Richard Gere, an iconic figure of 90s cinema, has seen a decline in his film appearances due to his outspoken political views, particularly regarding China. His advocacy for Tibet and criticism of Chinese human rights led to his exclusion from projects and events, including the Oscars. Despite these challenges, Gere continues to act, recently featuring in the series *The Agency* and the film *Oh Canada*, showcasing his resilience in the face of adversity.
Richard Gere: A 90s Cinematic Icon
Richard Gere, the celebrated American actor, is a defining symbol of 90s cinema, known for his captivating performances and memorable roles. However, in recent years, his presence on the big screen has diminished significantly. The reason behind this decline? Many Hollywood studios are hesitant to cast him, primarily due to his outspoken views, as he revealed in a 2017 interview with Hollywood Reporter.
The Impact of Political Stance on Career
Gere candidly shared, “If I had worked with this director…” He explained that certain films are off-limits for him because of his political stance, particularly regarding China. He recounted an incident where a financier pulled out of a project simply because of Gere’s involvement, fearing it would provoke the Chinese authorities.
This isn’t an isolated occurrence. The actor recounted a troubling experience where a project with a Chinese director fell through just two weeks before filming. The director, worried about the repercussions for himself and his family, decided to withdraw. “If I had worked with this director, he and his family would never have been allowed to leave the country, and he would never have worked again,” Gere lamented.
So, what led to Gere being persona non grata in China? The roots of this situation can be traced back to 1993 when he presented the Oscar for Best Art Direction. During his introduction, Gere highlighted the dire human rights situation in China, particularly regarding Tibet, and urged the global community to send “love, truth, and reason” to then-leader Deng Xiaoping. While the audience initially applauded, the show’s producer deemed his comments too controversial, resulting in Gere’s exclusion from future Oscar presentations.
Richard Gere’s advocacy for Tibet and his conversion to Tibetan Buddhism in 1982 led him to become a close ally of the Dalai Lama. In 2008, amidst the economic downturn, China made significant investments in American film studios, prompting Gere to call for a boycott of the Beijing Olympics. His continued activism has solidified his status as a pariah in the eyes of Chinese authorities.
Despite these challenges, the star of films like *Primal Fear* and *Pretty Woman* has not stepped away from acting. Recently, he appeared in the police and espionage series *The Agency*, sharing the screen with talents like Michael Fassbender and Jodie Turner-Smith. Additionally, he graced theaters in December with *Oh Canada*, a project directed by Paul Schrader and filmed independently.