Ricky Gervais tells celebs to stop complaining, praises nurses during pandemic

Comedian Ricky Gervais is tired of celebrities "complaining" about being forced into self-isolation for the duration of the coronavirus pandemic, according to The Sun.

The creator of The Office told the UK tabloid, that he "never want[s] to hear people moaning about nurses again" while praising the NHS (National Health Service) and their front-line health workers. “These people are doing 14-hour shifts and not complaining,” he said.

“[They’re] wearing masks and being left with sores after risking their own health and their families’ health selflessly."

“Then I see someone complaining about being in a mansion with a swimming pool,” added Gervais. “Honestly, I just don’t want to hear it.”

Gervais credits his working class upbringing and blue-collar parents for his current perspective and morals.

“I was born in the beginning of the ’60s in Battle Hospital in Reading… and that should have been an omen,” said Gervais. “Having gone by the title, I should have known life was going to be a struggle.  And it was,”

“I was the fourth child of an immigrant labourer,” said Gervais. “My dad worked on building sites all his life, until he was 70. He got up every day at 5:30 a.m.”

The five time Golden Globe host said he has a long lineage of healthcare workers in his family. "Men worked hard, but women worked miracles,” said Gervais. “Because when my dad finished his work that was his own time, but my mum didn’t stop working. Carers didn’t stop working, all the women in my family were carers in some respect.”

“It showed me the value of everything,” said Gervais.

Gervais said he “had no money growing up,” but that didn't stop his mother, Eva from giving hime "everything," he said. “My mum gardened, she grew, she cooked, she sewed, she knitted, she decorated,” he continued. “She did everything she could and she gave me everything I wanted except money.

“I also realized [when] growing up that all the best things were free: friends, nature, learning and health care. That’s why I gladly pay my taxes.

“And that’s why I clap the NHS,” said Gervais, referring to the demonstrations that have spread around the world of people clapping and cheering from their balconies to show support and gratitude for front-line workers each night.

It seems the star hasn't lost his common touch.

“My clothes are clean and comfortable. Who am I trying to impress?” said Gervais, who still dresses “like a tramp,” despite his millionaire status . “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.”

Gervais is handling quarantine better than most, “I didn’t go out much anyway, and there’s always too much booze in the house.”

Cheers, Ricky.