Image Credit: Chris Hatcher/PR PhotosAs Judd Apatow has noted, he’s “fanning controversy to help ratings for a show not being televised.” But still, it’s a good exercise in comedy. The host of Jan. 22′s Producers Guild of America Awards is a fan of Ricky Gervais, but appears to have been disappointed with his performance at last Sunday’s Golden Globes. “I thought Joan Rivers did a wonderful job hosting the Golden Globes tonight,” he tweeted after the ceremony. “Ricky Gervais should do an episode of Extras where he hosts the Golden Globes and is out of tune. Cut to female friend looking disappointed,” he followed. Then, the zinger: “The Santa Clause was better than The Invention of Lying.” When one of his followers seconded his praise of The Santa Clause – it was a legitimately good movie – he answered her, “That’s my point! As was Toy Story. Mean is too lazy for RG.” (In a PopWatch poll yesterday, 22 percent of readers thought Gervais went too far.)
Monday night, Apatow issued a challenge to his Twitter followers: “If anyone has any jokes that they think are better than Ricky Gervais’ post here and I will read the winners and say your name at PGA Awards.” Presumably, he means jokes that are funny but kind — considering special honorees include Sean Penn, James Cameron, Tom Hanks, and Scott Rudin. Once jokes started rolling in, Apatow tweeted, “Some excellent. Many insane. Most hateful of celebrities. Hard to be funny and not vicious. Steve Martin is king.” Some of the ones Apatow retweeted: “The PGA Awards are so cheap even the host had to crowd-source material.” “It’s not hard to be funny and not vicious. For example, f— you.” “I want to make this quick. I know we’re all worried about our butlers finding and snorting all our coke.” “Inception is really about Hollywood. Everyone’s constantly trying to ruin your dreams so they can make a buck.” “Ricky Gervais has announced plans to start an illicit dogfighting operation to begin rehabilitating his image.” “Why are rappers always singing songs about all the stuff they own? It’s like their target audience is the IRS.” And, my personal favorite: ”‘I see we have a lot of rich people in the audience, I hope your riches bring you satisfaction and happiness’ #ggapprovedjokes.”
It sounds like Apatow now has it covered, but I can’t imagine he’d turn down a good joke. Pitch away here, or to @JuddApatow.
Read more:
HFPA on Ricky Gervais: ‘Outrageous’; Gervais responds with ‘everyone took it well’
Ricky Gervais’ rudest Golden Globes jokes
Interesting how this article would rather mention the 22% who thought Ricky went too far and fail to mention the 77%+ who thought he did a great job. LOL
i agree
I’m glad Judd did that. Ricky went too far. Sarcasm is great…but Ricky abused it. The Tim Allen joke was wrong.
That is exactly what I thought! Obviously the overwhelming majority of people did not have an issue with him. The coverage on this has been so stupid!
Damn, Judd Apatow is hot.
eeeeeeeeeeeewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!
Unfortunately those jokes Apatow lised ARENT FUNNY!!!! Ricky WAS funny. Hollywood, MAN UP and deal with it.
The rappers one is kind of funny, but yeah, the rest are not as good as Ricky’s.
I heard the rapper/IRS joke by a paid comedian on a comedy special or late night show within the past few weeks. So I hope that he passes on that one because I doubt an actual comedian is willingly giving up his material.
I liked the rappers one too and the F you joke
Oooooohhhhh, because Judd Apatow is so kind to people in all the movies he writes and directs.
Apparently, poking fun at people is only funny if not directed at rich celebrities.
Agreed. We really are turning into a country of whining b*tches. Judd Apatow made “Funny People,” which is probably the most misleading movie title in the history of film.
I hate to disagree Joe, but Naked Lunch is the movie with the most misleading title.
I can think of at least 2 things wrong with that title.
oh stfu… gervais was funny… thanks for moderating though Judd! hahahahaha….
Apatow was a failed standup before he succeeded as a writer. I saw him speak at an event in LA in 2009 and he was horrible, unfunny and sweaty. Totally bombed with the audience Sorry to be “mean,” but he should stick with his day job.
I was just watching a rerun of “The Ben Stiller Show” and Judd did a killer Jay Leno impression. I had no idea it was him until the credits rolled.
Well, you can see why they are all so upset. I mean really, they have such incredibly difficult arduous lives of selfless service and are so poorly compensated for their efforts. Are a few months of ceremonies designed to make them feel good about themselves and to allow them all to look at each other in love for being so amazing that much to ask of the world?
Excluding Washington DC and Wall Street, Hollywood represents all that’s wrong with America. It’s nice to be able to laugh at the clowns and all of the hypocrisy that is Hollywood. Ricky actually gave the industry a good dose of what it needed: reality. The fact that he pulled the rug out from under the very industry he represents makes him a hero in my book. Kudos, Ricky! Thank you, sir.
i dont really understand the point of this article. the gist i got was that apatow isnt half the comedian RG is. and that 78% of ppl didnt have a problem with ricky’s performance?
Pretty much yes. Now that’s journalism for ya!
Depp was going to give Ricky 2 tickets to the tourist now he’s giving him 4….
I wish Apatow would solicit good jokes for his movies.
Yes, but he’s too busy casting his family in all his movies to be bothered working on (or asking for) jokes.
Like Appatow is funny with his schlubby valley humour. 80per cent of people loved ricky. Hollywood needs to get over its self congratulatory back slapping entitled brown nosing ways
Dear hollywood, Ricky Gervais was hilarious, get over yourselves!
there was this fallen Hollywood star that lived like an animal. He did not smoke nor drink
there was this fallen Hollywood star that lived like an animal. He could not afford to smoke nor drink.
What do Ricky Gervais and Funny People have in common? Nothing.