Ricky Gervais has made a career out of making folks laugh — from his breakthrough British hit The Office (which spawned the American version) as well as his record-breaking podcast, The Ricky Gervais Show — now he’ll have a chance to do it in front of some of the most accomplished entertainers in Hollywood. The British comedian will host the 67th Annual Golden Globes in January, PEOPLE has confirmed.

Ricky will be the first star to host the Golden Globes telecast since 1995.

“We are delighted to have Ricky Gervais as the host on our show,” said Philip Berk, President of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.

Ricky couldn’t be more excited: “Not only is this the biggest Hollywood celebration of the industry, which includes both film and TV, but also an environment where I feel I can get free reign as a host. I have resisted many other offers like this, but there are just some things you don’t turn down.”

Written by Castina on October 26th, 2009 | Tagged as: 2010 Golden Globes,Ricky Gervais