Richard Ayoade is a comedian, actor, writer, director, and presenter, best known for his role as Maurice Moss in the Channel 4 sitcom The IT Crowd. He won a BAFTA for Best Male Comedy Performance in 2014 for this role. Ayoade also hosted Channel 4’s Gadget Man, Travel Man, and the revived Crystal Maze.
While studying at the University of Cambridge, Richard became President of the Footlights club. He co-wrote Garth Marenghi’s Dark Place with Matthew Holness, which won the Perrier Award at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. This led to two series produced by Channel 4. He also appeared in other notable comedies, including Nathan Barley, Man to Man with Dean Learner, and The Mighty Boosh. His portrayal of the socially awkward IT technician in The IT Crowd made him a standout star.
Richard has made numerous appearances on panel shows, including The Big Fat Quiz of the Year and A League of Their Own. He took over from Stephen Fry as the host of Gadget Man and later presented Travel Man, where he brought his unique perspective to travel and technology. He also served as the guide on The Crystal Maze, leading contestants through various challenges.
In film, Richard made his directorial debut with Submarine, a coming-of-age comedy-drama that he co-wrote. He followed this with The Double, a black comedy inspired by Dostoevsky's novella, featuring Jesse Eisenberg. Ayoade has also appeared in the American film The Watch and directed music videos for bands like Kasabian and Arctic Monkeys.
Richard has voiced characters in several animated films, including The Boxtrolls, Early Man, and Soul, as well as in animated series like Strange Hill High and Apple & Onion. He has authored three books focused on film: Ayoade on Ayoade: A Cinematic Odyssey, The Grip of Film, and Ayoade on Top, along with a children's book titled The Book That No One Wanted to Read.
Richard Ayoade's work spans various media, showcasing his comedy, acting, writing, and directing talents. His contributions to British television and film have made him a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. To book him as a comedic act at your next event, contact PepTalk.
