Received a gymnastics scholarship to the University of Massachusettes.

In the three films that made him a star, Days of Heaven (1978), American Gigolo (1980), and An Officer and a Gentleman (1982), his role had been turned down by John Travolta.

He appeared in the music video and sang in the choir on the song "Voices That Care."

Some of his earliest photos, known as "head shots" were taken by boyhood friend and struggling photographer Herb Ritts. The people handling Gere were so impressed with the photos, they began hiring Ritts for other assignments and he is now a top photographer.

Visited Kosovo's fugitives in Macedonia, during the Kosovo's crisis in 1999.

He trained for five months for the tap dance scene in Chicago (2002).

Chosen by People magazine as one of the 50 Most Beautiful People in the world. [1991]

Turned down the lead role in Die Hard (1988) which went to Bruce Willis.

Despite being nominated several times for Golden Globes, he has yet to be nominated for an Oscar.

Worked with Nina Van Pallandt in American Gigolo (1980), and then played her lover Clifford Irving in The Hoax (2006), in which she was played by Julie Delpy.

Agreed to a small role in the HBO film And the Band Played On (1993) (TV) despite the prevalent belief in the film industry it would be detrimental to his career. Subsequently, stars like Steve Martin, Alan Alda, Phil Collins and Anjelica Huston were willing to appear.

Turned down the role of Gordon Gekko in Wall Street (1987). Has since said that is the role he regrets passing on the most.

Listed as one of twelve "Promising New Actors of 1977" in John Willis' Screen World, Vol. 29. [1977]

For his role as Clifford Irving in The Hoax (2006), Gere shaved back his hairline, got a perm, and even altered the appearance of his nose to fit the part.

On the November 16, 2007 episode Live with Regis & Kelly, he cleared up the fact he is not vegetarian but has not eaten red meat for 30 years.

Harvard University's Hasty Pudding Theatricals' 2006 Man of the Year

Is referenced in the 2001 hit song "Crying at the Discothéque" by Swedish dance group Alcazar.

Was among the guests at Tom Cruise's and Katie Holmes's wedding.

He is very active in AIDS fundraising.

His son, with actress Carey Lowell, Homer James Jigme Gere, was born on 6th February 2000 in New York City weighing in at 8 pounds, 12 ounces.

In 1993, People Magazine didn't name a "Sexiest Man Alive", but named Richard and his then-wife Cindy Crawford as Sexiest Couple'.

Named his son: Homer James Jigme. "Jigme" means "fearless" in Tibetan.

In a London Evening Standard interview to promote Chicago (2002), he claimed to have brought a 750cc Triumph T140V Bonneville from Triumph's Meriden factory with his first paycheck while touring with the stage production of "Grease". He also rode the same updated model, a 1978 T140E, in An Officer and a Gentleman (1982) and an even earlier model, a 1960s 650cc T120R Bonneville. in Mr. Jones (1993).

When the Chinese Government asked Gere to one of their film festivals, Gere would go attend two conditions: 1. That he was allowed to bring his own interpreter and 2. That he would stay in Taipei, Taiwan during his visit. The government agreed and Gere went to the festival.

Cindy Crawford and Richard were married 12 December 1991 by Rev. Wes McPherson at the Little Church of the West, Las Vegas.

Was a Boy Scout.

Irish-American.

An accomplished pianist and music writer; in fact, he composed and performed the piano solo featured in Pretty Woman (1990) .

A Buddhist for over a decade, Gere was banned from the Oscars once after making anti-China comments on the air at the 1993 ceremony.

Won a gymnastics scholarship to the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he majored in philosophy; he dropped out in 1969 to pursue acting.

Was a member of the student council, gymnastics team, lacrosse team, and ski team.

Graduated from North Syracuse Central High School. [1967]

People Magazine`s Sexiest Man Alive. [1999]

Is the second of five children born to Homer and Doris Gere

Attended the University of Massachusetts. Dropped out to pursue acting.