Ricky Gervais didn’t hold back at roasting Robert Downey Jr. at the 2011 Golden Globe Award

The Golden Globe Awards during the early 2010s was a thing of beauty, primarily due to comedian Ricky Gervais presenting the show. Gervais followed a fearless style of presentation where he publicly berated some of the top Hollywood stars.

Comedian Ricky Gervais

In the 2011 Golden Globe Awards, Gervais made Iron Man star Robert Downey Jr. his victim before presenting him on the stage. The Office creator didn’t hold back when joking about Downey Jr.’s struggles before becoming a mega star in Hollywood.

Ricky Gervais and Robert Downey Jr. Went Back and Forth at the Golden Globe Awards

Robert Downey Jr. is widely known for his depiction of Tony Stark, a.k.a. Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, before becoming the MCU’s beloved superstar, Downey Jr. served jail time at the California State Prison for drug possession charges.

As per a 2011 report by The Hollywood Reporter, Ricky Gervais made a joke about it before introducing Downey Jr. to present an award at the Golden Globe Awards.

But many of you in this room probably know him best from such facilities as the Betty Ford Clinic and Los Angeles County Jail.

Comedian Ricky Gervais

While Gervais most likely didn’t mean any harm to Downey Jr., but the veteran actor certainly didn’t like the jokes as he addressed them on the stage.

Aside from the fact that it’s been hugely mean-spirited with mildly sinister undertones, I’d say the vibe of the show has been pretty good so far, wouldn’t you?

It goes without saying that Gervais’ roast of Downey Jr. belongs in his Hall of Fame of mean jokes at the Golden Globe Awards.

Considering the comedian is known for his fearless jokes, not many celebrities take offense to his jokes, but Robert Downey Jr. certainly didn’t like those insulting jokes about his past.

Christian Bale Didn’t Mind Ricky Gervais’ Mean Roast of Robert Downey Jr.

As we mentioned earlier, most actors don’t get offended after hearing Rickey Gervais‘ jokes during the Golden Globe Awards. Let’s be honest, the majority of the time, Gervais is simply stating blunt truths about Hollywood culture.

A perfect example of this was The Dark Knight star Christian Bale supporting Gervais’ performance at the 2011 Golden Globe Awards, as revealed in the same article by The Hollywood Reporter.

Thank God for comedians. I’m hoping he’s going to keep going further.

Hollywood actor Christian Bale

Christian Bale not only thanked God for comedians like Ricky Gervais existing, he also wished for The Office creator to enjoy more success down the line.

Well, as of 2023, Gervais’ success has only further increased, and he remains one of the most sought-after comedians in the entire world.

Gervais is all set to release a new comedy special on Netflix this Christmas. It will be his second back-to-back comedy special on the streaming platform, and fans are patiently waiting for it.