Many women of different ages and nationalities are in love with the charming, gallant, beautiful American actor Richard Gere. I canât even believe that the sex symbol is already 64 years old, and it does not shine with the roles of cute tempter lovers. Richard Gere does not belong to the category of sought-after actors for whom the directors are ready to fight, but nevertheless he managed to occupy his niche in the film industry, to become not only famous and recognizable, but also the favorite of a multi-million army of fans.
Finding a place in the sun
Richard Gere was born in Philadelphia on August 29, 1949 in the family of a poor insurance agent. Looking at this actor, which is a symbol of male politeness and gallantry, it is difficult to even imagine that he grew up on a village farm. His family was not rich, his father could hardly make ends meet, but he instilled in his son a love of art and music in particular. Immediately after leaving school in 1967, Richard went to university in Massachusetts, where he studied drama and philosophy for two years.
In 1969, Gere decided to decide on his future career and try to get a job in adulthood, so he dropped out of school. The young man was very attracted to music, so he decided to become a professional trumpeter. Richard settles in in the commune of rockers in Vermont, but soon becomes disillusioned with his chosen profession and returns to New York. As an actor, Gere decided to try himself at the London rock opera, where he got the main role, but the opera closed after the first performance. In the end, Richard had to return to his native States to participate in the Broadway comedy musical.
The beginning of a stellar career
In his youth, Richard Gere was distinguished by excessive modesty and isolation. His filmography, perhaps, could have been more extensive, if the actor at one time knew how to easily and naturally meet people, to present himself from the right side. At the same time, his career could have ended without having begun if Gere hadnât played the role of a suicide bomber in Shepardâs play âThe Head of a Killerâ. After that, the young talent achieved positive reviews, and many directors drew attention to him.
After that, the actor had several not entirely successful attempts. With the support of Shepard, he got a role in the film Paradise Days. In it, a very charming and slightly crafty young man was played by Richard Gere. The filmography of the handsome man in 1977 was replenished with Brooks's film âIn Search of Mr. Goodbarâ. Although his hero on the screen was no more than 15 minutes, but even for this short period of time he managed to subdue the viewer. Very successful films with the participation of Richard Gere came out in the early 80s. Among them are the films "American Gigolo" and "Officer and Gentleman." These films were intended for John Travolta, but he was snapped up, so he refused the proposed roles, allowing Gere to prove himself.
Gear's failures in film career
In 1984, Richard starred in the movie "Cotton Club", where he was able to fully demonstrate his musical abilities. His hero played various musical instruments, including trumpet, and distinguished himself by an ardent love of jazz. Then there were continuous setbacks. âInternal Affairsâ, âKing Davidâ, âPowerâ - Richard Gere did not show himself in these paintings. The filmography of the 80s as a whole was not very bright and successful, the actor tried his best, but his roles did not find the desired response in the hearts of the audience and film critics. All his attempts to please were ridiculed or misinterpreted.
Best Roles
At the beginning of his film career, Richard Gere was not distinguished by special constancy. His filmography in the 70-80s contains information about paintings, which were marked by incredible ups and terrible falls. One of his best roles, Gere played in the film "Harvest Days" (1978). His hero Bill is an adventurous young guy. He is a little quick-tempered, has a good savvy. Bill is a criminal and a swindler, but he did not become so from a good life. The film itself was shot very high quality, and Richard revealed in it 100%.
The roles of Richard Gere, whether major or minor, are remembered once and for all. One of his best films is considered Beauty, filmed in 1990. There he played the role of a wealthy, successful person, ready to pay for everything he takes. By the age of 40, the actor was a little overweight, the previous shine disappeared in his eyes, so he was no longer suitable for playing heroes-lovers. The millionaire Lewis played by Gere in a formal suit with a scarf in his breast pocket looks impressive and monumental.
In the piggy bank of the best film works, it is also worth adding Primal Fear, filmed in 1996. Here Richard played a successful lawyer. His hero, a sleek man, confident in his victory, is immediately remembered. In 2002, Gere again played a lawyer, but this time in the movie Chicago. The actor fascinated many spectators with his game, because itâs not easy to play charismatic people , and he easily managed to maintain interest in his hero throughout the entire film.
The actorâs life behind the scenes
The biography of Richard Gere contains not only facts about his creative life. The actor temporarily left the movie to travel around the world. As a result, he became interested in Buddhism, became a zealous activist and fighter for the rights of the Tibetans oppressed by the Chinese government. Gere used his popularity in every way to promote his activist ideas. The fact that Buddhism for the actor is not just another fashionable hobby, but something more, confirms Tibet House, based in New York, as well as a foundation named after Gere.
The personal life of an idol
Richard Gere does not belong to the celebrities, showing off their personal lives . He carefully hid and hides his hobbies and love affairs, so fans of the actor can only be content with rumors. With his first passion, Gere met at the age of 22 and lived with her in a civil marriage for 5 years. Then he had a relationship with Brazilian artist Sylvia Martins, which also lasted about 5 years.
At the age of 42, Richard decided to tie the knot with 25-year-old Cindy Crawford, but their happiness was not long. After 4 years, the young wife left him, unable to get used to her husband's passion for Buddhism. Richard found his happiness in 1996 with actress Larry Lowell, with whom he still lives. At the age of 50, Gere became a father: in 2000 he had a son, Homer, James Jigme Gere. In addition, the actor raised his stepdaughter, Larryâs daughter from her first marriage, Khan Dan Lowell. Richard Gere's children grew up in a family where harmony and mutual understanding always reigned. With any woman, the actor was not as good as with Lowell, as evidenced by their long-term relationship.
Interesting Biography Facts
- Not all fans of the actor know that their idol twice refused the role in the film "Pretty Woman", which brought him worldwide popularity. Gear argued his refusal with a bad script. When he found out that his partner would be Julia Roberts, he thought about the proposal, but the final decision was influenced by the financial side.
- The main hobbies of the actor are Buddhism and meditation.
- Gere is a member of the American Committee for Peace in Chechnya.
What is Richard doing today?
Films with Richard Gere are always perceived by viewers with love and trepidation. Despite his considerable age, the actor is actively acting in new films and continues to delight fans with unsurpassed acting and charm. Gere is still keen on Buddhism and often travels to Tibet.