French Actor Gérard Lanvin Embraces Permanent Life in Morocco, Citing Love for Country

The decision of the French actor to live permanently in Morocco is perceived by some as a way to avoid paying taxes. But for Gérard Lanvin, known for his many films such as Mesrine: Public Enemy No. 1, The Taste of Others and The Lyonnais, settling in Morocco is an idea that has germinated out of love. In addition, pushed by his son Manu Lanvin, he is about to make his debut in music. They embarked on recording an album during the pandemic.

He stressed in the columns of Paris Match that he is not in the same case as those many reality TV candidates who have settled in Dubai in order to pay less taxes. "I wasn’t in Morocco for that. I went there because we are happy there." In 2014, the actor had some serious words with Laurent Ruquier who criticized the actors who settled abroad to escape the French tax authorities. "I’m fed up with these actors who scream because they don’t want to pay taxes. He’s a multi-card, he does radio, TV... We only do one job, us. And this money, we need it to support our families and friends who are in trouble. I’ve always paid my taxes," Ruquier had commented at the time in Le Figaro. Upset with the French government which charges the actors too much, Lanvin had expressed his anger. "I pay 60% of taxes that are useless. But I wasn’t in Morocco for that," he explains.

Gérard Lanvin says he is very happy to live in Morocco. "I wanted warmth. I think I have the right to go where I want, without being criticized." Very grateful to have had such a successful career in France, he still feels better in Morocco. "I went there because we are happy there," confides Gérard Lanvin.