Richard Gere (born August 31, 1949) is an American actor.

Gere is a well known Buddhist and an active supporter of the Dalai Lama.

Gere was born in Philadelphia. In high school he excelled in gymnastics and music (he played the trumpet). He graduated in 1967 from North Syracuse Central High School. Gere attended the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, but he left college after two years to pursue acting. He also pursued a professional trumpet career. He continued to perform in television, movies and theater throughout the 1970s ... (read more )