BAFTA, Emmy, and Golden Globe-winning comedian, actor, and director Ricky Gervais has announced his intention to exceed the remarkable £1.9 million he previously donated to animal charities, using profits from his current stand-up tour, Mortality.
In 2023, Gervais, celebrated for his role in After Life, raised an extraordinary £1.9 million through ticket sales from his global Armageddon tour. This sum was generously distributed among 11 animal charities worldwide, supporting causes ranging from companion animal rescue to the protection of endangered wildlife.
The news of his renewed philanthropic ambition came after a sold-out performance at the Hollywood Bowl. In an Instagram post on the 2nd of June 2025, Gervais expressed gratitude to his supporters, saying, “A massive thank you to everyone who bought a ticket to The Hollywood Bowl & to everyone who tried… Many of the seats were thousands of dollars, but I do always try to spend your money well (that £1.9m was from the last tour by the way. Hoping to beat that figure this time).”
Gervais’s unique approach to ticket pricing — selling premium seats at higher prices and donating the difference — has not only raised significant funds for animals but also discouraged ticket scalping. He explained, “This way, people willing to pay higher prices will at least know it’s going to charity instead of some scummy tout.”
A committed vegan, Gervais has spoken openly about the ethical motivations behind the philosophy he adheres to. He told The Overlap podcast, “It’s always been ethical… I do a lot for animal charities, so it felt hypocritical if I was saving dogs but eating sheep.” He confirmed his fully vegan status in 2022, highlighting the consistency between his advocacy and his personal choices.
Gervais’s advocacy extends beyond financial contributions. He has campaigned against trophy hunting, animal testing, and the illegal wildlife trade, and has lent his voice to efforts exposing cruelty in the cosmetics industry. His long-standing commitment to animal protection has earned him accolades, including PETA’s Person of the Year award in 2013.
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