The career, net worth, and divorce settlement of Richard Gere, one of the most handsome Hollywood actors
Richard Gere is a name that resonates globally. Known for his iconic role in American Gigolo, he quickly became one of Hollywood’s sexiest actors. At 72, Gere retains the charm and allure that catapulted him to fame as a heartthrob.
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Early Aspirations
From a young age, Gere harbored dreams of a career in music or theater. Reflecting on his decision to leave college to pursue acting, Gere said, “I went through a young-man-paranoid stage. I was dead middle class, and I felt I had to do something special. Even though my parents questioned what I was doing, they were loving, sweet and supportive.”
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Breakthrough and Iconic Roles
Gere’s portrayal of Julian Kaye, a male escort in American Gigolo, opened Hollywood’s doors to him. The role, initially offered to John Travolta, came with unexpected explicit scenes. “It was just in the natural process of making the movie. I certainly felt vulnerable, but I think it’s different for men than women,” Gere later shared.
Following American Gigolo, Gere starred in iconic films like An Officer and a Gentleman (1982) and Pretty Woman (1990). In the latter, Gere played the wealthy businessman Edward Lewis, who falls for a Sunset Boulevard prostitute, portrayed by Julia Roberts. This film not only solidified Gere’s status as a star but also showcased his undeniable chemistry with Roberts, making them one of the most beloved onscreen couples.
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Continued Success
The 90s saw Gere’s stardom continue to rise with numerous hit movies. In 2002, he won a Golden Globe for his role as Billy Flynn in the musical Chicago, which was the highest-grossing musical until 2008, earning $306 million.
Gere’s film choices may not always be about money, but he has certainly earned a significant fortune. It’s estimated that he makes between $5 and $10 million per film. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Gere’s net worth is approximately $120 million.
Real Estate Ventures
Gere owned the Hamptons mansion Strongheart Manor for eight years before selling it to TV host Matt Lauer for $36.5 million. He still owns several properties in New York, including a 50+ acre estate near Pound Ridge and the Bedford Post Inn, co-owned with friend Russell Hernandez.
Personal Life
Gere’s good looks earned him the title of People Magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive in 1999, and he has dated several beautiful women. In 1991, he married model Cindy Crawford, though their marriage lasted only four years. Gere married again in 2002, this time to model and actress Carey Lowell. They had one son, Homer James Jigme Gere. The couple divorced in 2013 after a lengthy and costly legal battle.
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Today, Gere is happily married to 37-year-old Alejandra Silva, with whom he has two sons. “He is the most humble, sensitive, affectionate, attentive, funny, generous man that I’ve ever met,” Silva told Hello! magazine in 2020. “What can I say? I’m so in love!”
At 72, Richard Gere continues to captivate audiences with his timeless charm and talent.