Richard Gere is an American actor and producer. He began his career in the 1970s, starring in films like “Looking for Mr Goodbar” and “Days of Heaven.” In 1980, he received his first Academy Award nomination for his performance in “Urban Cowboy.” Gere’s breakout role came in 1987 with the release of “Pretty Woman.” The film was a huge commercial success, grossing over $463 million at the box office.
In the 1990s, Gere starred in hits like “An Officer and a Gentleman,” “Sommersby,” and “Runaway Bride.” He has also been active as a producer, working on films like “The Mothman Prophecies” and “Arbitrage.” Gere has been nominated for three Golden Globe Awards and Screen Actors Guild Award. He also receives a humanitarian award from the National Board of Review.
What is Richard Geres net worth? As of 2022, Richard Gere’s net worth is $120 million.
Early Life
Richard Tiffany Gere was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, on August 31, 1949. His mother, Doris Ann Tattoo (née Tuscan), was a homemaker, and his father, Homer George Gere, was an insurance agent.
Gere was raised in a Quaker household. He attended North Syracuse Central High School, graduating in 1967. He then enrolled at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he studied philosophy.
In order to ensure his son’s future security, his father wanted him to work for the government or be an agent like him. But when he was younger, Richard Gere wanted to take some chances. So, when he was barely 18 years old, he relocated to Los Angeles.
Career
While attending The University of Massachusetts on a gymnastics scholarship, he made his acting debut. After landing the lead part in a London version of the musical Grease, he dropped out. Gere’s first acting gig was in a stage production of “The Man Who Came to Dinner.”
After that, he landed a small role in the film “The Lords of Flatbush.” He followed that up with a starring role in “Looking for Mr. Goodbar,” which was a commercial and critical failure. Gere’s next film, “Days of Heaven,” was a box-office success and earned him his first Academy Award nomination.
After his initial breakthrough, he played additional roles on stage and in cinema until 1978, when he went to Nepal.
Buddhism
After his stay in Nepal, he continued to Tibet. He gained a deeper understanding of Buddhism through his interactions with a community of Tibetan monks and lamas. Gere may have been raised in a Christian household, but he didn’t become interested in Buddhism until his twenties. Although he had Buddhist ancestry and was reared in a Methodist household, it is unclear how well-versed he was in Buddhism at an early age.
It must have been fruitful, for when he got back, he portrayed a survivor of a concentration camp in the play Brent, for which he won the Theatre World Award in 1980. As a result, he landed the lead role in the film American Gigolo, which catapulted him to fame.
Success led to a starring role in 1982’s An Officer and a Gentleman, for which he won an Academy Award. Gere’s career advanced thanks to this film significantly. The film’s famous ending sequence, in which he sweeps his beloved off her feet while dressed in full naval gear, cemented his status as a major romantic protagonist.
Gere’s stardom was solidified thanks to the film’s Oscar-winning score and the unforgettable song “Up Where We Belong,” which played during his iconic sequence. He co-starred with Julia Roberts, fresh off her breakthrough in Mystic Pizza, in the 1990 film Pretty Woman (1988).
In the ’90s, romantic comedies were all the rage and often became massive hits at the box office. Indeed, Pretty Woman was a smashing success, garnering the title of “Favorite Comedic Movie” from the People’s Choice Awards. The on-screen chemistry between Gere and Roberts was so captivating that the film was a financial success, and fans demanded more scenes featuring the pair.
Gere starred in films like “An Officer and a Gentleman,” “Sommersby,” and “Runaway Bride.” He also produced and starred in the film “The Mothman Prophecies” in 2002. In 2009, he starred in the financial thriller “Arbitrage.” The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $52 million at the box office.
Personal Life
Gere is no stranger to the spotlight when he’s not in character. His Buddhist faith, advocacy for Tibet’s political cause, and brief but public marriage to supermodel Cindy Crawford from 1991 to 1995 are all examples of this. But there is more to this man than meets the eye.
In November 2002, Gere tied the knot with model and actress Carey Lowell. The pair have a son, Homer, who was born in 2000. After 11 years of marriage, the couple divorced in 2013.
Gere has been married three times and has three children: a son, Homer James Jigme Gere (born 2000), with ex-wife Carey Lowell; a daughter, Helena Sue (born 1979), with first wife, actress, and model Cindy Crawford; and a son, Andrew Douglas (born 1997), with second wife, actress, and producer Carey Lowell.
Gere is currently married to Alejandra Silva, a Spanish publicist, and activist. The couple has two sons, Alexander and Gabriel.
Awards and Achievements
When he was young, Gere was named one of the “12 Most Promising New Actors of 1977” by Variety. Later, for his roles in An Officer and a Gentleman and Pretty Woman, he was awarded the Golden Globe for Best Actor.
As a result of his work in Chicago back in 2003, he won a Golden Globe. He committed himself to the project by spending five months learning tap dance. He has received more than 18 honors for his work. The George Eastman Museum recognized him in 2012 for his lifetime achievement in the film industry.
Perhaps his success owes a great deal to his timeless good looks. People magazine named him one of the world’s 50 most attractive people in 1991. Then, in 1999, at age 50, Richard Gere was named People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive.
Although looks aren’t everything, they are a huge factor in breaking into the Hollywood industry. Gere’s portrayals in these films are what solidified his place as a legendary romantic lead. Moreover, it aided him in attracting and dating some of the world’s most stunning women.
Richard Gere has been linked to many famous women, including Priscilla Presley, Barbra Streisand, and Kim Basinger. He was married to supermodel Cindy Crawford from 1991 to 1995. As a result of these flings, he continued to receive media attention, and in 1993, he and Cindy Crawford were named the “sexiest pair” in the world. He is currently wed to Alejandra Silva, a Spanish journalist, and activist by profession.
This individual has shown what he’s made of through his commitment to various humanitarian projects. His Buddhist views have propelled him to the forefront of public attention, where he has brought attention to critical concerns that need to be addressed.
Cars and Real Estate
In 1999, Richard Gere purchased a Jaguar XK8 but put in barely 50 kilometers. He received $31,750 from the sale, which he put toward two charities that aid Ukraine: World Central Kitchen and Open Arms Ukraine.
Apart from that, he has a Jaguar F Type PUR RS07 and a Jaguar XK Mk.II “Movie Nights of Rodanthe” 2007.
In 2005, Richard purchased a home in Sag Harbor, New York, known as Strongheart Manor, for $6.9 million. Sag Harbor is located in the Southampton district of New York. The home’s 6-acre property has a 300-foot bay and expansive grounds.
Throughout the following few years, he put in a lot of time and effort improving the property, particularly the main house, which is 14,000 square feet in size. In 2013, Richard listed the mansion for a whopping $70 million. Even after dropping the price to $47.5 million, he only accepted $36.5 million. Matt Lauer, who hosts a television show, purchased it.
Richard lives in a magnificent mansion on a property that spans over 50 acres in Pound Ridge, New York. In January 2022, Richard listed this home for $28 million. Along with another person, he owns the Bedford Post Inn, which is conveniently close to his house.
For $10.5 million in 2020, Richard and his wife Silva bought a brand-new 35-acre property in North Salem, New York. An estimated $9.8 million was spent on one of the deals.
He also maintains a home in the Big Apple.
Earnings From Other Sources
Aside from his acting job, Richard is passionate about collecting vintage guitars and rare images. The actor still has time for his passion projects, but now he makes sure they pay off. He told the press that the photographs would sell at Christie’s in New York. Also, in 2011, he collaborated with Christie’s team to sell his impressive guitar collection for over $1 million.
Additionally, Gere has gained significant money by selling some of his homes for significantly more than he paid for them.
Like most Hollywood actors, Richard makes a significant portion of his money through endorsement deals. Despite being one of the most sought-after actors, he has secured lucrative endorsement deals.
Numerous companies from different industries, including the automaker Lancia Delta, the credit card company Visa, the fashion label KappAhl, and the soft drink company Orangina, have all worked with him. While his salary as an actor is the primary source of his fortune, his money from endorsing other products and brands has played a significant supporting role.
Philanthropy
Besides his professional achievements, Richard Gere is well-known for his philanthropic efforts. He has seen the Dalai Lama multiple times and considers himself a devout Buddhist. Furthermore, he has established a nonprofit called Tibet House, whose mission is to preserve Tibetan culture, and he has also visited refugee camps in war-torn Nicaragua.
He also backs Survival International, an organization that works to safeguard the lives of indigenous people worldwide. His reputation as a committed activist has helped him gain widespread renown.
After publicly criticizing the Chinese government in 1993, he was blacklisted from acting as a presenter at the Academy Awards. Huffington Post claims that Gere is permanently barred from visiting China due to his work and relationship with the Dalai Lama, making him one of the most high-profile activists for Tibet in the world.
He gave the earnings from the sale of his 107 vintage guitars at Christie’s in New York to groups fighting AIDS in India.
In addition, he backs the organization Survival International, which fights for the rights of indigenous people everywhere. When he inaugurated the auction at Harrod’s in London in 1994, he gave his entire fee of $50,000 to Survival International. Indigenous peoples’ rights are a primary focus of the human rights group, which has been around since 1969.
Controversy
Richard Gere spoke at a Jaipur demonstration for AIDS awareness on April 15, 2007. He embraced Shilpa Shetty, dipped her, and kissed her multiple times on the cheek during a televised news conference to encourage truck drivers to use condoms. A local court found that Gere and Shetty had broken public obscenity rules and issued an arrest warrant for them due to that gesture.
Gere said the uproar was “created by a small hard-line political group.” A two-judge court led by India’s Chief Justice, K. G. Balakrishnan, dismissed the case about a month later, calling it “frivolous” and saying that accusations against celebrities were submitted for “cheap publicity” and that they were embarrassing for India. They decided Gere could enter the nation legally.
In 2002, Gere was a vocal critic of the U.S. government’s decision to invade Afghanistan as part of the War on Terror. He later said that he regretted his comments and that the invasion was “the right thing to do.” In 2006, Gere stated that he supported the Iraq War, saying, “I think it was the right thing to do. I think we did it for the wrong reasons.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much is Richard Gere worth?
A: Richard Gere is worth an estimated $120 million.
Q: How does Richard Gere make his money?
A: Richard Gere makes his money primarily through acting and endorsements. He has also made significant real estate investments and sold valuable collections of guitars and photographs.
Q: Where does Richard Gere live?
A: Richard Gere has homes in New York City, Pound Ridge, and North Salem.
Q: What is the name of the Richard Gere foundation?
A: The name of Richard Gere’s foundation is the Dalai Lama Foundation.
Q: Who are the celebrities he has worked with?
A: Richard Gere has worked with several famous celebrities throughout his career, including Julia Roberts, Winona Ryder, George Clooney, and Sean Connery.
Q: What was the movie’s name that made him a household name?
A: The movie that made Richard Gere a household name was Pretty Woman.
Final Words
While it’s impossible to know everything about someone, reading up on their achievements and controversies can give us a pretty good idea of who they are. From his roles in iconic films to his dedication to various humanitarian causes, Richard Gere has left a lasting impression on the world. His net worth of $120 million is a testament to his success in Hollywood and life.