Richard Gere: Actor and Humanitarian

Selected by People magazine as one of the “50 Most Beautiful People” in 1991 and then as the “Sexiest Man Alive” in 1999, Richard Gere still has that “distinguished older gentleman” look that continues to make him, in my opinion, sexy.

He may have turned down some major roles in the past (like the lead roles in both Die Hard and Wall Street), but he has starred in some pretty amazing roles.

Gere first made heads turn and women swoon when he played Julian in American Gigolo. He followed that movie with An Officer and a Gentleman, where he played Zack Mayo and wooed Paula Pofrifki, played by Debra Winger.

Then in 1990, he scored big time when he starred in Pretty Woman as Edward Lewis, who paid and then wooed prostitute Vivian Ward, played by Julia Roberts, the beautiful red-head we all know and love.

The duo of Gere-Roberts returned in 1999 to once again fall in love in Runaway Bride.

Other great (in my opinion) Richard Gere movies include: Unfaithful (2002), Chicago (2002), Hachi: A Dog’s Tale (2009), and The Double (2011).

Now Gere is in a new film out this week titled Arbitrage, about a troubled hedge fund magnate desperate to complete the sale of his trading empire when an error forces him to turn to an unlikely person for help. (Source: IMDb)

I have really enjoyed Gere’s movies, some more than others, but he is more than just a movie star. He and his wife, actress Carey Lowell, co-own the Bedford Post Inn in Bedford, NY.

According to a mini-biography on IMDb, Gere is also “an accomplished pianist and music writer. Above all, Richard is a humanitarian. He’s a founding member of “Tibet House,” a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of Tibetan culture. He has been an active supporter of “Survival International” for several years, a worldwide organization supporting tribal peoples, affirming their right to decide their own future and helping them protect their lives, lands and human rights (these tribes are global, including the natives of the Amazon, the Maasai of East Africa, the Wichi of Argentina, and others). In 1994 Richard went to London to open Harrods’ sale, donating his £50,000 appearance fee to Survival. He has been prominent in their charity advertising campaigns.”

Gere once said, “When I am there [Tibet], I am very happy. The Tibetans radiate. They literally send out light. His Holiness [The Dalai Lama] generates love and compassion to every human being. He has committed himself to that. I haven’t made that leap yet. I haven’t given up self-aspiration. I still love making movies.”

Gere is considered His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s “most high-profile disciple.” You can read an interview with Gere here about his relationship with His Holiness and his Buddhist faith.

What is your favorite Richard Gere movie? I’d love to hear from you!

Have a great day!