SM
Stephen Merchant
47quotes
Full Name and Common Aliases
Stephen James Merchant is a British comedian, actor, writer, director, and producer.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on November 24, 1974, in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, England. Still active and alive as of my knowledge cutoff.
Nationality and Profession(s)
British, Comedian, Actor, Writer, Director, Producer
Early Life and Background
Stephen Merchant grew up in a small village near Birmingham. His father worked as an electrical engineer, while his mother was a nurse. He attended the University of London's Royal Holloway College, where he studied Film, Television, and Radio Studies.
Major Accomplishments
Merchant is best known for co-creating and starring in the comedy series The Office, which ran from 2001 to 2003. This show earned him numerous awards, including a BAFTA TV Award for Best Comedy Performance. He has also collaborated with Ricky Gervais on several projects, including the movie Extras (2005) and the HBO series Life's Too Short (2011).
Notable Works or Actions
In addition to his work in television, Merchant has written and directed several films, such as Run Fatboy Run (2007), Cemetery Junction (2010), and Fighting with My Family (2019). He has also worked extensively as a voice actor, lending his voice to characters in animated movies like The Lego Movie (2014) and Paddington 2 (2017).
Impact and Legacy
Stephen Merchant's contributions to comedy have had a significant impact on popular culture. His unique blend of humor and satire has influenced a generation of comedians and writers. Through his work, he continues to push the boundaries of what is acceptable in television and film.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Merchant is widely quoted and remembered for his biting wit and insightful commentary on modern society. His sharp observations on human behavior have made him a household name. His ability to balance humor with heart has earned him critical acclaim and a devoted fan base.
As a writer, actor, director, and producer, Stephen Merchant has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Through his innovative work in television and film, he continues to inspire audiences around the world.
Quotes by Stephen Merchant
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It never really occurs to me that I'm doing cringe comedy. It's something that people tell me afterwards, and I say, 'Again? Really? I never set out with that intention.'
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I'm looking for a woman with the body of Kelly Brook and the mind of Stephen Fry.
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A lot of stand-up comedians are actually very insecure, and they come on slightly battling the audience. They want to be the superior person in the room, sneering at the world. That can be very funny. But to me, what's more interesting is that the world is on my shoulders, and it's pushing me down.
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It's not like I think: 'By the age of 40 I've got to be an international household name.' When the opportunity to perform comes up, then I'll take it. It's really good fun. But because I don't crave the attention or the buzz, it's not like I'm desperate for it.
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I've jokingly said that everything I'm doing now is filling up the hours before I die, but I do feel that slightly. I have no religious beliefs so this is the ride. This is it. So I'm just like anyone, I suppose, trying to fill out the days in the most interesting way possible.
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A lot of my comic influences are distinctly American: Woody Allen and Bob Hope, for example. They were always the underdogs who were using wit to sort of battle their way through. And it seems to me that a lot of contemporary U.S. comedies are shot through with losers. None of the characters in 'The Big Bang Theory,' for instance, are studs.
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It's a cliche to say this now, but to me, 'The Sopranos' is like Dickens. It's able to take this very focused look at something but make it epic and profound.
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I suffered when I was in my late twenties and early thirties. I was awkward, I stuck out, I was nerdy.
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I wish I could write 'Taxi Driver,' or 'Blue Velvet,' something brave, audacious, dramatic and dark. I don't know if I have the darkness in my own soul to be able to tap into it, unfortunately.
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I'm too tall. I am 6ft 7in, so I've been most people's height at some point in my life, and 6ft 4in is the best. You're tall, but you don't have to bend when you go through a door.
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