Health Crisis: Ricky Gervais Reveals Health Fears as He Refuses to Follow Advice of Partner Jane Fallon
Ricky Gervais, the acclaimed comedian and star of After Life, has opened up about his health fears, revealing that while he is concerned about his well-being, he is not always willing to follow the advice of his long-term partner, Jane Fallon. The 63-year-old Gervais, known for his brash humor and candid nature, has never shied away from discussing personal matters, and his health is no exception. However, his latest remarks suggest a more vulnerable side, revealing the tension between his own fears and his refusal to fully embrace his partner’s guidance on how to stay healthy.
Gervais, who has been in a relationship with Fallon for over 30 years, has often joked about the differences in their personalities. Fallon, a successful novelist, is known for her more measured and cautious approach to life, while Gervais is often portrayed as a risk-taking, sometimes defiant figure. This dynamic has played out in their views on health as well.
In a recent interview, Gervais admitted that, despite his anxiety over the inevitable physical decline that comes with age, he is reluctant to take advice on how to improve his lifestyle—especially from Fallon, whom he describes as “obsessive” about health. According to Gervais, Jane is constantly urging him to exercise more, eat healthier, and get regular check-ups. However, the comedian confessed that he doesn’t always heed her well-meaning advice, preferring instead to take a more laid-back approach to his health.
“I just don’t want to be obsessed with it,” Gervais said. “I know Jane worries about me, but I think it’s important not to live in fear. There’s a balance between being mindful of your health and obsessing over every little thing. Life is for living, not worrying.” His remarks reflect his typical irreverent attitude, but they also highlight a common struggle many people face as they age—balancing personal health concerns with the desire to live a full and satisfying life.
Despite his reluctance to follow Fallon’s advice, Gervais is not entirely indifferent to his health. He has acknowledged that his lifestyle choices, including his fondness for alcohol and indulgence in fast food, have contributed to his health anxiety. However, his resistance to change has led to some tension between the couple, as Fallon, who has long taken her own health seriously, continues to encourage him to take better care of himself.
Gervais’s health concerns are hardly new. In the past, he has openly discussed his struggles with weight and his concerns about aging, even poking fun at his appearance in his stand-up routines. While his comedic persona often portrays him as a confident, almost invincible figure, behind the scenes, there are moments of doubt and fear about his future health.
Interestingly, Gervais has also spoken candidly about the impact of his celebrity status on his well-being. The pressure of constant public scrutiny, particularly around his physical appearance and health, has weighed on him. In an age of social media, where even the smallest changes in a celebrity’s appearance are subject to intense public examination, Gervais admits that it can be difficult not to feel self-conscious. “It’s easy to get caught up in how others perceive you, but at the end of the day, I just want to be happy and live my life,” he said.
Ultimately, Gervais’s approach to health is one of balance, albeit a complicated one. While he admits to concerns about his future, he remains firm in his belief that life is about enjoying the present. For Gervais, the fear of what lies ahead is something to acknowledge but not to define his everyday life. As for Jane Fallon, she will likely continue to worry about her partner’s health, though it seems clear that she has learned to accept his decisions—even if they’re not always the healthiest ones.
