The TV show Kristen Wiig called “beyond genius”
Kristen Wiig is one of the few contemporary Saturday Night Live stars to have a real career in film, and has proved to be multi-talented as a writer, producer, and actor, but this notion of being a multi-hyphenate on set is shared by another legendary comedy star, whom she cites as one of her key influences.
Although SNL used to be a launching pad for comedians like Bill Murray, John Belushi, Chris Rock, Adam Sandler, and Chevy Chase to find a career in movies, the legendary sketch show hasn’t produced as many movie stars in the 21st century, and while Will Ferrell and Bill Hader may be some of the few exceptions, Wiig has been a downright gamechanger in how she’s expanded her talents into filmmaking.
Hollywood has had a historically bad reputation for not allowing female comedians to pursue their potential, but Wiig’s talents were impossible to deny based on how much of a scene-stealer she became after her tremendous supporting roles in Knocked Up and Adventureland. It was clear that she was destined for even greater success, which she pulled off with Bridesmaids, the uproarious ensemble comedy, which she wrote and starred in.
Bridesmaids wasn’t just a smash hit as one of the highest-grossing R-rated comedies of all-time, but a critical darling that earned her an Academy Award nomination for ‘Best Original Screenplay’ so while it would be easy for her to have developed a snooty attitude following her success, Wiig has been outspoken in praising the other comedians who have made her laugh, citing in an interview with Women’s Health, the original British version of The Office as the series that she found the funniest.
“Ricky Gervais is beyond genius,” she claimed, “It’s truly the only show I’ve actually gone out and bought the DVDs of”.
It may have been culturally overshadowed by the success of the American reboot that starred Steve Carell, but the original version is one of the smartest, edgiest, and most groundbreaking sitcoms in history. If the American remake offered a heartfelt examination of work relationships that many people celebrate as a ‘comfort watch’, Gervais’ version is downright nasty and at times uncomfortable to watch, which somehow makes it even funnier.
Smart to bet on his own success, Gervais made a name for himself by co-writing, creating and starring in the series, alongside another genius in the same seats, Stephen Merchant, something which Wiig similarly did with Bridesmaids and the other films she had a creative role in. Naturally, being a fan and somewhat following in his footsteps while forging her own path, one of the best moments in her life was when she also got the chance to work alongside her idol when she appeared in Ghost Town, a dark comedy that Gervais starred in.
Wiig, whose career has continued to flourish in recent years thanks to the success of her award-nominated performance in the Apple TV drama Palm Royale, has made it no secret that she had a great experience working with him and would be keen to work with him again should the opportunity arise.
However, Gervais has found himself under fire more often than not, as while his stand-up specials are highly celebrated and awarded, they have drawn some backlash regarding comments assumed to be intentionally offensive, Reagrdless, whether it be a guest role on Palm Royale or a completely different project altogether, getting two of the funniest people on the planet to channel their talents together is an opportunity that would be hard to pass up.
