Gina Heslop
Richard Gere, a famous actor from movies like “Pretty Woman” and “An Officer and a Gentleman,” fell in love with acting in high school. He faced challenges early on, with some failed shows, but found success in London’s production of “Grease” before returning to New York for Broadway.
His breakthrough came with “Looking for Mr. Goodbar” in 1977, followed by roles in “Days of Heaven” and “American Gigolo.” “Pretty Woman” solidified his Hollywood status, thanks to Julia Roberts’ persuasion. Despite success, Gere felt he had messed up his career by rejecting scripts like “Pretty Woman” and “An Officer and a Gentleman” initially, feeling disconnected from them.
He had to work hard to regain momentum, making tough choices like “Internal Affairs.” Despite initial doubts, “Pretty Woman” provided creative freedom, leading Gere to explore different aspects of his acting.
While “Pretty Woman” shaped his career, Gere later dismissed it as a forgettable, silly film glorifying Wall Street. Despite financial success, his film choices weren’t driven by money. He earned millions per film and was named People Magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive in 1999.
Gere’s personal life saw marriages to Cindy Crawford and Carey Lowell before settling with Alejandra Silva, with whom he has two sons. His Buddhist beliefs and friendship with the Dalai Lama influenced his life and career profoundly.
During the 1993 Academy Awards, Gere protested China’s occupation of Tibet, facing backlash from the Chinese market. Despite this, he prioritized speaking out over lucrative roles, leading to significant career sacrifices.
Richard Gere’s journey reflects a mix of career highs, personal relationships, and activism. Despite challenges and career setbacks, his passion for acting and advocacy remained steadfast, shaping both his professional and personal life.
