Richard Gere’s life story is a testament to the deep influence of family and the values ​​instilled by his parents, especially his “heroic” father, Homer Gere. From humble beginnings on a farm in Syracuse, New York, Richard learned the importance of hard work, compassion, and generosity from his parents, who worked tirelessly to provide for their children despite limited financial resources. Inspired by his father’s selflessness and commitment to helping others, Richard not only honored Homer by naming his firstborn after him, but also dedicated himself to embodying the principles instilled in him by his upbringing. As Richard navigated marriages, parenthood and a successful career in Hollywood, his unwavering devotion to his father remained unwavering, reflecting the enduring bond between father and son. Through his actions and words, Richard Gere illustrates the importance of family and the profound influence of parental guidance in shaping one’s own life.
Richard Gere learned everything about life from his ideal “hero” father.
The actor learned the values ​​and applied them to his experiences as a father, even though he started his family later in life. He even named his firstborn after his father, for which he is still grateful.
Although he became one of Hollywood’s most successful actors, Richard Gere (star of “Pretty Woman”) came from a common background. The actor grew up in a large family on a farm in Syracuse, New York.
His mother, Doris, met her husband, Homer Gere, in Brooklyn, where she grew up. The childhood children married in 1945 and moved to North Syracuse to raise their family, which consisted of their five children.
The couple raised their children, Richard, Susan, Joanne, David and Laura, well and instilled in them lasting principles even though they had a large family.
Moreover, despite limited financial means, George, an insurance salesman, and housewife Doris struggled to provide their children with as much education as possible.
Richard views his parents as real-life superheroes who meet all his basic requirements to support his creativity.
The “Unfaithful” actor claims that his parents supported their children’s interests and hired instructors to help them develop their talents. He admitted:
“We weren’t brought up with a lot of money and the scrapping it took to have an education and a music teacher was an extraordinary thing.
Richard is inspired by his father
Even though Richard didn’t have it easy from birth, he appreciates his parents’ efforts.
While being honored at the City Harvest Festival 2019 gala on Tuesday, the actor reminisced about his early years and praised his father for instilling in him the value of being a good man.
Homer, as Richard made clear, never wanted anyone around him to suffer, not even strangers. He claimed that the elder Gere was basically a passionate person who often showed up to help anyone in need.
The actor threw Homer a private birthday dinner at a pasta restaurant in his hometown when he turned 100 in May.
The “Pretty Woman” actor claimed that if Homer can’t help financially, he will look for other ways to provide support, such as a hug or a smile. But he had a basic feeling that he had to help in some way.
The celebrity said his father started the Meals-On-Wheels program in his hometown, which he remained devoted to for the rest of his life.
He explained that Homer liked “the cheese ball car because the trunk was just the right height to get food in to take to the neighbors, so he didn’t have to bend over.”
Meals-At-The-Spot America is a non-profit organization that offers support to thousands of communities across a variety of programs. In Philadelphia, the first of its kind was established in the 1950s.
There is a great deal of volunteer work that promotes independent and dignified living for America’s elders. Examples of this work include food deliveries, friendly visits, and security checks.
During a heartfelt interview, Richard asked his elderly father what motivated him to volunteer with Meals on Wheels. Homer stated:
Meals-On-Wheels was founded in what was essentially an abandoned house. As they got older, we somehow fulfilled their demand. I believe you can’t help but feel good about your life when you see someone get something out of it.”
Richard replied that only his father motivated him to support the projects. For his son, who also wanted to be a great father, Homer was a great example. However, children did not come early for the actor until he was in his 50s.
Richard’s journey to parenthood
Richard and Cindy Crawford, his model, had a short first marriage. On his second try at love, he fell in love with 12-year-old Carey Lowell, a former Bond actress.
Richard didn’t care about his age; it was better late than never. The gifted TV personality and Lowell began dating in 1996, but she kept most of their courtship under wraps until they married.
The “Unfaithful” actor gushed over their relationship and said they are ready to go even further. Lowell didn’t care that he had a daughter from a previous marriage. Richard mentioned to Dallymall:
“My life changed because of her. Besides, marriage has meaning. if you put your heart into it.”
It’s a turning point for both of us.”
However, the couple had already welcomed son Homer Gere II before deciding to tie the knot in a small ceremony.
At fifty, Richard had his first child, whom he named after his father.
It was highly anticipated, so when the actor’s journey to parenthood finally materialized, he was excited and committed to the process.
Speaking about him, he described his son as “the joy of my life”. He is extremely intelligent, a fast runner, and a lover of music. incredibly funny. Irony is a beautiful quality for any human being, and he was quick to grasp it.”
Although Richard loved being a father, his happy marriage to Lowell quickly disintegrated after more than a decade. The former Bond girl filed for divorce in 2012, mostly citing their different lifestyles.
Several reports claim that although his second wife enjoyed going to parties, Richard craved solitude and peace. “They have a place in Bedford [NY] and he likes it there because it’s quiet and he likes solitude,” the insider revealed. He’s enjoying the limelight in North Haven.”
Although they agreed to share custody of their son equally, the dispute was over the terms of the divorce settlement. Four years of court proceedings were required before they agreed.
However, lawyers for both parties declined to comment on the arrangement. Despite the short duration of the marriage, Richard remained true to his family values.
In 2015, he clarified that his child remains his main concern and that he rejects projects if the young man does not approve of them. According to him, “family is more important than anything.”
Richard had already fallen in love once more before the interview, this time with the Spanish fighter Alejandra Silva.
Later, the couple added more children to their family. The actor welcomed his second son Alexander into the world in 2019. Another son was welcomed into the loving family the following year.
Richard is my sweet son even now
Richard is devoted to his father, Homer, despite the many life stages he has experienced, such as marriage and parenthood.
He saw him as an “idol” and often spent time traveling and seeing people while contributing to the patriarch’s Meals-On-Deals initiatives. In 2010, the legendary actor said:
“He was always my hero.
Even in his advanced age, Homer is still passionate about helping people. Moreover, he never let his loneliness blunt his compassion; Doris died in North Syracuse at the age of 91, leaving her husband a widow.
Richard is actually the son many people wish they had. He has remained devoted to his father, celebrating him and offering any help or support he can.
Homer turned 100 in May 2022 and the actor had a private birthday party at a local pasta restaurant.
Along with other supporters, the pair enjoyed an evening celebrating the milestone with a Meals-On-Deals volunteer. Richard’s relationship with his father shows how much the actor appreciates the dedication and sacrifices made by older people.
He will undoubtedly give his children the same bond as a 100-year-old; after all, he thinks that family is the most important thing in life.
By celebrating his father’s 100th birthday and honoring his legacy, Richard Gere embodies the enduring importance of family and the profound impact of parental influence. Despite his own journey through marriage and parenthood, Gero’s unwavering devotion to his father, Homer Gere, reflects the enduring values ​​instilled in his upbringing. From their humble beginnings on a farm in Syracuse, New York to Gere’s illustrious career in Hollywood, the bond between father and son has remained strong. Through Homer’s example of selflessness and compassion, especially in his dedication to community service through Meals on Wheels, Gere learned invaluable lessons about the true nature of life. As Gere himself embraces the joys and challenges of fatherhood, he continues to honor his father’s legacy and ensure that the values ​​passed down through the generations endure. Celebrating Homer’s remarkable milestone, Gere not only pays tribute to a beloved parent, but also highlights the enduring importance of family bonds and the profound impact they have on shaping our lives.