After Life: Ricky Gervais discusses Colin Hoult improv scene
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After Life season three may have brought the story of grief-stricken Tony (played by Ricky Gervais) to a close but it hasn’t stopped fans from wanting to learn more about the Netflix comedy-drama. And while the third and final run was packed full of laughs, a number of the cast have now spoken out on favourite moments which didn’t make it to the final edit – as well as some that somehow did.
And there was one improvised scene, in particular, that creator and leading star Gervais has admitted he didn’t think would ever make the final cut.
The scene in question involved local Tambury talent agent Ken Otley (Colin Hoult) when he discussed his past in the showbiz industry while being barraged by James (Ethan Lawrence) about his lack of work opportunities.
And off the cuff, actor Hoult broke out into a song from Taxi Driver the Musical, a fictional performance conjured up in the actor’s mind on the spot.
Discussing how “mental” he found the moment, Gervais and a number of the cast discussed their fondest memories on Still Watching Netflix’s YouTube channel.
“There was a day or two when we had them [Ratty (Andrew Brooke) and the N***e (Tom Bennett)], Colin in, and Brian (David Earl) in all in a row,” Lenny star Tony Way began.
“It was like an onslaught, it was a comedy barrage,” he said to his cast mates as he recalled his favourite day on set. “It was extraordinary.”
Gervais then weighed in: “Again, Colin when he comes in… when he sings that song, ad-libs that song…”
“Bang, Bang, I’m a Taxi Driver,” After Life star Diane Morgan chipped in before Gervais said he had doubts it’d be accepted into the final cut.
“I didn’t think that’d make it in,” Gervais said. “I thought that’s mental.”
“It was incredible,” June star Joe Hartley said while Gervais added: “It was so good.”
And in the season three blooper reel, After Life fans got to see firsthand just what Gervais’ initial reaction to Hoult’s improvisation was.
It’s safe to say it certainly caught the Golden Globe winner by surprise as he ended up collapsing to the floor in laughter.
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In one take, David Earl’s Brian grills Ken on what he’s been in as a performer, prompting Hoult to say the Taxi Driver musical for the first time.
Right away, Gervais could be heard laughing off-camera while Earl and Lawrence also break character.
And when he broke out into an ad-libbed song from the fictional musical, Gervais hit the deck.
“I don’t know what to do,” he said through laughter after watching Hoult’s rendition of “Bang, Bang, I’m a Taxi Driver.”
Hoult’s Taxi Driver improv wasn’t the only time Gervais found himself caught off-guard by one of the show’s stars.
Also included in the blooper reel was a moment from Earl which even Gervais felt was “too much” to be included into the final.
The scene involved Brian using the toilet while his new roommate James took a bath.
But after actor Earl cracked a joke about masturbation, Gervais could be heard off-camera shouting: “That’s too much! Do it again!”
After Life seasons 1-3 are available to stream on Netflix now.
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