Richard Tiffany Gere born August 31, 1949 is an American actor known for his extensive career in film. He began his acting journey in the 1970s with a supporting role in Looking for Mr. Goodbar (1977) and a lead role in Days of Heaven (1978). Gere gained widespread recognition with his role in American Gigolo (1980), which solidified him as both a leading man and a sex symbol. His filmography includes iconic titles such as An Officer and a Gentleman (1982), Pretty Woman (1990), Runaway Bride (1999), Chicago (2002), for which he won a Golden Globe Award, and Arbitrage (2012). Other notable films include The Cotton Club (1984), Primal Fear (1996), Shall We Dance? (2004), and Norman (2016).
Richard Gere Biography 2024
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Gere is the eldest of two children in his family. His mother, Doris Ann (née Tiffany), was a homemaker, and his father, Homer George Gere, worked as an insurance agent. Originally, his father aspired to be a minister. Raised in Syracuse, New York, Gere grew up in a Methodist household. His paternal ancestors were Mayflower descendants, and he has connections to several Pilgrims, including John Billington and William Brewster. Gere attended North Syracuse Central High School, excelling in both gymnastics and music, and later attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst on a gymnastics scholarship. He studied philosophy for two years before leaving college without graduating.
Richard Gere Biography Details
| Born | August 31, 1949 (age 75) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
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| Occupation | Actor |
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| Years active | 1969–present |
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| Children | 3 |
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Richard Gere Early Life
Richard Tiffany Gere, born on August 31, 1949, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is an acclaimed American actor. He first entered the film industry in the 1970s, initially taking on a supporting role in Looking for Mr. Goodbar (1977) and later securing a starring role in Days of Heaven (1978). Gere rose to prominence with his portrayal of a male escort in American Gigolo (1980), a role that cemented his status as a leading man and sex symbol in Hollywood. Over the years, Gere has become known for his versatile performances in films such as Pretty Woman (1990), Runaway Bride (1999), and Chicago (2002), the latter of which earned him a Golden Globe Award.
Gere has had a colorful personal life as well. He has been married three times: to model and actress Cindy Crawford (1991–1995), actress Carey Lowell (2002–2016), and his current wife, Alejandra Silva, whom he married in 2018. He has one child, Homer James Jigme Gere, with Lowell. Standing at 1.78 meters (5’10”), Gere is the son of Homer George Gere, a former insurance agent, and Doris Ann Tiffany, a homemaker. He has several siblings, including Henry Januszewski, David Gere, Susan Gere, Laura Gere, and Joanne Gere.
Richard Gere Career Highlights
Aspect | Richard Gere’s Key Works |
Early Film Roles | Looking for Mr. Goodbar (1977), Days of Heaven (1978) |
Breakthrough Film | American Gigolo (1980) |
Notable Films of the 90s | Pretty Woman (1990), Runaway Bride (1999), Primal Fear (1996) |
Golden Globe Award | Chicago (2002) |
Recent Works | Arbitrage (2012), Norman (2016) |
Early Life and Education
Life | Years |
Birthplace | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
Date of Birth | August 31, 1949 |
Family Background | Descendants of Mayflower pilgrims, raised in Syracuse, New York |
Education | University of Massachusetts Amherst (studied philosophy) |
Early Interests | Gymnastics, music (trumpet) |
Career Development and Milestones
Career | Information |
Early Career | Appeared in theater productions like Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead (1969) |
Breakthrough in Film | American Gigolo (1980), role that established him as a sex symbol |
Box Office Successes | Pretty Woman (1990), Runaway Bride (1999) |
Awards and Nominations | Multiple Golden Globe nominations and one win for Chicago (2002) |
Political Views and Activism
View | Facts |
Tibetan Independence | Active supporter of the Tibetan cause, banned from entering China |
Human Rights Advocacy | Co-founder of Tibet House US, advocate for global human rights |
Ecological and AIDS Advocacy | Supports environmental causes, AIDS awareness, and tribal rights |
Personal Life and Relationships
Names | Points |
Marriages | Cindy Crawford (1991–1995), Carey Lowell (2002–2016), Alejandra Silva (2018–present) |
Children | Homer James Jigme Gere, Alexander Gere (with Alejandra Silva) |
Buddhism | Practicing Tibetan Buddhist, supporter of the Dalai Lama |
Richard Gere’s Humanitarian Contributions
Name | Facts |
Tibet House US | Co-founder, a nonprofit supporting Tibetan culture |
AIDS Care Home | Founded a facility for women and children with AIDS in India |
Global Humanitarian Work | Supports various international human rights organizations |
Filmography Overview
Heading | Information |
Notable Films | American Gigolo (1980), Pretty Woman (1990), Chicago (2002) |
Television Roles | MotherFatherSon (2019), The Simpsons (2001) |
Awards and Honors
Awards | Facts |
Major Awards | Golden Globe Award for Chicago (2002), several nominations for Pretty Woman and Runaway Bride |
Lifetime Achievement | George Eastman Museum Award (2012), Hamptons International Film Festival Lifetime Achievement Award |
Richard Gere Influence in Hollywood
Statur | Facts |
Hollywood Status | Considered one of the best actors not nominated for an Academy Award |
Box Office Draw | Successful films across genres from romantic comedies to thrillers |
Summary of Richard Gere Contributions to Cinema
Heading | Information |
Acting Versatility | Known for roles in both light-hearted comedies and heavy dramas |
Humanitarian Influence | Uses fame to bring attention to Tibet, AIDS, and environmental causes |
Personal Achievements | Longstanding career with multiple accolades, including Golden Globe |
Richard Gere Advocacy for Tibet
Overview | Details |
Tibetan Independence | Strong proponent of Tibetan freedom, exiled from China |
Support for the Dalai Lama | Active supporter and practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism |
Richard Gere Popular Films
Years | Data |
Pretty Woman (1990) | Role as Edward Lewis, a wealthy businessman |
Chicago (2002) | Portrayal of Billy Flynn, a musical role that earned him a Golden Globe |
Media Coverage and Public Image
Heading | Years |
People’s Sexiest Man Alive | Named in 1999, becoming a cultural icon |
Public Persona | Known for being private and philanthropic |
Richard Gere Role in Chicago
Awards | Facts |
Role | Billy Flynn, a lawyer involved in a musical scandal |
Award | Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Musical or Comedy |
Richard Gere Recent Works
Years | Points |
Norman (2016) | A departure from his typical roles, received praise for his performance |
Maybe I Do (2023) | Latest romantic comedy, portraying Howard |
Personal Philosophy
Heading | Information |
Buddhism and Spirituality | Practices Tibetan Buddhism, an advocate for the Dalai Lama |
Views on Life | Emphasizes global peace, human rights, and environmental preservation |
Richard Gere Net Worth
Richard Gere has an estimated net worth of $120 million.
Richard Gere Summary
Richard Gere, one of the most enduring actors of his generation, has built a career that spans a variety of genres from romantic comedies to serious dramas. Apart from his cinematic achievements, his commitment to human rights, environmental causes, and his support for Tibetan independence have solidified his legacy as a global activist. Throughout his career, Gere has been both a respected artist and a passionate advocate for change, and his ongoing work continues to inspire both in Hollywood and beyond.
