British comedian Ricky Gervais was convinced David Bowie’s death was a hoax as news of the tragedy filtered through to Golden Globes attendees in Los Angeles on Sunday night (10Jan16).
The music legend passed away in New York City on Sunday, and the news was confirmed in the early hours of Monday (11Jan16) as guests at the Hollywood awards ceremony were enjoying the afterparties.
Ricky, who hosted the glitzy event, has now revealed he thought the reports of his friend’s passing were just the latest celebrity death hoax.
“After the show I saw the tweets and was trying to find out if it were (sic) a hoax – and it wasn’t,” Ricky tells The Hollywood Reporter.
The funnyman, who appeared opposite David in an episode of hit comedy show Extras, goes on to talk about his friendship with the Changes star, branding him an inspiration who never “fell” for the trappings of fame.
“Our relationship was bizarre and surreal, and I felt so privileged to know him. I never forgot he was my hero, even when he became my friend…” he adds. “He put my life in colour. He made me believe: You can do anything; you’re a working-class kid in Reading (in England); creativity is freedom. Ability is a poor man’s wealth. I loved everything he did. He never let me down, even at the end. I’ve never seen a more dignified ending.”
Ricky adds of David’s lack of interest in the showbiz scene: “That’s integrity. That’s f**king privacy. All this about being one of the most worshipped artists in the world – he never fell for it.”