Last scrutinized over 2/11/97Born: April 5, 1946
How she met Paul: An accomplished actress even at age 17, she was a regular on the show "Juke Box Jury". In April of 1963, she was selected to represent the views of teenagers and write an article for the Radio Times on the Beatles' concert of the night (she was initially most impressed with George). Paul developed an interest in her as they talked that night.
Engagement: Paul and Jane were rumored to be engaged many times throughout their 5 year romance. On Christmas of 1967, Paul did propose, however the engagement was called off six months later, after Jane discovered Paul in bed with Francie Schwartz. By November, Linda Eastman was living with Paul.
There was one major problem which followed the couple through their whole romance. Jane was a very independent career-oriented woman and Paul wanted a woman who would be happy being a housewife. Jane's many acting roles which required her to travel frequently were a constant source of dispute between the two and prompted some of Paul's more anger-filled songs, such as "I'm Looking Through You." In the end, although many had believed they were perfect for each other, they could not work out their differences.
Later marriages: Gerald Scarfe in 1981
Children: Kate, born on April 17, 1974, Alexander born in December 1981 and Rory born in 1984
Her brother is Peter Asher of Peter and Gordon fame
Her mother taught George Martin to play the oboe (before Paul and Jane met)
The following quotes are from Hunter Davies' Authorized Biography of the Beatles (McGraw-Hill Book Co., 1968) and were compiled c. 1967:
"When they are all together, Paul is different. He isn't the same toward me as when we are alone. I want to feel that it's the two of us going through life together. I don't want to be part of a gang."
"I've been brought up to be always doing something. And I enjoy acting. I didn't want to give that up."
"When I came back after five months, Paul had changed so much. He was on LSD, which I knew nothing about. All he could talk about was the spiritual experiments he'd had with John."
(In reference to her meeting of the Beatles):"They couldn't believe I was a virgin."
Contact Jane (information courtesy of Elle)
Jane Asher
c/o Incoming Mail
BBC TV Centre
Wood Lane
London W12 7RJ
England
Jane.Asher@bbc.co.uk
Note: Particularly with the e-mail address, please respect Jane's privacy and only send appropriate mail. Remember, she shuns questions regarding Paul.
Recent rec.music.beatles news articles dealing with Jane
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Last scrutinized over 2/11/97