Shirtless Richard Gere’s Impact on Anderson Cooper’s Self-Discovery

In a surprising turn of events, a shirtless Richard Gere played a significant role in helping Anderson Cooper come to terms with his sexuality.

Cooper, the renowned CNN anchor and journalist, revealed during a recent appearance on Andy Cohen's SiriusXM show, Radio Andy, that seeing Gere perform in the Broadway production of Bent when he was just 11 years old made him realize he is gay.

Cooper vividly recalled the opening scene of the play, which centers around two gay men in a concentration camp.

It begins with a n^ked man waking up after spending the night with another man and then dressing himself in an SS uniform.

For Cooper, it was a moment of revelation.

“And I just remember being like, ‘Oh my God, I'm gay…

I'm totally gay,'” he confessed.

The impact of that moment was enhanced by Gere's captivating presence.

Cooper described Gere in 1977, during his performance in Looking for Mr. Goodbar, as “so beautiful.”

The young Cooper attended the show accompanied by photographer Paul Jasmin and Jasmin's boyfriend, who were friends of Cooper's mother, Gloria Vanderbilt.

As Jasmin had previously photographed Gere for the film American Gigolo, the trio had the opportunity to meet Gere backstage after the show.

Reflecting on that encounter, Cooper admitted to feeling speechless and captivated by Gere's physique.

He had brought along his Playbill, hoping to get it autographed, but found himself unable to tear his eyes away from Gere's chest.

Fortunately, fate intervened ten years later when Cooper found himself interviewing Gere.

Seizing the opportunity, Cooper shared the story of their initial meeting and presented Gere with the same Playbill he had held onto all those years.

Gere was delighted by the tale and happily signed the memento, marking a heartwarming conclusion to their unlikely connection.

Radio Andy, hosted by Andy Cohen, offers a diverse range of content including pop culture, music, and news.

It airs on SiriusXM's channel 102.

To catch a glimpse of Anderson Cooper's heartfelt admiration for Richard Gere, check out the clip below.

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