Richard Gere’s Hollywood Exodus: A Struggle Between Art and Politics

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Richard Gere exemplified the quintessential romantic movie star, headlining iconic films such as «An Officer and a Gentleman,» «Runaway Bride,» and «Pretty Woman.» However, over the ensuing years, the trajectory of Gere’s career took a notable turn.

The actor attributes this shift largely to his outspoken advocacy for Tibet, a region under dispute with China regarding its sovereignty. Gere has been a steadfast supporter of Tibet’s autonomy and a close ally of its exiled spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. As a result, Gere claims that these political stances have curtailed his opportunities within Hollywood, heavily influenced by Chinese investment.

Gere is barred from entering China, and it is reported that collaborating with him can jeopardize filmmakers’ ties with the country. In discussions with various media outlets, Gere recounted an incident involving a Chinese director. According to Gere, the director withdrew from a project shortly before filming, citing the repercussions that working with Gere could impose on his family’s freedom and his career in China.

Gere’s initial clash with Chinese censorship occurred during the 1993 Academy Awards when he criticized China’s human rights record regarding Tibet while presenting an award. This event, Gere believes, marked the beginning of his Hollywood blacklisting, asserting that financiers actively avoid projects associated with him to maintain Chinese favor.

Despite these industry setbacks, Gere has embraced roles in independent films, achieving critical acclaim for performances in projects like the 2016 film «Norman,» where critics praised his portrayal of an influential political fixer. Gere has expressed a degree of contentment with this shift, stating in an interview that being on a Hollywood blacklist has, in some ways, been liberating.

Gere’s recent roles in 2024 include «Longing,» a remake of an Israeli film featuring co-star Diane Kruger, and «Oh, Canada,» directed by Paul Schrader and co-starring Uma Thurman and Jacob Elordi. Despite his distancing from mainstream Hollywood, Gere remains a prominent and esteemed figure in the film industry.