Richard Gere was born on August 31, 1947 in Philadelphia. His parents are of English origin. Gere who was born to a homemaker and insurance agent started off as a theatre actor. In the late 1970s, he began to appear in Hollywood films. His first notable movie was Days Of Heaven. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, he enjoyed commercial and critical success with his movies. His views on China with its rule over Tibet made him unpopular in Hollywood. He was boycotted by major studios, and began to work in independent movies. Some of his best works include Arbitrage (2012) and Norman (2016). Many feel he is one of the best actors to have never won an Academy Award. On his birthday here is a look at his some of his best movies as per IMDb.

‘Chicago’

Rob Marshall brought together Richard Gere, Renee Zellweger and Catherine Zeta-Jones for this 2002 movie. In the movie, Chicago, Richard Gere played the role of a smooth lawyer, Billy Flynn, who turns his clients into celebrities to secure public support for them. It seems Michael Jackson was being considered for the role but Harvey Weinstein decided against it. John Travolta refused the part. Richard Gere won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy. It ranks as his finest work as per many.

‘Hachi: A Dog’s Tale’

This 2009 Richard Gere movie is for every pet lover. It is a remake of the Japanese movie Hachiko Monogatari. The movie is about an Akita dog’s bond with his owner. In the American drama version, Richard Gere plays Professor Parker Wilson who finds a loyal companion in Hachi. The actor did a fine job in Hachi: A Dog's Tale made by Lasse Hallstrom.

Pet Lovers All Over the World Love ‘Hachi: A Dog’s Tale’

‘Days of Heaven’

This 1978 American movie was a romantic period drama with Richard Gere, Sam Shepard and Brooke Adams in lead roles. Terrence Malick was the director of Days Of Heaven. In the movie, Richard Gere played Bill, a farm hand who convinces his lover Abby (Brooke Adams) to marry a farmer who apparently has an undisclosed illness. The idea is to inherit his fortune. Things go wrong when the farmer figures out the plan.

‘Pretty Woman’

Pretty Woman made Richard Gere a global sensation. Julia Roberts and he starred in this 1990 Garry Marshall movie where Edward (Richard Gere), a rich entrepreneur falls in love with Vivian (Julia Roberts), a call girl. How the two navigate their worlds as they fall in love made for this fun romantic movie.

‘Pretty Woman’ Is One of His Most Recognised Movies

‘Primal Fear’

Gregory Hoblit got together an ensemble cast of Richard Gere, Laura Linney, Frances McDormand and Edward Norton for Primal Fear. This 1996 movie is about a lawyer, Martin Vail who believes his client, an altar boy is not guilty of murdering a Catholic bishop. Edward Norton won an Golden Globe – Best Supporting Actor for this movie. It spent three weeks at the top of the US box office, and was a global hit.

‘An Officer and a Gentleman’

This movie came out in 1982 and was directed by Taylor Hackford. Richard Gere played the role of Zack Mayo who enlists in an elite Aviation Officer Candidate School to become a Navy jet pilot. He delivered a wonderful performance in this movie, which was about an ambitious man and his test of character. An Officer and a Gentleman got four Oscar nominations, including one for Best Actress (Debra Winger).

‘Unfaithful’

This 2002 erotic thriller movie was a global success. Richard Gere, Diane Lane and Olivier Martinez were the leading stars of the movie that dealt with adultery and its consequences. Lane even got an Oscar nomination for her performance. Unfaithful is known as one of the Sexiest Movies Ever.

Richard Gere and Diane Lane Starred in ‘Unfaithful’

‘Runaway Bride’

Garry Marshall again got Richard Gere and Julia Roberts together for this goofy 1999 rom-com. Julia was first rate as Maggie Carpenter a woman who has ditched many grooms at the altar. Gere played the role of a writer Ike Graham who meets her after she lashes out at his scathing piece that calls her a man-eater. How they fall in love forms the crux of Runaway Bride.

‘American Gigolo’

This movie came out in 1980 and established Richard Gere as a sex symbol. It was a neo-noir crime thriller directed by Paul Schrader. Richard Gere did not shy away from frontal nudity in the film. John Travolta was the original choice but Gere bagged it as he bowed out of American Gigolo.

Besides his stellar filmography, Richard Gere is known for his social activism. The handsome actor has ruled over hearts for decades. We wish him a very happy birthday!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 31, 2024 07:10 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).