Ricky Gervais’ Girlfriend Jane Fallon: The Comedian’s Partner of 40 Years He Once Said He Will Not Marry
Ricky Gervais's girlfriend, Jane Fallon, is an equally accomplished individual. They have been together for 40 years, despite not marrying each other. Get to know the comedian's longtime girlfriend.
Ricky Gervais, who turns 61 on June 25, 2022, has cemented his name as a comedian, having starred in popular films and shows. He recently addressed his mortality, saying he would prefer to die ahead of his soulmate and partner.
The "Ghost Town" star believed he would struggle in the face of grief, adding that losing everything would mean losing his soul mate, his life partner. He said he would rather die first, even if it is selfish.
Jane Fallon and comedian Ricky Gervais attends the "After Life" For Your Consideration Event on March 7, 2019 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
WHO IS JANE FALLON, RICKY GERVAIS' GIRLFRIEND?
Gervais has established himself as one of the greatest comedians of the 21st century. He is also regarded as one of the most well-known British comedy figures in America.
His girlfriend, television producer-turned-author Jane Fallon, is also a star in her own right. A best-selling author, she writes "chick-lit"-genre novels that are all Top 10 bestsellers, the latest of which is titled "Strictly Between Us."
Born on December 9, 1960, in London, Fallon went on to become an accomplished producer who worked on hit shows such as the long-running British soap "EastEnders" and "Teachers." She later branched off into fiction writing.
HOW DID RICKY GERVAIS MEET JANE FALLON
Gervais and Fallon, who met while they were both students at University College London, have been together since 1984. Struggling to make ends meet in the early days of their careers, the couple once lived above a brothel in London's Kings Cross neighborhood.
Their apartment was less attractive to live in, but they had no option because that was all they could afford. Gervais said their area was cramped, and he could open the refrigerator from his bed.
Jane Fallon and Ricky Gervais attend the National Television Awards 2020 on January 28, 2020, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Fallon remembered doing odd jobs like working at various shops and becoming a chambermaid in multiple hotels. Meanwhile, Gervais pursued a career as a pop star, but without success.
Before getting into television comedy, Gervais worked as a DJ on London's XFM radio station and managed bands. The couple's difficulties eventually paid off.
He later began to gain recognition in the UK as a host of a comedic talk show. However, it was his show "The Office," which Gervais wrote, directed, and starred in, that catapulted him to Hollywood fame at the age of 40.
Gervais played the obnoxious and awkward office manager David Brent, who was subsequently named one of the best comedy characters in several polls.
Gervais's popularity continued with another sitcom, "Extras." Launched in 2005, the show drew a slew of famous guests, including Ben Stiller, Samuel L. Jackson, and his musical idol, David Bowie.
Meanwhile, Fallon found success as an author, having written best-selling books such as "Getting Rid of Matthew," "Got You Back," "Just Got Real," and "Foursome," to name a few.
As a television producer, Fallon is one of the people behind the three-hit drama series that scored BAFTA nominations: the 2001 series "Teachers," the 1998 "Undercover Heart," and the 1996 "This Life."
Ricky Gervais and Jane Fallon attend the 77th Annual Golden Globe Awards on January 5, 2020, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
WHY ARE RICKY GERVAIS AND JANE FALLON NOT MARRIED, DESPITE BEING TOGETHER FOR 40 YEARS?
The couple does not seem keen to tie the knot. Gervais, known for controversial jokes, stated in a 2010 interview that he saw no point in marriage. He described their relationship as similar to marriage because they already shared everything.
He stated that there was no point in them holding a formal ceremony. A known atheist, Gervais said he doesn't need to tie the knot because of religious beliefs. He explained:
"We are married for all intents and purposes, everything's shared and actually our fake marriage has lasted longer than a real one. But there's no point in us having an actual ceremony before the eyes of God because there is no God."
Jane Fallon and Ricky Gervais attend the 2016 AMD British Academy Britannia Awards on October 28, 2016, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Despite not marrying, the couple appears to be content with their solid but unconventional relationship. Gervais previously stated that he couldn't live without Fallon.
In the same way he does not believe in marriage, Gervais is also not a fan of having children. He has strong views about bad parenting, arguing that irresponsible parents should be sterilized.
WHY JANE FALLON AND RICKY GERVAIS DON'T HAVE KIDS?
The pair, who have been together since 1984, has always maintained that they do not desire to have children. Even though not having a child-free relationship is frowned upon, the couple has no regrets.
Gervais said they are content with having pets.
Even as a child, Fallon found it difficult to imagine herself as a mother. She was never the kind of girl who would play with dolls or choose names for her future child.
Fallon explained that she's the type of girl who liked playing outside with her dog, climbing trees, and getting lost in books. She recognized as she grew older that becoming a mother was not her purpose.
"My dreams were all about becoming a writer, a vet, or a gymnast, not having a family," she said. Another reason why Fallon is unqualified to be a mother is that she is a worrier.
With her choice, Fallon noted how strangers would question her decision to remain childless. The renowned television producer said she even got comments that her childless lifestyle was selfish.
Despite the critiques, societal pressures, and doubts, Fallon was relieved to learn that Gervais is also not keen on parenthood. Gervais said they are content with having pets. He added:
"There’s not a big line of unborn fetuses going, 'We want to be born!' I don’t have kids for many reasons, but no one is going 'Gervais isn’t having kids! We’re going to run out soon.'"
Fallon and Gervais are both the youngest members of large families. The couple is relieved that their elder brothers and sisters have established their own households.
Fallon thought that attaining a childless state would be impossible if she or Gervais had been an only child. She noted, "We were happy with our decision and we still are."