Extras specials
Jackson and Stiller join Gervais sitcom
Ben Stiller and Samuel L. Jackson have joined the cast of Ricky Gervais’s next sitcom.
The Hollywood stars follow Kate Winslet and Jude Law in signing up for cameos in the BBC1 sitcom Extras.
The show is based around a wisecracking acting extra, Andy Millman, who doesn’t try for stardom in case he fails.
The Office’s critical success in America – including its double Golden Globe win - has enabled Gervais to sign up some of Hollywood’s most respected actors to play “twisted versions” of themselves on the fringes of the story.
Gervais said: “I am delighted. Ben is the finest comedy actor of the moment, while Samuel is a legend.
“Ben is a huge fan of The Office. He wanted to produce the US version but unfortunately didn’t have time.”
Shooting on the six-part series starts at Pinewood Studios next month. It is expected to air on BBC1 this summer.
Published: 22 Jan 2005
