Richard Gere: From Hollywood A-lister to Activist Actor

Richard Gere, the renowned actor known for his iconic roles in films like Pretty Woman, celebrated his 73rd birthday on August 31.

However, fans have noticed a decline in his presence in mainstream cinema since the Nineties, which he attributes to his outspoken views on Tibet.

In 1993, Gere joined many others at the Oscars by wearing a red ribbon to raise awareness about the AIDS epidemic.

During his speech, he took an unexpected turn and addressed the human rights situation in China, specifically regarding Tibet.

He expressed his hope for a change that would allow Tibetans to live as independent people once again.

Although Gere quickly returned to the approved speech on the teleprompter, the consequences of his words would soon become evident.

Following this incident, Gere faced difficulties finding work in mainstream cinema.

In 2017, he revealed that for his film Red Corner in 1997, he was prohibited from doing press promotions.

The reason behind this was MGM's desire to make a deal with the Chinese market.

Gere explained that China made it clear they wouldn't purchase the film if it were released, ultimately leading to its cancellation.

He also mentioned instances where he was excluded from certain movies due to concerns about upsetting the Chinese government, which has become a lucrative market for Hollywood.

As a result of his outspoken criticism of China's government, Gere has become box-office poison in the country.

Hollywood's reluctance to cast him pushed the actor towards independent films, but even there, he encountered challenges.

Gere recounted an incident where he was warned that collaborating with a Chinese director would have severe consequences for the director and his family.

Despite these obstacles, Gere remains committed to his activism and sees his limited future in Hollywood as having no impact on his life.

In fact, he has received some of the best reviews of his career in the independent film industry.

Gere's connection to Tibet is deeply rooted in his practicing Buddhist beliefs.

He is reportedly friends with the Dalai Lama, the exiled leader of Tibet.

His international success, particularly in films like Pretty Woman, has provided him with the financial stability and opportunities to engage in independent projects that align with his values.

While Richard Gere may no longer be the A-list celebrity he once was, his dedication to activism and his refusal to compromise his principles have made him a respected figure in the film industry.

Despite facing challenges and being banned from China, Gere continues to use his platform to shed light on important issues and advocate for change.