Richard Gere’s Life in Photos

Richard Gere’s Early Days

Richard Tiffany Gere was born on Aug. 31, 1949 in Philadelphia. The second of five children, his mother was a homemaker while his father worked as an insurance salesman, per IMDb.

Richard Gere Pursues Acting

After graduating from North Syracuse Central High School, Gere attended the University of Massachusetts on a gymnastics scholarship. However, he dropped out after two years to pursue an acting career.

Gere cut his teeth on the stage, starring in starring in a 1973 production of Grease in London, as well as Taming of the Shrew. In the U.S. he also had some small roles in TV movies, including Chelsea D.H.O. and Strike Force.

Above, the actor is pictured in a scene from 1978’s Days Of Heaven,’ alongside Brooke Adams.

Richard Gere Gets His Big Break

Gere got his big break playing Julian in Paul Schrader’s American Gigolo, which came out in 1980. He followed that up with a role in An Officer and a Gentleman and solidified himself as a leading man.

Above, the actor is pictured deep in character as he played Lancelot in First Knight.

Richard Gere Stars in ‘Pretty Woman’

Gere stole the hearts of women worldwide playing wealthy and stoic businessman Edward Lewis in 1990’s Pretty Woman. The film was an instant hit, grossing over $463 million. Since 1990, the film has grossed $178 million, per Forbes, showing that fans — old and new — continue to revere the movie.

Richard Gere’s Friendship with Julia Roberts

It seems Edward and Vivian’s on-screen chemistry was a result of Gere and Julia Roberts’ real-life friendship. The pair were pictured sharing a hearty laugh while at the Amnesty International USA Media Spotlight Awards in 1998.

They would reunite once again for 1999’s Runaway Bride.

Richard Gere Marries Cindy Crawford

In 1991, 42-year-old Gere married 25-year-old Cindy Crawford. While the two made a picturesque pair, they couldn’t make it work and decided to go their separate ways four years later.

Neither party has really spoken about their marriage since, but Crawford told PEOPLE that distance played a part in why they divorced, saying, “We didn’t spend enough time together. And we’re equally responsible for that. We thought it would be okay if we just flew in from Paris to L.A. to get together for a night to see each other. It wasn’t.”

Richard Gere Leaves His Prints

The actor appeared over the moon at his footprint ceremony at Mann’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood back in 1999.

Richard Gere Wins a Golden Globe

Richard Gere showed off his acting and singing prowess when he portrayed Billy Flynn in 2002’s Chicago. He took home the Golden Globe for best actor in a motion picture musical or comedy at the 60th annual Golden Globe Awards the following year.

Richard Gere Becomes a Father

In 2002, Gere married former model and actress Carey Lowell after dating for about eight years. The two welcomed their son, Homer James in 2000.

The couple split in 2013 and a friend told PEOPLE, “They’ll do everything possible to keep things amicable and put their child first.”

Above, the pair is pictured watching a seemingly intense Chicago Bulls vs. New York Knicks basketball game at Madison Square Garden in 2012.

Richard Gere Finds Love in Alejandra Silva

Gere married Spanish publicist and activist Alejandra Silva in 2018. The same year, the two also revealed their plans to start a family and welcomed son Alexander that September. They followed up with another baby boy — who’s name they’ve kept under wraps — in April 2020.

Richard Gere Brings His Family to Cannes

In May 2024, Gere was accompanied by son Homer and Silva for the premiere of Oh, Canada at the 77th annual Cannes Film Festival.