Richard Gere is a true Hollywood icon, a versatile and acclaimed actor who has captivated audiences for over four decades. From his breakout role in “American Gigolo” to his legendary performances in films like “An Officer and a Gentleman” and “Pretty Woman,” Gere has established himself as one of the most bankable and respected leading men in the industry. But his impact extends far beyond the silver screen – he is also a dedicated philanthropist and advocate for human rights, particularly in Tibet.
Who is Richard Gere?
Born Richard Tiffany Gere on August 31, 1949, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Gere grew up in a middle-class household. His mother, Doris Ann, was a housewife, while his father, Homer George Gere, worked as an insurance agent. From an early age, Gere showed a talent for the arts, excelling in music, gymnastics, and theater during his time at North Syracuse Central High School.
After receiving a gymnastics scholarship, Gere attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he studied philosophy. However, he left the university after just two years without graduating. Undeterred, Gere began pursuing his passion for acting, working in plays on and off Broadway in the early 1970s.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Richard Tiffany Gere |
| Date of Birth | August 31, 1949 |
| Birthplace | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Parents | Doris Ann (mother), Homer George (father) |
| Education | University of Massachusetts Amherst (studied philosophy) |
| Height | 6 ft (183 cm) |
| Age | 73 years |
Age and Physique
Richard Gere has been known for his handsome and youthful appearance throughout his career. Even in his later years, the now 73-year-old actor has maintained an impressive physique, partly thanks to his lifelong dedication to fitness and health. Gere has been open about his commitment to a healthy lifestyle, which includes a vegetarian diet and regular exercise.
In his younger days, Gere’s striking good looks and athletic build made him a natural leading man in Hollywood. His roles in films like “An Officer and a Gentleman” and “American Gigolo” cemented his status as a sex symbol, and he was named People magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive” in 1999. Even today, Gere continues to captivate audiences with his timeless charm and charisma.
Personal Life and Relationships
Richard Gere’s personal life has been the subject of much public interest. From 1971 to 1978, he was in a relationship with actress Penelope Milford, and he later dated several other high-profile women, including Priscilla Presley and Kim Basinger.
In 1991, Gere married supermodel Cindy Crawford, a union that captured the public’s imagination. However, the marriage was short-lived, and the couple divorced in 1995. Gere later married model and actress Carey Lowell in 2002, and the couple had a son together, Homer James Jigme Gere, before separating in 2013.
More recently, in 2018, Gere married Spanish activist Alejandra Silva, and the two have welcomed two children together. Gere’s personal life has been marked by high-profile relationships and a deep commitment to his spiritual beliefs, particularly his practice of Buddhism.
Net Worth and Salary
With a career spanning over four decades, it’s no surprise that Richard Gere has amassed a substantial net worth. According to estimates, the actor’s net worth is currently around $120 million, making him one of the wealthiest actors in Hollywood.
Much of Gere’s wealth can be attributed to his successful acting career, with many of his films grossing hundreds of millions of dollars at the box office. Films like “Pretty Woman,” “An Officer and a Gentleman,” and “Chicago” have all contributed significantly to his income over the years.
In addition to his acting earnings, Gere has also made savvy real estate investments. He has owned several high-value properties, including a $6.9 million home in Sag Harbor, New York, and a sprawling 50-acre estate in Pound Ridge, New York, which he recently sold for $24.15 million.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Estimated Net Worth | $120 million |
| Major Film Earnings | “Pretty Woman,” “An Officer and a Gentleman,” “Chicago” |
| Real Estate Investments | Properties in Sag Harbor and Pound Ridge |
Professional Career
Richard Gere’s professional career began in the late 1960s, with his first significant theater role coming in the original West End stage production of “Grease” in 1973. He quickly transitioned to film, appearing in small but notable roles in movies like “Looking for Mr. Goodbar” and “Days of Heaven” in the 1970s.
Gere’s big break came in 1980 with the release of “American Gigolo,” which established him as a leading man and sex symbol in Hollywood. He followed this up with a critically acclaimed performance in the 1982 film “An Officer and a Gentleman,” earning his first Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor.
Over the next few decades, Gere continued to take on a variety of high-profile roles, including the romantic lead in the massively successful “Pretty Woman” (1990) and the Oscar-winning “Chicago” (2002), for which he won a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy.
Despite occasional professional inactivity, Gere has maintained a consistent presence in Hollywood, often surprising audiences with his versatility and depth as an actor. He has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including a Golden Globe Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and a National Board of Review Freedom of Expression Award.
Investment and Funding
In addition to his acting career, Richard Gere has also been involved in various business ventures and investments. One of his most significant investments is in real estate, as evidenced by his ownership of several high-value properties, including his former $36.5 million estate in Sag Harbor, New York, and his 24.15 million Pound Ridge compound.
Gere has also been involved in the hospitality industry, co-owning the Bedford Post Inn in New York. He has used his wealth to support various philanthropic endeavors, such as the Gere Foundation, which he founded to support human rights and environmental causes. In politics, Gere has been a vocal supporter of Democratic candidates, including donating $2,700 to Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign.
Contact Details and Social Media
While Richard Gere has maintained a relatively private personal life, he does have a presence on social media, particularly on Instagram, where he has over 200,000 followers. Fans can follow him at @richardgere, where he shares occasional updates and glimpses into his life.
Additionally, information about Gere’s professional work and public appearances can be found on his official website, richardgere.com, and through various entertainment news outlets and industry publications.
| Platform | Username | Followers |
|---|---|---|
| @richardgere | 200,000+ | |
| Official Website | richardgere.com | N/A |
Conclusion
Richard Gere’s remarkable career and multifaceted life story testify to his talent, dedication, and commitment to positively impacting the world. From his early days as a rising star in the theater to his status as a beloved Hollywood icon, Gere has consistently demonstrated his versatility and depth as an actor while using his platform to advocate for important causes. As he continues to evolve and take on new challenges, both on and off the screen, Richard Gere’s legacy will endure, inspiring future generations of actors and activists.
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