Television writer, director and actor Stephen Merchant first made his mark as co-creator of the innovative BBC television show, “The Office” (BBC2, 2001-03), which became an instant comedy classic adapted into several international spin-offs. The multi-talented, unusually tall 6’7” lad from the West Country had enjoyed moderate success as a stand-up comic and radio personality prior to “The Office,” which marked the beginning of his creative partnership with fellow comedian, Ricky Gervais. The pair went on to create a wildly popular radio show – which evolved into a podcast – and a second TV
Began doing stand-up comedy; won the Daily Telegraph Open Mic Award
1997
Met future writing partner, Ricky Gervais, when he was hired by London radio station Xfm
1998
Enrolled in a TV production training course at the BBC; for his short film project shot a largely improvised 10-minute piece called “Seedy Boss” starring Gervais; this short would later become the basis for “The Office”
1998
Wrote for Sacha Baron Cohen’s “The Eleven O’Clock Show”
2001
Co-created with Gervais the BBC comedy hit “The Office”; earned an Emmy nomination for Writing
