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Richard Gere is a legendary American actor and humanitarian, best known for his roles in American Gigolo (1980), An Officer and a Gentleman (1982), and Pretty Woman (1990). His career spans over five decades, marked by iconic romantic leads, critically acclaimed dramas, and strong humanitarian activism, especially for Tibetan rights.

Early Life and Education

• Born: August 31, 1949, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
• Family: Eldest son of Doris Ann (homemaker) and Homer George Gere (insurance agent). Both were Mayflower descendants.
• Raised: Methodist, in Syracuse, New York.
• Education: Attended University of Massachusetts Amherst on a gymnastics scholarship, studied philosophy, but left after two years.

Career Beginnings

• Started in theatre: Seattle Repertory Theatre and Provincetown Playhouse (1969).
• Broadway debut: Soon (1971).
• London stage: Grease (1973).
• Breakthrough stage role: Bent (1979), playing a gay Holocaust victim, earning a Theatre World Award.

Rise to Stardom

• Film debut: Looking for Mr. Goodbar (1977).
• Major breakthrough: Days of Heaven (1978).
• Star-making role: American Gigolo (1980) — cemented him as a sex symbol.
• *An Officer and a Gentleman (1982): Box office hit, established Gere as a Hollywood leading man.

Iconic Roles

• Pretty Woman (1990): Paired with Julia Roberts, became one of the most beloved romantic comedies ever.
• Primal Fear (1996): Critically acclaimed courtroom drama.
• Runaway Bride (1999): Reunited with Julia Roberts.
• Chicago (2002): Won Golden Globe for Best Actor.
• Other notable films: Internal Affairs (1990), Unfaithful (2002), Shall We Dance? (2004), Hachi: A Dog’s Tale (2009), Arbitrage (2012).

Sources:

Humanitarian Work

• Tibet activism: Founding member of Tibet House, vocal supporter of Dalai Lama.
• Survival International: Advocates for tribal peoples’ rights worldwide.
• Humanitarian missions in Central America during the 1980s.