Richard Gere is opening up about one of the most controversial parts of his career. The actor has been a long-time friend of the Dalai Lama, and an advocate for Tibetan independence, with his comments at one point landing him with a 20-year ban on the Academy Awards.
In an interview with Variety, Gere shared his thoughts on the ban and how he didn't hold any party responsible. “I didn’t take it particularly personally,” he said.
“I didn’t think there were any bad guys in the situation. I do what I do and I certainly don’t mean anyone any harm. I mean to harm anger. I mean to harm exclusion. I mean to harm human rights abuses, but I try to stay as close to where His Holiness comes from… that everyone is redeemable, and in the end, everyone has to be redeemed or none of us [are]. So in that sense, I don’t take it personally.”
In 1993, Gere went off-script at the Academy Awards, denouncing China's policies on Tibet while presenting an award. The action resulted in a 20-year ban from the prestigious show, with him returning to the Oscars in 2013. That year, he presented another award, showing that his relationship with the Academy was mended.
Gere's relationship with the Dalai Lama
Gere's friendship with the Dalai Lama dates back years, with the two meeting 45 years ago. Their relationship continues, with Gere currently promoting the documentary "Wisdom of Happiness," based on the life of the Dalai Lama and featuring interviews with the 89-year-old beloved figure.
“I think this is important enough that I have to give my last bit of energy to put this out there for people to see. At the very least, it will put a seed in the minds of people who see it," he said of the film. Gere serves as the movie's producer and has said that he's never worked as hard for any of his films to be seen by a larger audience.
Gere saw "Wisdom of Happiness," directed by Philip Delaquis and Barbara Miller, and stepped in, overseeing a new edit and a score. "There is a medicinal quality I think to this film at a time when there’s a deep sickness," said Gere.
He is one of the most famous actors of his generation, starring in hit films like "Pretty Woman" and "Chicago." Through the years, he's worked with some of Hollywood's leading auteurs, including Terrence Malick, Todd Haynes, and more. He's won an Emmy and a Golden Globe, and has been nominated for the Goya Awards, Independent Spirit Awards, and more.