Richard Gere, now 75 years old, recently reflected on his extensive career in Hollywood, emphasizing his choice to step back from the industry's glaring spotlight at his peak. Known for his roles in iconic films like Pretty Woman, Runaway Bride, American Gigolo, Days of Heaven, and Primal Fear, Gere has become synonymous with classic romantic leads. Currently, he’s starring in The Agency, a new Paramount+ series featuring a star-studded cast.
During his appearance on the Awards Chatter podcast hosted by Scott Feinberg, Gere candidly discussed his career decisions and the pressures of fame. He recalled the 1980s, noting how certain roles he selected didn't resonate or 'click' with audiences, particularly between 1982’s An Officer and a Gentleman and later hits. Further illuminating his thought process, he shared, "It was a subconscious choice on my part to step back, is what it was. I just had enough. I don’t really like all this attention. I reacted like a wild animal. ‘I don’t want to be looked at.’" His quotes shed light on his struggle with Hollywood's relentless gaze and the decisions he made to carve out his career path.
Despite his hesitance, Gere unwittingly embraced powerful roles. He discussed his fears surrounding his character in the 1990 romantic comedy Pretty Woman, expressing doubts about his role as Edward Lewis, the affluent businessman opposite Julia Roberts' Vivian Ward. Initially, he didn’t connect with the script, stating, "There was no character. I read this thing, and I said, ‘It’s not for me.’ To me, it’s just a suit..." His discomfort led him to be hesitant about meeting with director Garry Marshall, which was almost the turning point for this pivotal role.
Gere shared how this meeting changed everything; Marshall wanted to collaborate closely, saying, 'Let’s you and me find it,' even as Gere expressed his dissatisfaction. The process was rocky, as he adamantly maintained, "She’s adorable. She’s great," referring to his meeting with Roberts, adding, "I just don’t see a character." His doubts transformed after Roberts slid him a Post-It note simply saying, 'Please say yes.' Gere recalled the moment with light and gratitude. "So how could you say no to this?" he remembered, highlighting the sincerity they shared. Their chemistry flourished, resulting in one of Gere's most iconic performances.
Pretty Woman, released by Disney, became not only a pop culture phenomenon but also the highest-grossing R-rated film until the arrival of Deadpool. The romantic comedy garnered over $463 million globally, establishing itself as a hallmark of modern cinema. Gere praised the collaborative spirit of the film’s creation, recalling their "great trust" and how he cherished the teamwork. He emphasized, "We ended up... really trying to find a character there... to make it heartfelt, to make it charming, make it fun, make it sexy… we all loved each other." Such sentiments revealed how this experience held significance not just for him but for the entire cast.
After Pretty Woman, Gere and Roberts would reunite for Runaway Bride in 1999, which also turned out to be successful. His reflections on these experiences indicate how pivotal they have been for him throughout his career. He stated, "I’m so proud of [Pretty Woman] and proud of the work process… and I’m not only proud, I’m thankful for [it]." The gratitude and pride he feels are evident, highlighting how this project has opened numerous doors for him.
Richard Gere's retrospective on his illustrious career reveals more than just his roles or box office success; it's about embracing his passion amid personal struggles with fame. Throughout decades of evolution within the industry, his thoughts on collaboration, creativity, and true connections resonate deeply. The story of his highs and lows demonstrates the complexity of Hollywood, where personal choices and professional commitments intertwine, shaping careers and lives.
Gere's career may have included moments of retreat from the spotlight, but his impact remains timeless, solidified through roles and films cherished by countless fans.
