This year, on August 31, one of the most popular actors of the 80-90s, Richard Gere, turned 75 years old. Richard has been incredibly popular for many years, and he still embodies natural charisma, incredible attractiveness, intelligence and magnetism. Despite his venerable age, Gere is still a sought-after actor who is invited to play leading roles.
We tell you some interesting and little-known facts from the life of this amazing actor.
I didn’t grow up as a “soft-handed person”
Hollywood star Richard Gere, known for his charisma and talent, has an unexpected skill – milking cows. His life, full of bright events and unexpected turns, began on August 31, 1949 in Philadelphia. In the family of an insurance agent and a housewife, Richard was the second of five children. From his father, who in his youth dreamed of becoming a priest, he received an interest in the spiritual world. The Gere family lived very modestly, but amicably.
Richard spent his childhood on his grandfather’s farm, where as a boy he would run around the fields and learn the basics of rural life, helping to care for the animals and the land. His grandfather, an experienced farmer, taught Richard how to milk cows, introducing him to work and not wanting to see him as a “slacker”. Thanks to this experience, Richard can still amaze those around him with his ability to milk cows, remaining true to his grandfather’s lessons.
Could have become an athlete or a musician
Richard’s school years were filled with athletic achievements. He was very enthusiastic about gymnastics, which later became a ticket to the University of Massachusetts, where he was considered a promising athlete. However, Richard’s athletic career was interrupted by his love for music. Since childhood, Richard was fond of playing the trumpet, and in his student years this hobby grew into a real passion.
Forgetting his sporting ambitions, he decided to devote himself to music and become the best trumpeter in the world. Richard left the university and moved to a small commune, where he surrounded himself with fellow musicians.
But life in a bohemian environment, filled with ambitions that did not always correspond to real possibilities, quickly disappointed Richard. He realized that the world of musicians was even more cruel than that of actors. It was then that Richard made another sharp turn in his life, deciding to try himself in cinema.
Got into a fight with Stallone
In the early 70s, Richard was on the verge of a stellar career. In 1973, he, an unknown actor, was invited to star in the film “The Lords of Flatbush”, where he was supposed to play in a pair with the already famous Sylvester Stallone. But the relationship between the two actors did not work out.
Gere, who is famous for his calmness and intelligence, was irritated by Stallone’s constant reproaches. As a result, the relationship between the film colleagues became unbearable, and it even came to a fight. After this, Gere was excluded from the project, and actor Perry King took his place.
Of course, this scandalous story did not go unnoticed by casting directors, which is why Gere was not in a hurry to offer roles for a long time. Despite this failure, Richard Gere did not give up. He continued to work hard, looking for new opportunities. And in 1978, he got his first leading role in the film “Days of Heaven”, which brought him success and cemented his image as a sex symbol.
After the release of the film, the actor was inundated with offers. He became one of the most sought-after actors of his time, winning the recognition of critics and the love of viewers. He became one of the few actors who had leading roles in almost all of the projects he played.
Replaced Travolta in American Gigolo
The story of the film “American Gigolo” is a story of a bold decision and a lucky break. The script, written by Paul Schrader, was conceived as a crime drama revealing the inner world of a young man living on the edge of the law. The director saw John Travolta, who had already become a star by that time, as the main character. Travolta, captivated by the role, was ready to film, but at the last moment he suddenly refused to participate.
The reasons for this are still unclear, but rumor has it that Travolta did not like some of the nude scenes, which he considered too bold for the time. The role eventually went to Richard Gere, who agreed to take part in the film.
This decision became a turning point in his career. For the first time, Gere got the opportunity to show his talent in the role of a complex and ambiguous hero who, despite his profession, has a complex inner life.
True, the costumes made for Travolta did not fit Gere, and the costume designers had to urgently remake absolutely the entire wardrobe just a few days before the start of filming. However, despite all the difficulties, the film became a real breakthrough in Richard Gere’s career. It cemented his reputation as a talented actor, capable of embodying complex and ambiguous characters on screen.
Can’t call himself a ladies’ man
In the 80s, after the release of “American Gigolo”, Gere received the status of a seducer. But Richard himself does not consider himself a ladies’ man, since he has always been shy in relationships with the opposite sex. And in his youth, Gere was completely insecure and did not know how to meet a girl he liked. According to the actor, he had his first love only at the age of 22.
I didn’t want to star in Pretty Woman
The film “Pretty Woman” brought Gere worldwide love and fame, and the actor refused to star in it several times. The fact is that the script of this romantic comedy seemed too sentimental, predictable and talentless to Richard Gere. After Richard Gere, Al Pacino also refused the role, who also considered the plot of the film secondary. Then director Garry Marshall decided to put the squeeze on Richard Gere, in whom he saw the ideal performer of the role of a successful businessman.
A modest wedding with Crawford
Richard Gere has always attracted attention not only with his talent, but also with his personal life. His first marriage to supermodel Cindy Crawford was unexpected for everyone. After the premiere of “Pretty Woman”, rumors began to circulate about Gere’s stormy affair with Roberts, but in 1991 the actor married Crawford. Their wedding was simply stunningly modest, which emphasizes the unconventionality and freedom-loving nature of Gere, who has always been distinguished by his dislike of public opinion and preference for living life on his own terms.
“We had the most budget wedding in the world: we didn’t want pompous speeches and expensive ceremonies, so we got married in a tiny chapel in Las Vegas, where everyone gets married for free. We didn’t have time to buy rings (the decision to get married was sudden for both of us), so we made their likeness out of foil, the kind you wrap chewing gum in… The only guests at our wedding were four people passing by,” Gere recalls.
Fees are not the most important thing for him
Richard Gere has a rare humanity and kindness, which is evident not only in his attitude to work, but also in his views on life. The actor recalls that at one time he earned a good amount of money, collaborating with major film studios.
Now he is more interested not in fabulous earnings, but in good scripts and interesting roles. And since the actor does not feel the need for money, he can afford to star in any projects he likes, including independent films with a modest budget and limited distribution.
The actor believes that asking them for big fees is a real dirty trick, so he is ready to act even for free, as long as it is a really good auteur film with a strong script. This position emphasizes that Richard Gere is not just a star, but a person with his own beliefs and values.
34 years older than the 3rd wife
In 2018, Richard Gere married Alejandra Silva, a young Spanish publicist, whom he had been dating for 3 years. This marriage turned out to be calm and harmonious for the actor. Richard found in Alejandra not only a beloved woman, but also a true friend and comrade. He is happy in this relationship and finds satisfaction in their life together. Now the couple is raising two sons, who were born in 2019 and 2020.
“My grey hair doesn’t scare me. I’ve never tried to dye my hair, and now there’s no point in starting: I feel great being grey and I like aging. Every breath opens up new possibilities – and that’s great. Although I’m not as flexible physically as I was at 20, mentally I’m as nimble as I was as a teenager,” the actor confesses.
The actor admits that at first he was worried about the big age difference with his young lover, but now the spouses do not feel this difference at all. Moreover, according to Gere, now he does not feel his real age and feels like a teenager.
He says he is still as dreamy and curious as he was in his younger years. He loves to watch people, get involved in stories, travel and discover new places.
And in all this he is supported by his beloved wife.
