Gervais: Female characters can be neglected

Ricky Gervais deliberately tries to give women depth in his ventures.

The British funnyman found fame with his hit TV show The Office and has gone on to helm other big hits for the small screen. He is also a well known face in the movie industry, with roles in films such as Night at the Museum and Muppets Most Wanted.

When it comes to writing his own scripts, Ricky tries to avoid the female stereotypes.

"Women in TV are often props, and in Hollywood they're either simpering Marilyn Monroe-esque sirens or, if they care about their career, they have to be taught that a man is more important," he explained to Radio Times magazine. "So I've always been very careful about writing three-dimensional female characters."

Ricky is a big fan of TV and has his favourite programmes. When asked what makes him cry the 52-year-old star cited a moment created by one of America's most popular fictional families.

"My favourite Simpsons episode, where Bart and Lisa ask why there are no pictures of Maggie in the family albums," Ricky added. "It transpired that Homer used them to spur him on when he was being bullied at work. I thought that was beautiful.

"Family Guy [makes me laugh]. I watch two a night. I love how flawed the characters are. I believe that if you don't come from a dysfunctional family, there's something wrong with you."