Elmo Schools Ricky Gervais

Elmo, arguably the most successful Sesame Street character in recent years — he has a vibrating doll, people — can do sarcasm and irony just as well as any British comedian. So when Ricky Gervais, creator and star of the U.K. version of The Office, showed up to perform with the furry little Muppet, he nearly met his match in hilarious banter.

The biggest lesson here is: don't ever question Elmo about his pajamas. If the lovable little monster wants to wear night clothes when he goes to bed (even though he typically parades around in the buff) then, who the hell are you to question that, Ricky? Elmo: "It's acting. It's called acting, Mr. Gervais. Acting!" Diva alert!

See a video interview with Ricky Gervais

See TIME's 1970 Sesame Street cover.