Ricky Gervais said on his blog a few months back (around the time of the BAFTAs) that he was reading an article in an American magazine about 'Who will be the next Ricky Gervais?'. He said their was a list of British comedians/writers/actors who could make it big in America next, I tracked down the same article and at the top of the list was James Corden and Russell Brand.
My reason for this thread is to find out what it takes for British comedians to make it in America. Eddie Izzard, Ricky Gervais, Russell Brand - they have all made it, or are making it. On the writing/performing side you have Tracy Ullman and John Cleese who have made it too.
Why have these people made it? and why do others try, but fail?