‘The Office’ Stops Man From Commiting Suicide


A father of two from England decided not to kill himself after accidentally turning on Ricky Gervais’ seminal classic comedy TV series, The Office, and falling into hysterics for five hours.

Jody Parrish had already sent a farewell text message to his ex-girlfriend, left a note, and then went off to kill himself before he stood on his remote control.

This then started his sister’s DVD of The Office, which ran for two seasons and two Christmas specials between 2001 – 2003, and the 32 year-old set about watching the comedy.

Parrish consumed over five hours of the show, and, after laughing for five hours, he found that he was now in a good mood and decided to change his mind about killing himself.

The father of two had previously become devastated over the demise of his six-year relationship. He told The Sun, “David Brent saved my life. I’d not seen it in years but I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so much. I realised I had lots to live for.”

Parrish, who was an ex-plasterer, was living at his mother’s house in Liversedge, West Yorkshire at the time of his epiphany. He is now taking several medications to help battle his depression, and he has vowed, “I am determined to get help.”

Gervais himself even remarked upon this heart-warming tale, stating, “I’m so pleased for him.”

Just last month Gervais reprised his infamous comedic creation for BBC’s Comic Relief, releasing a promotional video for Brent’s song, “Equality Street.”

The comedian stated, “I thought it was time to revisit my most famous comedy creation to find out what he’s been up to for the last decade.”

Gervais and Stephen Merchant’s series has since gone on to be adapted by dozens and dozens of countries. The American version of the show is set to come to an end over the next few weeks after a highly successful nine season run.

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