Richard Gere, born August 31, 1949, is an American actor known for his charismatic performances and iconic roles in films like Pretty Woman, An Officer and a Gentleman, and Chicago. With a career spanning over four decades, Gere is widely celebrated for his acting skills and dedication to humanitarian causes, especially those related to human rights and Tibetan independence.
Richard Gere Early Life
Richard Gere was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and raised in Syracuse, New York. He grew up with his parents, Homer and Doris Gere, and four siblings. Gere developed an early passion for music and played several instruments during high school, before earning a gymnastics scholarship to the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He dropped out of college after two years to pursue a career in acting.
Rise to Fame
After a stint in theater, Gere gained his first taste of fame with the Broadway production Grease in the early 1970s. His breakthrough film role came in American Gigolo (1980), which established him as a Hollywood leading man. The following year, Gere starred alongside Debra Winger in An Officer and a Gentleman, which became a critical and commercial success. In 1990, he starred in Pretty Woman with Julia Roberts, a role that remains one of his most famous performances to date.
Humanitarian Work
Beyond acting, Gere has long been involved in humanitarian efforts. He is a practicing Buddhist and vocal advocate for Tibetan rights, often working alongside the Dalai Lama. In 1991, he established the Gere Foundation to support human rights, particularly in Tibet. Gere has also worked to address homelessness and AIDS awareness, using his platform to raise awareness and fund initiatives related to these causes.
Net Worth
Richard Gere's net worth is estimated to be around $120 million, earned mostly from his extensive acting career. Some of his most successful films, including Pretty Woman and Runaway Bride, grossed hundreds of millions worldwide, securing his place as a highly-paid actor in Hollywood.
Personal Life
Gere has been married three times, most recently to Alejandra Silva, a Spanish publicist and activist, with whom he has two children. He was previously married to supermodel Cindy Crawford and actress Carey Lowell, with whom he shares a son.
Gere’s Unique Acting Style
Known for his understated yet intense acting style, Gere often brings a calm quality to the roles he plays. His performances are marked by their charisma, making him one of Hollywood’s most well-liked and cherished actors.