Richard Gere

ABOUT

Richard Tiffany Gere is a renowned American actor and producer, best known for his roles in a series of critically acclaimed and commercially successful films. Born on August 31, 1949, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Gere has built a prolific career that has spanned over four decades, establishing himself as one of Hollywood's most enduring and versatile leading men. He gained initial fame in the late 1970s with his role in "Days of Heaven" and solidified his star status with box office hits such as "American Gigolo," "An Officer and a Gentleman," "Pretty Woman," and "Chicago."

BEFORE FAME

Richard Gere grew up in a Methodist family in Syracuse, New York. His father, Homer George Gere, was an insurance agent, and his mother, Doris Ann, was a homemaker. Gere excelled in gymnastics and music during his high school years, which led him to a gymnastics scholarship at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Although he initially majored in philosophy, Gere left the university after two years to pursue acting. He started his acting career in theater, performing in Broadway productions such as "Grease" and "Habeas Corpus" before transitioning to film.

TRIVIA

Richard Gere is not only a celebrated actor but also a committed humanitarian and activist. He has been a practicing Tibetan Buddhist and a close associate of the Dalai Lama for many years. His advocacy work includes extensive efforts for human rights in Tibet and support for AIDS awareness programs. Gere is also an accomplished musician, having played the piano and trumpet since his youth. His other notable interests include environmental preservation and homelessness issues.

FAMILY LIFE

Richard Gere has been married three times. His first marriage was to supermodel Cindy Crawford from 1991 to 1995. He later married actress and model Carey Lowell in 2002, with whom he has a son, Homer James Jigme Gere, born in 2000. After separating in September 2013, their divorce was finalized in 2016. Gere married his third wife, Spanish activist Alejandra Silva, in 2018, and the couple has welcomed two children together.

ASSOCIATED WITH

Throughout his career, Richard Gere has worked alongside some of the most talented actors and directors in the industry. He famously co-starred with Julia Roberts in the iconic romantic comedy "Pretty Woman" and again in "Runaway Bride." His role in "Chicago" saw him acting with Catherine Zeta-Jones and Renée Zellweger, earning critical acclaim and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy. Gere has also been directed by cinematic legends like Terrence Malick and Francis Ford Coppola, further cementing his status as an industry stalwart.

In summary, Richard Gere is a multifaceted personality whose contributions to film, humanitarian causes, and public life have had a lasting impact on both his industry and society at large.