Happy 69th Birthday Richard Gere – You’re One of Our Faves
Richard Gere somehow manages to combine the innocence of a little boy with the charm and charisma of a man who knows how to get what he wants from life. He is also a favorite of the Sixty and Me community. Now, as he turns 69 on August 31st, let’s wish him a happy birthday and take a look at some of the highlights from his career.
Richard Gere is, of course, best known for his status as an American actor with tremendous sex appeal. He was irresistible, even magnetic, in “American Gigolo,” “An Officer and A Gentleman,” “Pretty Woman,” and “Chicago”.
The women in our Sixty and Me community even voted him “sexiest man over 60” So, it’s clear that he hasn’t lost his touch! I should note that we are not alone in thinking Richard Gere still has it. In 1999, People Magazine gave Richard the title of “Sexiest Man Alive”.
Early in his career, Gere relied on his pure sex appeal to make headlines. Now that he is a little older, he is smooth and cool, with his shiny grey hair, fabulous fashion sense and undeniable confidence.
Richard is a practicing Buddhist and is a big believer in the power of meditation to change lives. This is a great example of the multi-faceted nature of Richard’s personality. The fact that he cannot be easily pinned down, makes him all the more attractive. It’s almost as if we can sense that, below the charm, there is a deeper man, waiting to be discovered.
He is also willing to stand up for what he believes in. Even if you don’t support, or even agree with, his chosen causes, you have to admire his passion. For example, he is a strong supporter of Tibet’s independence and is a founding member of “Tibet House,” a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of Tibetan culture.
He also founded the Gere Foundation, an organization that awards grants to groups that are dedicated to the cultural preservation of Tibet and the Tibetan people. The foundation is also dedicated to providing HIV/AIDS care and fighting human rights violations around the world.
Richard is also an example of someone who is refusing to slow down in his 60s. Many of us saw him in the “Second Best Marigold Hotel.” He worked on several other movies after that, including The Benefactor, Norman, The Dinner, Three Christs and a TV series MotherFatherSon.
Today, Richard Gere turns 69. So, let’s offer him a passionate “Happy Birthday!” Here’s to a wonderfully complex and intriguing man, who has entertained us with his films and inspired us with the depth of his character and values.
Happy birthday Richard Gere! Are you a fan of Richard Gere? What is your favorite Richard Gere film? Are you pleased that there is a trend in Hollywood towards producing more films with older actors? Please join the conversation.
