Richard Gere

Richard Gere

Richard Gere, like every actor worth his salt, has turned down some parts that he later regretted saying no to. He has said that the role he most rues passing up was that of Gordon Gekko in Wall Street — a role that brought Michael Douglas his Oscar for Best Actor. Gere was less sorry about turning down the lead role in Die Hard. He had his lucky breaks, too. John Travolta turned down three parts that went to Gere, parts that helped make him a star: Bill, in Days of Heaven, and the titular roles in American Gigolo and An Officer and a Gentleman. Happy birthday to leading man Richard Gere, who turns 60 today.

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From our Archives: Today's Highlights, August 31, 2009