Richard Gere is one of Hollywood's most enduring stars, known for his charismatic leading roles in films like "Pretty Woman", "An Officer and a Gentleman", and "Chicago". Beyond his on-screen persona, Gere is a philanthropist, a devout Buddhist, and a vocal advocate for humanitarian causes. Let's explore his life, career, and the controversies that have sometimes followed him.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Richard Tiffany Gere was born on August 31, 1949, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His interest in acting sparked while attending the University of Massachusetts on a gymnastics scholarship. After leaving college, he pursued theater, landing roles in productions like "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead" and the original London production of "Grease".
Gere's film career began in the 1970s, with notable parts in "Looking for Mr. Goodbar" (1977) and "Days of Heaven" (1978). However, his breakthrough came in 1980 with "American Gigolo", solidifying his image as a Hollywood heartthrob.
Rise to Stardom and Iconic Roles
The 1980s and '90s marked a period of major success for Gere. He cemented his leading-man status with roles in:
- An Officer and a Gentleman (1982): A romantic drama that remains one of his most popular films.
- Pretty Woman (1990): This modern Cinderella story propelled Gere and co-star Julia Roberts to superstardom.
- Primal Fear (1996): A courtroom thriller where Gere showcased his dramatic abilities.
- Runaway Bride (1999): Reunited him with Julia Roberts for another charming romantic comedy.
Chicago (2002): A Turning Point
His role as the slick lawyer Billy Flynn in the musical "Chicago" won him a Golden Globe Award and revitalized his career. Since then, Gere has gravitated towards more character-driven roles in independent films like "Arbitrage" (2012) and "Norman: The Moderate Rise and Tragic Fall of a New York Fixer" (2016).
Net Worth
Richard Gere's extensive career in film has resulted in an estimated net worth of approximately $120 million (Celebrity Net Worth).
Social Media
Gere maintains a presence on social media platforms, primarily to promote his humanitarian work.:
- Instagram: @richardgereofficial
Buddhism and Activism
Gere is known for his deep commitment to Buddhism. He became a student of the Dalai Lama in the 1970s and remains a vocal supporter of Tibetan independence. Gere co-founded the Tibet House US in 1987, a cultural center dedicated to preserving Tibetan culture. He also chairs the board of directors for the International Campaign for Tibet.
His humanitarian work extends beyond Tibet, addressing issues like AIDS and human rights violations worldwide.
Interesting Facts
- Gere is a skilled musician, playing several instruments, including the piano and trumpet.
- He was offered the iconic role of John McClane in "Die Hard," but declined.
- Gere holds a black belt in Aikido, a Japanese martial art.
Controversies
Gere's pro-Tibet activism has caused friction with China, leading to him being unofficially banned from the country. He was also criticized for an onstage incident at the 1993 Academy Awards where he spoke out against China's occupation of Tibet.
Conclusion
Richard Gere's career spans decades, marked by heartthrob roles, dramatic performances, and his passionate humanitarianism. His commitment to Buddhism and activism distinguishes him as a multi-faceted figure in Hollywood.
References
- Wikipedia: Richard Gere: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Gere
- IMDb: Richard Gere: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000152/
- Celebrity Net Worth: Richard Gere: [invalid URL removed]
