Richard Gere may have played a gigolo, but that doesn’t mean he wants to be known as one…
The talented actor has always seemed to portray the role of a strong, leading man – most notably in movies like Pretty Woman, An Officer and a Gentleman, and Runaway Bride.
Having been married three times, Gere certainly has garnered quite the reputation for being a ladies’ man.
In fact, he was once so well-known for his popularity with the opposite sex that he almost sued a British talk show for calling him a name that he wasn’t particularly happy with…
Richard Gere pictured in 1986. Credit / Images / Getty.
In a recent interview with the Daily Mail, veteran TV interviewer Michael Aspel who told the outlet about his most memorable interviews – Richard Gere included.
The 90-year-old even told the story of how Gere’s appearance on his show in 1989 caused quite a stir.
“When Richard Gere came onto the show, I introduced him and, at the conclusion, I mentioned his accomplishments, using the phrase ‘sex symbol,’” Aspel recalled. “Following the interview, we received a phone call from his agent, warning that if I didn’t remove the ‘sex symbol’ reference, they would involve their legal team.”
According to Aspel, Gere was adamant about not being referred to as a ‘sex symbol’. “It was quite peculiar. But he took himself very seriously because of his extensive involvement in Tibetan causes,” he added.
Gere (pictured in 1989) wanted to be taken seriously because of his commitment to Buddhism. Credit / Rita Barros / Getty.
Aspel’s TV show, Aspel and Company, aired from 1984 to 1993. During this time, he interviewed numerous other celebs – including Elizabeth Taylor and Barbra Streisand.
Gere, 74, recently made headlines after his former wife, Cindy Crawford, made a rare comment about their relationship in the new documentary series The Super Models.
“In the early stages of a relationship, when you’re a young woman, you tend to adapt yourself to the interests of your partner,” said Crawford, 57. “You like baseball? I like baseball. You’re deeply into Tibetan Buddhism? I might find an interest in that. I’ll give it a try.”
The model added: “You’re willing to shape yourself around the person you’re in love with.”
Crawford, who was 22 at the time, famously married the Runaway Bride actor in Las Vegas in 1991 before announcing their separation in 1994.
Richard Gere and Cindy Crawford. Credit / Jim Smeal / Ron Galella Collection / Getty.
In 1998, she married Rande Gerber, with whom she has two children, while Gere has two sons with his wife, Alejandra Silva.
What do you think about Richard Gere being referred to as a ‘sex symbol’? Let us know in the comments!