Ricky Gervais insists lying can be good.

The British comedian - who makes his movie directing debut in new film 'The Invention of Lying' - says not always telling the truth can be beneficial because it makes someone else feel better.

He said: "My mum was dying for about a year, and it was terrible. And I always told myself that if she asked, 'Is there a heaven?' then I would lie and say, 'Yes.' I think it's a good lie - religion, or at least spirituality and a belief in something else, probably started as a few white lies to comfort even oneself."

Ricky also revealed he is pleased he waited until he was older before finding success as it enabled him to produce good work.

Speaking about 'The Office' - the hit comedy series which made him a worldwide star - he said: "I'd never tried as hard with anything as I did with The Office, and it was one of the things I'm proud of. I wasn't trying to be famous or a comedian, but this opportunity came along when I was 38 or 39. It came late, and I couldn't have been prouder of it. I remember saying to my girlfriend, 'Why didn't I do this earlier?' And she said, 'Well, you wouldn't have been any good at it.'"

Share this article: Tweet This Share on Facebook
RELATED PHOTOS AND ARTICLES
Ricky Gervais - HBO Post Emmy Party - ArrivalsRicky Gervais - BAFTA Hosts the 6th Annual TV Tea Party in Celebration of the 2008 Primetime Emmy Awards - ArrivalsRicky Gervais - 'Stardust' London Movie Premiere - ArrivalsRicky Gervais - Princess Diana Memorial ConcertRicky Gervais - 66th Annual Golden Globes - ArrivalsRicky Gervais - 'Stardust' London Movie Premiere - ArrivalsRicky Gervais - The Orange British Academy of Film and Television Arts Awards 2008 (BAFTA) - Outside Arrivals
Jennifer Garner Finds It Hard To Shoot Films In Front Of Ricky GervaisThe 61st Annual Primetime Emmy Awards - Arrivals
HBO Post Emmy Party - Arrivals"The Invention of Lying" Los Angeles Premiere - Arrivals
Jennifer Garner's girl an Austen fan Ricky Gervais' email plea to Hoffman
BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT ON THIS STORY!
Name: (optional)
E-Mail: (required, but never displayed)
Remember your info for next time?
Profanity and other defamatory language is not allowed. Please keep it clean.
Share on Facebook