Richard Gere, 76, rose from stage roles to stardom in American Gigolo, An Officer and a Gentleman, and Pretty Woman—a role he almost declined until Julia Roberts persuaded him. Though he admits to career setbacks, Gere avoided blockbusters and franchises, focusing instead on character-driven films and advocacy, even at the cost of Hollywood opportunities. Today, he chooses smaller, meaningful projects, lives quietly with his wife Alejandra Silva, and is remembered as a resilient actor whose legacy blends iconic performances with authenticity and bold choices.
