Ricky Gervais, the 65-year-old comedian, has stated his intention to marry his partner of 44 years, Jane Fallon, also 65. This decision comes after decades of eschewing marriage, with Gervais citing the avoidance of inheritance tax on their combined fortune as the sole reason.
Speaking to Saga Magazine, Gervais, whose estimated net worth is £141 million, confirmed that tax implications are driving the impending nuptials. He questioned the necessity of formalizing their union, given their 40-year cohabitation, shared finances, and the longevity of their relationship, which has outlasted many marriages.
"It is [the reason]. And that will be the reason I marry. We haven’t done it yet. But if it wasn’t for [tax]… why?... It’s mad. How more married can you be? We share all our money, we’ve been living together for 40 years. Some marriages don’t last a year,” Gervais said.
He acknowledged the urgency, adding, "It’s horrible isn’t it? 'I’ve got to get around to marrying, before I die.'"
Unmarried couples in the UK do not automatically benefit from the spouse exemption, which exempts estates passed to a surviving spouse or civil partner from inheritance tax. Without this exemption, estates above the tax-free threshold are typically subject to a 40% tax.
Gervais possesses a significant property portfolio, including a nine-bedroom mansion in Hampstead, north London, valued at £14.75 million, two apartments in New York, and a riverside property in Marlow, Buckinghamshire. He recently received approval to construct a £5 million mansion on the Marlow site.
This announcement occurs during Fallon's ongoing battle with breast cancer. She was diagnosed in March and received an early detection through a routine mammogram. In April, Fallon provided an optimistic update, stating that following her initial surgery to remove the tumor and surrounding tissue, surgeons had successfully removed most of the cancerous cells, with a second operation also proving successful.
Gervais and Fallon first met at University College London in 1982. They moved in together two years later. Both have previously stated they did not intend to marry or have children. Fallon has expressed that she never envisioned weddings or motherhood, preferring to focus on her career and life experiences.
Gervais has frequently described their relationship as being a "fake marriage" for practical purposes, noting its endurance.