Richard Gere, one of Hollywood's legendary actors and human rights activists, made a notable appearance on the final episode of Che Tempo Che Fa on December 22, 2024, hosted by Fabio Fazio. The episode aired on Nove and was filled with insights from Gere about his new film and his personal reflections on life and aspirations.
Gere took the opportunity to discuss his latest film, titled Oh, Canada - I tradimenti, directed by Paul Schrader. This film marks the return of Gere and Schrader's collaboration 44 years after the iconic American Gigolo. Audiences can look forward to its release on January 16, 2025, following its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year.
During the interview, Gere revealed his affection for Italy, stating, "Adoro l'Italia, se potessi sarei italiano," which translates to "I love Italy; if I could, I would be Italian." This nostalgic remark highlights his childhood experience growing up in upstate New York, where he idolized Italian boys who were perceived as sophisticated and confident. "Sono cresciuto in una piccola città... Volevamo tutti essere italiani," he reminisced, sharing how those early impressions influenced his admiration for Italian culture.
Gere also touched on more serious topics, including his concerns about the direction of the United States under the influence of powerful billionaires. He articulated his fears, saying, "Quello che a me spaventa di più è l'esercizio dell'autorità da parte di un presidente degli Stati Uniti insieme a dei miliardari," meaning, "What frightens me the most is the exercise of authority by a president of the United States alongside billionaires." He shared his insights from participating in events advocating for Tibet, where he questioned senators about America's future, receiving no clear answers.
The conversation then turned to pressing global issues, including humanitarian crises. When asked about the Open Arms incident, Gere acknowledged, "Siamo di fronte a problemi gravissimi, ma cosa facciamo? Paralizziamo il cuore?" which translates to "We are facing serious problems, but what do we do? Do we paralyze our hearts?" His comments emphasized the need for intelligence and compassion when tackling such challenges, reflecting his deep commitment to humanitarian efforts.
Despite the seriousness of the subjects discussed, Gere seemed to maintain his signature charm and charisma. At 75, he continues to impress audiences with his youthful vigor and passionate advocacy for important causes. With nearly 50 years of captivating performances under his belt, he remains one of the most beloved figures in cinema.
Throughout the episode, Fazio also explored Gere's illustrious career, from his early days to his emergence as one of the highest-paid actors globally. At one point, Gere humorously noted the paradox of his political critiques considering his own financial success, jokingly addressing his own status among the top earners as highlighted by the publication, People With Money.
The evening concluded with reflections on Gere's decades-long career, during which he articulated lessons learned and decisions made along the way. Gere noted, "Ogni momento della nostra vita siamo a un bivio," expressing the notion of life being full of crossroads—each choice shaping who we are today. This philosophical take provided depth to the evening's cultural discussion and left viewers with greater insight not only about Gere but also the world around us.
Overall, Richard Gere’s appearance on Che Tempo Che Fa proved to be as diverse as it was insightful, from celebrating his cinematic achievements to sharing personal anecdotes and political viewpoints—all culminating to reveal the multi-faceted persona of one of Hollywood's enduring icons.
