Comedian Ricky Gervais and his longtime partner Jane Fallon plan to marry after 44 years together, according to recent interviews. Gervais stated that the decision to wed stems from inheritance tax laws regarding shared property, shifting a decades-long stance that marriage was meaningless.
Why Ricky Gervais Changed His Mind on Marriage After 44 Years
For decades, Ricky Gervais maintained that formal marriage offered no value, often describing his relationship with Jane Fallon as a “mock marriage” that outlasted many traditional unions, according to Daily Mail. That perspective shifted after Fallon received a breast cancer diagnosis.
In a profile with Saga Magazine, Gervais explained that the practical reason for finally getting married involves estate taxes. According to the interview, the marriage ensures that whichever partner survives the other will avoid a substantial inheritance tax bill on properties they own together.
“That will be the reason I get married,” Gervais told Saga Magazine. “We haven’t done it yet. But if it wasn’t for the tax, why?” He added: “It’s crazy. How much more married can you get? We share all our money, we’ve lived together for 44 years.”
Jane Fallon’s Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Timeline
She experienced no symptoms prior to the early-stage breast cancer detection.
Did you know? Ricky Gervais and Jane Fallon first met in 1982 while studying at University College London, embarking on a relationship that has spanned over 44 years without children or prior marriage.
Decades of Shared Life Without a Wedding
The couple met as students in London in 1982. Throughout their relationship, neither pursued a traditional wedding or family.
“You know the cliché of little girls planning their wedding day and their wedding dress—it was never any of that, ever,” she said. “I thought more about getting a dog or something. It was more about work, life and what flat I was going to live in. But I never thought about romantic stuff.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How long have Ricky Gervais and Jane Fallon been together?
Why did Ricky Gervais decide to get married now?
According to Gervais’s interview with Saga Magazine, the primary motivation for marrying is to avoid heavy inheritance taxes on shared real estate assets when one partner passes away.
What type of cancer was Jane Fallon diagnosed with?
Jane Fallon was diagnosed with an early form of breast cancer following a routine mammogram screening, as reported by Daily Mail.
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