How humble Ricky Gervais has made £13m but refuses to splash cash – as he takes aim at ‘millionaires lecturing people’
COMIC genius Ricky Gervais has an impressive £13million in cash sloshing around his showbiz empire.
The After Life star has always insisted he is not motivated by cash – and refuses to blow his riches on flash motors and £50,000 watches.
Unlike many high-profile celebrities, Ricky does not have complicated arrangements to avoid paying monster tax bills.
Instead he stumps up 20 per cent of his earnings in Corporation Tax - with two of his firms set up to handle cash from his shows and films have paid £1million to the chancellor over a 12-month period.
Ricky launched an epic rant against the multi-millionaire celebs lecturing people while NHS staff risk their lives.
The 58-year-old comedian blasted a string of A-listers including Gal Gadot and her Hollywood pals who sang on the infamous Imagine video in response to the coronavirus.
He previously hit out at Sam Smith who broke down in tears on Instagram in their £12million house, complaining about being in isolation.
Ricky shouted: “For a start, you won't hear me complain – not when there's [NHS] nurses doing 14 hours shifts – and frontline workers carrying on and risking their health.
“I'm fine. Don't worry about me... I go for walks on Hampstead Heath, and we've got a garden."
Showing his heart in the right place and on the side of Britain's hard-working keyworkers, Ricky concluded: “People are sick of being lectured, multi-millionaires telling them to clean out their coffee jar and put it in the right bin - they know those celebs are taking private jets to their private islands. They are sick of it.”
In the latest figures sent to Companies House show that one of Ricky's firms – Red Lion 100 Ltd – has cash of £5.5 million.
Derek Productions has £3.5 million in cash, Red Lion 99 LLP has £2 million in its bank and LOTR Films has £1 million in readies.
And a further four firms have another £1 million in their accounts.
The star of The Office and Afterlife – estimated to be worth £100 million - said: “I had no money growing up, I didn’t have any until I was 40. But I still had everything.
“My mum, she gardened, she grew, she cooked, she sewed, she knitted, she decorated, she did everything she could. And she gave me everything I wanted except money.
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“I also realised growing up that all the best things were free — friends, nature, learning and healthcare. And that’s why I gladly pay my taxes. And that’s why I clap the NHS.
“It showed me the value of everything. People ask me why I dress like a tramp. And I say, ‘My clothes are clean and comfortable. Who am I trying to impress?’. I don’t wear £50,000 watches. I don’t collect cars because I can’t drive.
“Nothing gives me more of a buzz than to help an animal. I don’t get excited about things. I’m not a hippie or communist, I think money’s for the safety of your family and friends, and you can’t take it with you.”
The second series of Ricky's hit Netflix show Afterlife is available to stream now.