An English comedian, actor, director, producer, musician and writer. He achieved mainstream fame with his television series The Office and the subsequent series Extras, both of which he co-wrote and co-directed with friend and frequent collaborator Stephen Merchant. In addition he played the lead roles of David Brent in The Office and Andy Millman in Extras. He has also starred in a number of Hollywood films, assuming leading roles in Ghost Town and The Invention of Lying.