Melissa McCarthy's Husband Ben Falcone Once Gifted Her a 'Souped-Up' Golf Cart Called the 'Bowie Mobile'

Mar. 15, 2025

Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone.Photo:Charles Sykes/Bravo via Getty

Charles Sykes/Bravo via Getty

Melissa McCarthy’s husbandBen Falconeis especially proud of this quirky gift he once gave his wife.

As the writer-director, 51, appeared on the Friday, March 14 episode ofThe Viewto promote his children’s bookWhat’s Scarier Than Thunder?, the co-hosts pointed out that he and McCarthy, 54, celebrate20 years of marriagelater this year.

When asked about his gift-giving skills, Falcone said, “I can be a good gift-giver. I have given one really good gift.”

Falcone recalled that he splurged to purchase his wife a custom golf cart to congratulate her forreceiving an honorary doctorate degreefrom Southern Illinois University, in Falcone’s hometown, in 2019.

“She got a P.H.D., so we all started of course calling her ‘Doctor.’ Doctor Mac,” Falcone said. “I got her this sort of souped-up golf cart that is street legal, so she can drive this souped-up golf cart, and I got it all decorated with her favorite artistDavid Bowie. So we call it the Bowie Mobile.”

Asked whether theBridesmaidsactress has “M.D.” plates, Falcone said in jest, “She might.”

The Daily Mailpublished photos of McCarthy driving what appears to be that same golf cart in Los Angeles on June 18, 2019; the vehicle is painted purple and bears Bowie’s likeness on its front bumper and sides.

Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone on Feb. 24, 2024.Emma McIntyre/Getty

Emma McIntyre/Getty

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Falcone and McCarthy are frequent collaborators on their film projects. The pair first crossed paths in their home state, Illinois, when McCarthy was in college and Falcone was still in high school, as they recalled during a 2021 appearance onLate Night with Seth Meyers.

Years later, the couple met again when they both began performing comedy at the L.A. improv theatre The Groundlings. They later appeared onscreen together for the first time in a 2003 episode ofGilmore Girlsand married on Oct. 8, 2005. Since then, they have welcomedtwo daughters: Vivian, 17, and Georgette, 15.

Ben Falcone and Melissa McCarthy on Jan. 5, 2025.Michael Buckner/GG2025/Penske Media via Getty

Michael Buckner/GG2025/Penske Media via Getty

“These kids have been married for 19 years! Happy Anniversary, I love you more each year, Mooch!” he wrote in anInstagram captionat that time. “And apparently for one moment frozen in time… we BOTH loved old timey video games.”

source: people.com