Richard Gere’s Discomfort with “s=x Symbol” Label on Talk Show

Back in the 1980s, Richard Gere contemplated taking legal action against a talk show host for dubbing him a “s=x symbol.”

Aspel recently recounted Gere's discontent in an interview with the Daily Mail, shedding light on why Gere harbored resentment towards the designation.

Gere, now 74 years old, has long grappled with his heartthrob image and expressed unease about it over the years.

The actor's response to being labeled as a s=x symbol unfolds here.

Aspel disclosed that Gere had threatened legal action against him following the show.

In a recent interview with the Daily Mail published on September 30, 90-year-old Aspel reminisced about his time as a talk show host, reminiscing about encounters with icons like Elizabeth Taylor and Paul McCartney.

He recounted the incident involving Gere, revealing that the actor's representatives warned of potential legal repercussions if the term “s=x symbol” was not retracted.

The aftermath of Gere's threat remains unspecified.

Best Life has reached out to Gere's representative for further insight.

Aspel offered his perspective on Gere's reaction to the label.

By then, Gere had already made a name for himself in hit films such as American Gigolo (1980) and An Officer and a Gentleman (1984), cementing his status as a s=x symbol.

Aspel speculated on Gere's objection to the designation, noting that the actor disapproved of being recognized primarily for his looks due to his involvement in humanitarian efforts for Tibet.

Gere has been a staunch advocate for Tibetan rights and culture since the early '80s, co-founding Tibet House US in 1987 and later serving on the board of directors for the International Campaign for Tibet.

Reflecting on his portrayal in American Gigolo, Gere critiqued the emphasis on appearance in the entertainment industry.

In a 1980 interview with Rolling Stone, Gere juxtaposed his roles in American Gigolo and the play Bent, highlighting the absurdity of being perceived as s**y in one while appearing drastically different in another.

He acknowledged the possibility of becoming a s=x symbol in the '80s but stressed that his focus was on his craft rather than cultivating a specific image.

Despite grappling with the s=x symbol label, Gere acknowledged the impact of his work on audiences.

In a 2015 interview with Hello!, he admitted that while he never perceived himself as a s=x symbol, he recognized the influence of his performances on viewers.

By 2017, Gere had come to terms with the attention garnered for his appearance, attributing it to the nature of his acting career.

Embracing the inevitable aspects of fame, Gere emphasized his dedication to his craft and production work, acknowledging the symbiotic relationship between image and success in the film industry.