To celebrate his birthday, here is a countdown of his 10 most iconic roles.
1. Edward Lewis – Pretty Woman (1990)
Gere cemented his status as the ultimate romantic lead as Edward Lewis, a ruthless corporate raider whose cold exterior melts after hiring a vibrant Hollywood Boulevard escort (Julia Roberts). Their electric screen chemistry turned the Garry Marshall romantic comedy into a global pop-culture titan that grossed over $463 million worldwide.
2. Zack Mayo – An Officer and a Gentleman (1982)
In Taylor Hackford’s classic romantic drama, Gere played Zack Mayo, a brash US Navy aviation officer candidate forced to confront his personal demons under a grueling drill instructor (Louis Gossett Jr.). The iconic climax—featuring Gere carrying Debra Winger out of a factory in full dress whites—remains one of the most celebrated moments in romance history.
3. Billy Flynn – Chicago (2002)
Showcasing his song-and-dance talent, Gere starred as slick, silver-tongued defense attorney Billy Flynn in Rob Marshall’s Oscar-winning musical adaptation. Delivering tap routines and courtroom theatricality with effortless flair, Gere earned a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.
4. Julian Kaye – American Gigolo (1980)
Paul Schrader’s stylish crime drama catapulted Gere to stardom as Julian Kaye, a high-class Los Angeles male escort framed for murder. Marked by sleek Giorgio Armani wardrobe styling and a haunting synth soundtrack, Gere’s seductive, complex performance defined Y2K-precursor ’80s cinema aesthetics.
5. Martin Vail – Primal Fear (1996)
In Gregory Hoblit’s gripping courtroom thriller, Gere played Martin Vail, an arrogant, media-savvy defense lawyer taking on the high-profile murder trial of an altar boy (Edward Norton). Gere provided the grounded anchor necessary to make the film’s legendary twist ending land with maximum impact.
6. Bill – Days of Heaven (1978)
Early in his career, Gere starred in Terrence Malick’s breathtaking period masterpiece as Bill, a hot-tempered Chicago laborer who flees to the Texas Panhandle with his girlfriend and sister. Gere’s raw, naturalistic performance set against golden-hour cinematography announced him as a major dramatic actor.
7. Robert Miller – Arbitrage (2012)
Delivering one of the finest late-career dramatic turns of his filmography, Gere starred as a desperate hedge-fund magnate frantically scrambling to cover up financial fraud and a fatal accident before his company sale goes through. The performance earned him widespread critical acclaim and a Golden Globe nomination.
8. Ike Graham – Runaway Bride (1999)
Reuniting a decade later with Julia Roberts and director Garry Marshall, Gere played a cynical New York newspaper columnist who travels to rural Maryland to report on a woman famous for leaving fiances at the altar. Their natural rhythm and comedic timing turned the reunion into another massive box-office hit.
9. Edward Sumner – Unfaithful (2002)
In Adrian Lyne’s tense psychological thriller, Gere delivered a quiet, heartbreaking turn as a mild-mannered husband who discovers his wife (Diane Lane) is having a passionate affair. Gere’s slow-burn transition from quiet hurt to volatile betrayal showcased some of his most nuanced dramatic work.
10. Professor Parker Wilson – Hachi: A Dog’s Tale (2009)
In Lasse Hallström’s tear-jerking drama based on a true story, Gere played a university professor who forms an unbreakable bond with an abandoned Akita dog. Gere’s genuine warmth and gentle performance turned the indie feature into an enduring international fan favorite.