Richard Gere

Richard Tiffany Gere was born on August 31, 1949, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. He was raised in a Methodist family as the eldest son of Doris Ann and Homer George Gere. His family moved several times during his childhood and finally settled in Syracuse, New York. Gere started acting in plays in high school and eventually landed a gymnastics scholarship to the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he majored in Philosophy before leaving to pursue an acting career.

Richard Gere's career breakthrough came with his performance in the film 'Days of Heaven', directed by Terrence Malick and released on February 8, 1979. This film is noted for its acclaimed cinematography and was one of Gere’s first major roles where his performance was noticed by the wider film community, earning positive reviews. The film received the Academy Award for Best Cinematography.

'American Gigolo', released on June 27, 1980, is a film that marked a turning point in Richard Gere’s career, establishing him as a sex symbol and a leading man in Hollywood. Directed by Paul Schrader, the film features Gere as a high-priced escort involved in a murder investigation. The film’s blend of erotic and existential themes solidified Gere’s status. The film's success helped promote Giorgio Armani suits and Blondie’s song 'Call Me'.

'Pretty Woman', released on March 23, 1990, is one of the defining films of Richard Gere’s career. Starring alongside Julia Roberts, Gere plays the role of a wealthy businessman who falls in love with a prostitute he hires. The film was a major box office success and became a cultural phenomenon, turning Gere into a household name. The chemistry between Gere and Roberts was widely praised, and the film remains a romantic comedy classic.

'Red Corner', released on October 10, 1997, is a film starring Richard Gere as an American businessman who is wrongfully accused of murder while in China. The film explores themes of justice and international politics and was notable for its critical view of Chinese legal practices. Gere’s performance was praised and his advocacy for human rights was reflected in the choice of this role, which added depth to his public persona as an activist for Tibetan autonomy.

On December 10, 1999, Richard Gere married actress Carey Lowell. The wedding marked a pivotal moment in Gere's personal life. Gere and Lowell had been together for several years before marrying, and they welcomed their first child, son Homer, in the year 2000. Throughout their marriage, the couple was noted for their humanitarian efforts and involvement in various causes. The couple later divorced in 2016 after a lengthy separation.

The film 'Chicago', in which Richard Gere stars as Billy Flynn, was released on December 27, 2002. This role showcased Gere's singing and dancing skills, earning him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy. The film won several Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and elevated Gere’s standing in Hollywood. 'Chicago' is known for its modern take on the musical genre and has become a significant film in Gere's career.

'Nights in Rodanthe', released on March 14, 2008, is a romantic drama film starring Richard Gere and Diane Lane. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Nicholas Sparks. Gere plays the role of a doctor who finds unexpected love during a weekend trip. The film reunites Gere with Lane, his co-star from previous films, and explores themes of love, loss, and forgiveness. Although the film received mixed reviews, Gere's performance was highlighted.

Richard Gere married Alejandra Silva, a Spanish publicist and activist, on May 5, 2018. The couple had been dating for several years prior to their wedding. Gere's marriage to Silva marked another chapter in his personal life, and the couple has two sons together. Gere and Silva are known for their joint humanitarian work and commitment to various social causes. Their relationship has been closely followed by the media, reflecting Gere's continued public interest.

On August 31, 2020, Richard Gere celebrated his 71st birthday. Over the decades, Gere has built a reputation as one of Hollywood's prominent actors, known not only for his performances in films such as 'Pretty Woman' and 'Chicago', but also for his activist work, particularly in support of Tibetan independence and human rights. As a public figure, Gere has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, maintaining both a successful personal and professional life.