Joseph Gordon-Levitt charms with Taylor Swift’s ‘Lover’ on Fallon for wife’s birthday

Joseph Gordon-Levitt delivered a touching musical tribute to his wife, Tasha McCauley, on the Wednesday, June 19 episode of 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon'. 

Celebrating his wife’s birthday, the "Inception" actor performed an acoustic version of Taylor Swift’s 'Lover,' a song beloved by McCauley.

Gordon-Levitt, who was in New York for work while his wife remained at home, shared his sentiments with the audience. 

“Today is actually my wife’s birthday,” he revealed, setting the stage for his performance. “I’m so sad because she’s not here in New York with me. I’m here working and she’s back home. I feel so terrible. I texted Jimmy and I said, ‘Can I give her a special birthday present on the show?’”

Embracing the spirit of the show, host Jimmy Fallon responded, “We’re here to make dreams come true,” and promptly handed Gordon-Levitt a guitar. 

The actor introduced the cover by expressing his admiration for McCauley: “Babe, you’re the most luminous soul I’ve ever met. I’m so grateful you were born, and I’m coming home soon. Love you.”

Gordon-Levitt’s rendition of 'Lover' included the first verse and chorus, with Fallon joining in, making for a memorable television moment.

Married since December 2014, Gordon-Levitt and McCauley have two sons, born in August 2015 and June 2017. 

The actor has been vocal about his decision to keep his family life private, especially concerning his children. 

“My son, he’s just a baby, you know? So, he hasn’t made the choice to be in the public eye, and that’s a choice that I would like him to be able to make when he’s older, when he can think about these kinds of things and make that decision for himself,” he stated in a 2015 interview with Kelly Ripa. 

“And so, for now, I’m just a protective dad, and I want to protect his privacy.”

Reflecting on fatherhood during a 2020 appearance on 'The Tonight Show', the "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F" star expressed joy over his family life. “I felt lucky I got to take some time off [from acting]. Now I have two boys and it’s the best,” he reiterated.