There's this way pop culture has been rammed down our throats that people think that if they were just in the right place at the right time, they'd be married to Heidi Klum. Stephen Merchant cultureheidiklum Change image and share on social
Once I began doing stand-up, I didn't get a kick out of the applause or being the centre of attention - but I did get a kick out of the jigsaw puzzle aspect of it, searching for the right bit, adding another few pieces each night until the bigger picture appears. That's the appeal: the challenge of it. Stephen Merchant addappealappear share on social
Maybe there's a sort of veneer of optimism about U.S. comedy, whereas perhaps in England, we don't mind ending it on a sourer note. Stephen Merchant comedyendengland Change image and share on social
I suffered when I was in my late twenties and early thirties. I was awkward, I stuck out, I was nerdy. Stephen Merchant awkwardearlylate Change image and share on social
I'm always jealous of Johnny Depp's sense of style, but if I tried to get away with a floppy hat and waistcoat, I'd look like a homeless person. Stephen Merchant deppfloppyhat Change image and share on social
It's not like I think: 'By the age of 40 I've got to be an international household name.' When the opportunity to perform comes up, then I'll take it. It's really good fun. But because I don't crave the attention or the buzz, it's not like I'm desperate for it. Stephen Merchant ageattentionbuzz share on social
When I was a teenager, I met a comedian who I admired, and he was very rude to me. That's why when people come up to me I try not to be rude. I don't want to name who he is, but it really put me off watching his stuff since. Stephen Merchant admirecomedianmeet share on social
John Cleese was a big hero of mine. He grew up in Weston Super Mare near Bristol where I grew up; he was always very tall and gangly, but he was smart and used his physicality in a very funny way. I used to think, 'Well he came from Weston and he did it, so there's a chance for me.' Stephen Merchant bigbristolchance share on social
People think all fame is the same, but being on BBC Two from time to time does not make you Warren Beatty. I honestly can't impress that upon people enough. Stephen Merchant bbcbeattyfame Change image and share on social
I don't have any hidden depths; I'm a very superficial person. It's a constant frustration to me. Stephen Merchant constantdepthfrustration Change image and share on social