Josh Hartnett Reveals That He Found Ricky Gervais Intimidating

Since breaking into Hollywood as a teen, Josh Hartnett has shared the screen with A-listers like Kirsten Dunst, Ben Affleck, Harrison Ford, Jessica Alba, Scarlett Johansson, and Morgan Freeman.

Still, the “Penny Dreadful” star insists he’s never felt intimidated by a fellow actor — besides comedian Ricky Gervais.

“I was just on a show with Ricky Gervais, and I’m a little unsure how to approach him. I met him before, but I couldn’t even say hi today,” Hartnett said Wednesday on “Wake Up with Taylor” after seeing the comic backstage at “Live! with Kelly and Michael.”

He added, “It is funny, though, because with most actors, you’re playing characters, and I know it’s not them up there. And when you meet an actor, they’re focused on what they’re doing. I don’t know, I’ve never found that intimidating. But Ricky Gervais, a little bit.”

(By the way, after all the recent “Live!” drama, Hartnett said the co-hosts’ “vibe was good” on set.)

As for his hunky reputation, Hartnett said he’s learned to appreciate topping magazines’ hot lists with time.

“I’m 37 years old now, and actually being considered a heartthrob is kind of nice,” he said. “I’ll take it now!”

“Wake Up with Taylor” airs weekdays at 7am ET on Stars, and watch the “Penny Dreadful” season premiere on Sunday at 10pm ET on Showtime.