Tim Oliver is best know as a Ricky Gervais lookalike, We talked what it’s like living the life of being a lookalike and the show channel 4 show lookalikes.
Scott – We all seen you on the TV show “LookALikes” as Ricky Gervais how did it come about?
Ive been in the entertainment industry for many years and have been a Ricky double for 12yrs. When Ricky became famous as David Brent in “the office” I was running my own entertainment business. I was constantly being asked “are you that bloke from that documentary on BBC2?” or “oi mate, do that dance” etc
My secretary finally convinced me to be a Lookalike in 2004 and I had a photo shoot and sent my pictures to lookalike agencies. I immediately got a booking from an agent called Fake Faces, the owner Jez Lee, asked me where I had been hiding, he said he has Del Boy, Basil Fawlty, Ali G, but he had been searching for two years for the latest and funniest comedy character to come out of Britain, a David Brent. I haven’t looked back since.
Scott – Was there any audition process for the show? If yes what did you have to do?
Tim – I was approached a long time ago, along with Andy Harmer aka David Beckham & Martin Jordan aka Gordon Ramsay, by Knickerbokerglory the production company for Lookalikes. We were on BGT in 2010 as “The Chippendoubles” where we got through to the live semi finals. We have had over 40 million views on youtube and still perform together at many different events. After BGT, we were asked to be on Louie Spences Showbusiness and had cameo rolls on five episodes, we kept in touch with Knickerboker after that and were asked to head up Lookalikes last year. Series one has been such a overwhelming success, we have been asked to work on story lines for series2.
Scott – Do you get stopped in the street people actually thinking you are Ricky Gervais?
Tim – People are funny!. When they have had a drink you get approached all the time, but during the day its not so often, however, a woman walked past me in Victoria the other day and paused and said hi, I said hi back and thought, where do I know her from, have i seen her on tinder? but then I realized, she thought I was Ricky. Even after this long, I sometimes forget i look like Ricky.
Scott – What so far has been a highlight of yours?
Tim – I have many highlights, the five that stand out the most, are when I was asked to be Rickys body double on the Muppet movie. Meeting Ricky and chatting for a couple of hours. being asked to perform in Australia for two weeks. Performing on BGT with my 6 brothers the chippendoubles. Staring on the Lookalikes TV show for Channel4.
Scott – Have you got any embarrassing moments you can share with us?
Tim – A lot, but cant really share them with you, however, heres one just to give you something. I was meeting & greeting at an event as David Brent, fully in character at the front door. A pregnant lady walked through the door and I said “alright love, we met before” she said “really” I said “yeah, about 9 months ago hahaha” as David Brent would, she said “fuck you mate, im not fucking pregnant you cunt”. suffice to say, ive not made that mistake again.
Scott – I know you met Ricky, What was he like? What was his reaction like meeting you?
Tim – We had a great laugh, he said he reckons his Dad shagged my Mum, He looked at my teeth and said “your fangs are straight and mine are crooked, you should have plastic surgery to look more like mine” i said, “no Rick, im not having anymore plastic surgery operations to be like you, ive already had a penis reduction, boom!…. He pissed himself laughing.
Scott – Has there been anyone else people say you lookalike?
Tim – I sometimes I get mistaken for George Clooney or Ryan Reynolds
Scott – Can people higher you for events and personal appearances as Ricky?
Tim – Yes, I have relied on that fact for over 12yrs, I host award ceremonies (Golden Globe Ricky style) I do personal appearances and speeches at Weddings, Birthday Parties, Anniversaries etc, I perform spoof motivational speeches as David Brent at conferences and sales meetings etc. I produce Corporate Videos for all types of businesses, but my favourite thing is my recent performance as a David Brent Tribute Act, singing all of Ricky’s songs from his upcoming movie “Life on the Road, with David Brent”
Scott – The show is full of comedy, Is this something you always been into? Have you ever done stand up comedy?
Tim – I am a massive fan of Ricky and comedy in general, I often perform stand up as a mix up of Ricky Gervais and David Brent with a bit of Derek rolled into the mix, I like to get some audience participation as it makes the whole evening more personal to them and if the customer has the budget, I bring a brilliant Gareth Keenan aka Brett Sirell into the stand up with his health & safety presentation and a bit of close up magic thrown in, its hilarious and its my favourite thing to do.
Scott – What advice can you give someone starting out in the lookalike business or acting?
Tim – Don’t just take it from ya mum saying, “ooh, you really look like them”….No, If you are approached on the street by absolute strangers during the day, then take it seriously, learn your character, hone your craft and focus on the most famous and recognizable thing your celebrity has done. Its the most rewarding thing you will do. Its a fact you look like a celebrity, don’t waste it, embrace it, it will be the best thing you have ever done.
Follow Tim on Twitter here… https://twitter.com/RickyGervais2
Official lookalikes Twitter – https://twitter.com/LookalikesC4
Scott McGlynn 