooms. they don't want complete jerks in their living rooms. in order you to make it more palatable, it must be a human. >> i know you have been e-mailing your colleagues, but weird thing when you lose the star of the show. >> it was strange. i miss my relationships there. i just saw everybody at the screen actor's guild awards for the first time in a while. it was great. >> you miss the character? >> no. i felt like it was the right time for me to leave the character. >> what are do you think of the whole ricky gervais golden globes? could you do what ricky does in. >> not in a million years. i think i would get too skiddish. >> could you play the character? >> perhaps, but to go in front of people -- >> offend them to their faces. >> doesn't mean i'm a better person, but i don't have that kind of guts. he always makes fun of me. he is also in a personal way very, very sweet to me. >> you have seven movies? >> and i'm writing a symphony. and i have a cooking show. >> it's about ten years. did you ever imagine you would be in hollywood. you are in a power suit in the middle of a seven-movie extravaganza, earning you a billion. >> a billion. >> a billion movie star. >> within the year i will be a billionaire. i am always pinching myself. i will grow another arm so i can constantly pinch myself. >> most comedians are tormented by the terrible things that happened to them. that's the motivation for why they go. they get affirmation from the crowd. the most wounded thing about you is you are not wounded. >> judd said that. >> i love that line. >> do you concur and feel like you managed to avoid the normal? >> i suppose. i don't think that is necessarily -- i don't think it's true that you have to be a wounded soul in order to become -- >> for stand up if you had a great childhood and a happy marriage and enough money, you are going to make a lousy stand up. >> it's true. you need to have had cigarettes burned on you for years to make an audience laugh. that's the society we live in. >> it was sick people. >> i suppose. >> most people will laugh at others's misfortunes. that's the bedrock of real comedy. >> i read a woody allen quote in the paper. that is, if it bends, it's comedy. if it breaks, it's not. i thought this was an interesting way to put it. if it's painful, but within the realm of being okay, it can be funny. >> tell me about inside comedy. i love the premises and the access to all these great things. >> he talks about the oscars and opening for sammy davis jr. brad garrett talks about a hilarious story about opening for sinatra when she was in his 80s and brad garrett is like 21 or 22. marty short, the whole half hour. >> did you enjoy making this together? i get the great chemistry between you. >> i think he's the best interviewer because he puts people at ease. >> he turns. >> rewinds them. >> for comedy. >> only because you have all these people who do tend to be on a lot. he puts them in a comfort zone

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