Stars expect the worst, ready for Gervais' barbs - Chicago Sun-Times

By SANDY COHEN January 12, 2012 7:06PM

Ricky Gervais hosted last year’s Golden Globe Awards â€" and was asked to return for this year’s show on Sunday. | AP

GERVAIS
IN 2011

Introducing Bruce Willis: “Please welcome Ashton Kutcher’s dad!”

On the head of the Golden Globes: “I helped him off the toilet and popped his teeth in.”

On “I Love You Phillip Morris”: “Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor â€" two heterosexual actors pretending to be gay. So the complete opposite of some famous Scientologists.”

On Robert Downey Jr.: “Most of you know him from the Betty Ford Clinic and the L.A. County Jail.”

On 3-D movies: “Seems like everything this year was three-dimensional. Except the characters in ‘The Tourist.’ ”

Updated: January 12, 2012 7:06PM

LOS ANGELES â€" When Golden Globes host Ricky Gervais took sharp swipes at Mel Gibson, Bruce Willis and the sponsoring Hollywood Foreign Press Association at last year’s ceremony, some criticized the comedian for going too far.

One target, Robert Downey Jr., described the vibe as “hugely mean-spirited, with mildly sinister undertones.”

Gervais returns for his third turn as host on Sunday, and a source at the Globes tells the Sun-Times that the British funnyman has his sights on the Kardashians, Ashton Kutcher, Demi Moore, Alec Baldwin, Justin Bieber and Katy Perry’s split with his countryman Russell Brand.

Nominees are preparing themselves for some pointed jabs.

“I’ll probably get the piss taken out of me, but it’s fine with me,” said Elton John, nominated for his song from “Gnomeo & Juliet.” “I’m British. I can take it.”

Johnny Galecki, who is up for his first Golden Globe for his work on TV’s “The Big Bang Theory,” said that when he got word he was nominated, “one of my first five thoughts was, ‘Gervais is going to make fun of me.’ ”

But the actor isn’t really worried. “I’ll be flattered by it,” said the 5-foot-5-inch Galecki. “I’m looking forward to it. I hope he doesn’t just zero in on the height. That’s just easy pickings.”

Damian Lewis, nominated for his work on the TV series “Homeland,” said he might also be an easy target for Gervais.

“If he’s got a thing about redheads, I’m a sitting duck,” Lewis said.

Seth Rogen, who produced and starred in best picture nominee “50/50,” is also looking forward to Gervais’ return. He even went online to check out what the comedian said last year.

“It was the first time in a long time I’d gone on YouTube and watched something an awards show said,” Rogen said.

Supporting actor nominee Christopher Plummer said he appreciates Gervais’ irreverence.

“I think finally everybody’s come to that same conclusion: that that’s him, he doesn’t mean it, but he’s very funny.”

Jean Dujardin, nominated for his starring role in the silent film “The Artist,” said it would be an honor if Gervais even mentioned him.

But there’s a caveat, the actor said: “If he mocks me, he has to do it silently, without any words.”

AP

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