The Office actor Rainn Wilson is pushing back against one of Ricky Gervais’ most famous arguments about celebrity activism, declaring that actors have every right to speak out on political or social issues despite the British comedian’s long-running criticism.
Rainn Wilson as Dwight Schrute – The Office, YouTube
Although the comments were made roughly three months ago during an episode of Wilson’s Soul Boom podcast featuring actor Josh Radnor, clips from the conversation have recently begun circulating across social media, introducing the exchange to a much wider audience.
Ricky Gervais’ Golden Globes Speech Still Resonates
During his widely discussed opening monologue at the 2020 Golden Globe Awards, Ricky Gervais mocked Hollywood’s tendency to turn acceptance speeches into political lectures.
“You know nothing about the real world,” the British comedian famously told the audience. “Most of you spent less time in school than Greta Thunberg.”
He later added, “If you win an award tonight, don’t use it as a platform to make a political speech. You’re in no position to lecture the public about anything.”
Ricky Gervais as host of the Golden Globes – YouTube, caruthersm
READ: Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey Press Tour Skips Greece Despite Adapting Greek Mythology
The remarks became one of the most memorable awards show moments in recent history and continue to circulate online whenever celebrities use entertainment events to comment on politics. Supporters praised Gervais for saying what many viewers were already thinking, while critics accused him of unfairly dismissing artists’ right to express their views.
Rainn Wilson made it clear that, six years later, he has not forgotten Ricky Gervais’ advice.
Rainn Wilson Fires Back
During the interview, Wilson asked Radnor whether he thought actors are afraid to share their views on certain issues out of concern that doing so could make them unpopular.
“Some of that. Sure,” Radnor replied. “I mean actors get bullied when they speak outside their lane.”
Wilson was quick to agree.
“One of the things that pisses me off to no end is Ricky Gervais saying, ‘Just take your actor award. No one wants to hear what you have to say,'” Wilson said. “It’s like, F— you. Bulls—.”
Rain Wilson as Dwight Schrute – The Office, YouTube
READ: Bam Margera Says He Never Wants to See Johnny Knoxville Again
Wilson argued that celebrities should enjoy the same freedom of expression as anyone else, regardless of whether audiences agree with their opinions.
“Guess what? Everyone gets to say what they want to say about anything.” He emphasized his point by citing everything from global conflicts to climate change as examples of topics that should not be off-limits. “You get to say it if you’re a truck driver or a school teacher. We have free speech.”
Wilson acknowledged that a brief awards-show speech is unlikely to change the world. “But why would you try to shame and silence someone from speaking their truth?” he asked.
An Unusual Criticism
Wilson’s criticism is notable for another reason. Much of his career can be traced back to The Office, the NBC sitcom adapted from the original British series created by Gervais and Stephen Merchant. While Rainn Wilson became a household name portraying Dwight Schrute in the American version, the series itself exists because of the success of Ricky Gervais’ groundbreaking BBC comedy.
The renewed attention surrounding Wilson’s podcast comments reflects an ongoing debate over whether actors should use their public platforms for political advocacy or simply focus on entertaining audiences.
Do you agree with Rainn Wilson that Ricky Gervais went too far? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
UP NEXT: ‘Young Washington’ Sequel Confirmed by Angel Studios
