Information | Category |
$120 Million | Net Worth |
Aug 31, 1949 (74 years old) | Birthdate |
Philadelphia | Birthplace |
Male | Gender |
5 ft 10 in (1.8 m) | Height |
Actor, Film Producer, Pianist, Musician, Composer | Profession |
United States of America | Nationality |
What Is Richard Gere’s Net Worth?
Richard Gere, an esteemed American actor with a net worth of $120 million, has established himself as one of Hollywood’s most reliable leading stars. His career, which began in the 1970s, is highlighted by iconic roles in movies like “Pretty Woman,” “An Officer and a Gentleman,” and “Chicago.” Gere has earned acclaim with nominations for numerous awards including Golden Globes and SAG Awards. Beyond acting, he is renowned for his advocacy work promoting human rights in Tibet.
Early Life
ichard Gere was born on August 31, 1949, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Doris Ann, a homemaker, and Homer George Gere, who worked as an insurance agent at Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. He attended North Syracuse Central High School, where he distinguished himself in trumpet, music, and gymnastics, graduating in 1967. Gere later enrolled at the University of Massachusetts Amherst on a gymnastics scholarship, focusing on philosophy. However, he left after two years without completing his degree.
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Acting Career
In his early career, Richard Gere rose as a promising talent in both Broadway and off-Broadway productions. He began his professional journey in 1969 at Seattle Repertory Theatre and later at Provincetown Playhouse in Cape Cod. Gere’s breakthrough in theater came in 1973 with a significant role in the original London production of “Grease.” Notably, he was among the pioneering Hollywood actors to portray a gay character on Broadway in 1979, in the play “Bent,” where he portrayed a homosexual survivor of the Holocaust. His remarkable performance in this role earned him the prestigious Theater World Award.
Richard Gere made his debut in Hollywood during the mid-1970s, initially gaining attention in films like “The Lords of Flatbush” (1974) before landing significant roles in “Looking for Mr. Goodbar” (1977) and “Days of Heaven” (1978). However, it was his role in “American Gigolo” (1980) that propelled him to stardom, establishing him as both a leading man and a sex symbol. This was followed by acclaimed performances in “An Officer and a Gentleman” (1982) and “Internal Affairs” (1990).
In 1990, Gere starred alongside Julia Roberts in the iconic romantic comedy “Pretty Woman,” which became a blockbuster hit and earned him widespread recognition. Throughout the 1990s, he continued to impress with roles in films like “Sommersby,” “Primal Fear,” and “Runaway Bride.” His versatility was highlighted in the supernatural thriller “The Mothman Prophecies” (2002) and the musical “Chicago” (2002), for which he won a Golden Globe Award.
Gere’s career continued to flourish into the 2000s with successes such as “Shall We Dance?” (2004) and “I’m Not There” (2007), where he portrayed a character inspired by Bob Dylan. Despite his later work being primarily in independent cinema, he earned critical acclaim for films like “Arbitrage” (2012) and “Norman” (2016).
Beyond acting, Gere is also known for his musical talents, having composed and performed music for films like “Pretty Woman” and “Runaway Bride.” His dedication to roles, such as learning tap dance for “Chicago” and studying karate for “An Officer and a Gentleman,” showcases his commitment to his craft over his extensive four-decade career in the film industry.
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Personal Life
Richard Gere’s personal life has garnered attention beyond his film career. He was notably married to supermodel Cindy Crawford from 1991 to 1995. His spiritual beliefs in Buddhism and his advocacy for Tibet have also been widely reported. Earlier, he was romantically involved with Penelope Milford from 1971 to 1978, and later had brief relationships with Priscilla Presley and Kim Basinger in the mid-1980s. In November 2002, Gere married model and actress Carey Lowell. They welcomed their son, Homer James Jigme Gere, in February 2000, but their marriage ended in a highly publicized divorce in 2013, finalized in October 2016.
In early April 2018, Gere married Spanish activist Alejandra Silva, with whom he welcomed a baby boy in February 2019.
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Philanthropy
Richard Gere is a prominent advocate for human rights in Tibet, deeply involved in various initiatives. He co-founded Tibet House U.S. and established the Gere Foundation, which supports causes related to Tibetan independence and cultural preservation. Additionally, he serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the International Campaign of Tibet, advocating internationally for Tibetan rights.
Beyond his Tibetan advocacy, Gere is committed to global humanitarian efforts. He actively supports Survival International, an organization dedicated to defending the rights of tribal peoples worldwide. His book, “We Are One: A Celebration of Tribal Peoples,” published in 2009, channels its proceeds to support Survival International’s mission.
Gere’s philanthropic endeavors extend to ecological causes and AIDS awareness. Notably, he played a pivotal role in establishing the AIDS Care Home in India, providing residential support to women and children affected by AIDS. In 1999, he founded the Gere Foundation India Trust to further support AIDS-related initiatives in the region.
Politically, Gere has shown support for causes aligned with his values. In 2016, he actively campaigned for Hillary Clinton’s presidential bid and contributed $2,700 to her campaign efforts.
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Real Estate
In 2005, Richard acquired Strongheart Manor, a prestigious estate in Sag Harbor, NY, situated on 6 acres with 300 feet of bay frontage and expansive lawns. He invested heavily in renovating the 14,000-square-foot main house over the following years. In 2013, Richard initially listed the property for $70 million but eventually sold it to TV host Matt Lauer for $36.5 million, after reducing the price from $47.5 million.
Richard’s primary residence is a stunning compound estate spanning over 50 acres in Pound Ridge, New York. Acquired in 1987 for $1.5 million, he recently listed this estate for $28 million in January 2022 and accepted an offer of $24.15 million in June 2022.
Near his former 50-acre estate in Pound Ridge, Richard is also a co-owner of the Bedford Post Inn.
In 2020, Richard and his wife, Silva, invested a total of $10.5 million in two separate transactions to acquire a 35-acre property in North Salem, New York, consolidating their new estate. One of these transactions alone amounted to $9.8 million.