Richard Gere Threatened to Take Legal Action after Being Labeled a ‘Sex Symbol’ — Details

• Iconic Hollywood actor Richard Gere was called a "sex symbol" by an interviewer.
• After he was labeled this way, Gere threatened to take legal action.
• Details about the phone call his agent made to the show's host about the title have been revealed.

Hollywood icon Richard Gere, 74, is best known for his charming and appealing characters on the silver screen. Whether playing the rich Cassanova who showers the female lead with expensive gifts in "Pretty Woman," or telling the story of a male escort who gets framed for murder in "American Gigolo," Gere has commonly been revered as the handsome protagonist.

Given his good looks, it's no wonder Gere has been deemed a sex symbol in Hollywood. In fact, while welcoming Gere on the show of a past interview, the host used this term as one way to describe him.

Last month, retired TV host Michael Aspel divulged some behind-the-scenes details about some of the stars he interviewed in the past, including Gere. While talking about his experience, Aspel revealed the moment he found out that Gere was less than pleased with how the host introduced him:

"When Richard Gere came on the show, I introduced him, and at the end...I used the phrase 'sex symbol.' After the interview, we had a phone call from his agent saying if I didn't remove the sex symbol thing, they were going to take it up with their lawyer..."

The reason for Gere's refusal to be labeled as a sex symbol has a lot to do with the kind of person that he is. He might be Mr. Cool and at ease on screen, but in real life, he thinks of himself as a shy person.

While discussing his thoughts on the fact that he is considered by many, especially women, as one of Hollywood's most good-looking actors, Gere expressed his gratitude but made it clear that he did not take such titles seriously. He went further to say that although he understands getting labeled comes with the territory of being a movie star, he never wanted to be a celebrity, let alone a sex symbol in the first place.

Gere mentioned that his shyness has been a personality trait ever since he was a little boy. Although he enjoys what he does for a living quite a bit, he said he was never a kid who sought to be the center of attention.

As for how he maintains his good looks, Gere says he is not a fitness freak, but in addition to abiding by the rule of moderation, he makes an avid effort to ensure he takes care of himself. Another essential factor that influences the way in which he lives life is his religious beliefs.

He is a Buddhist who enjoys spending ample time in Tibet to practice his spirituality. Gere's affiliation with and his devotion to the faith have resulted in him making contributions to the people of Tibet.

Richard Gere Found Love with a Partner Who Accepts His Religious Practices and Lifestyle

Regarding the happy Buddhist's love life, Gere has been involved in a series of relationships. He divorced his first wife, model Cindy Crawford, in 1995, and after that, he married Carey Lowell.

Lowell and Gere stayed together for eleven years and had a son before they divorced. According to a source, the pair split because of their opposing lifestyle choices.

The "No Mercy" star finally met his now third wife, Alejandra Silva, in 2014, and the two have been going strong ever since. A film source who has reportedly known Gere for years said that the actor has been the happiest he's ever been conducting humanitarian work and practicing Buddhism.

Humanitarianism and Buddhism are two things Gere shares in common with his beloved wife, Silva. In fact, Silva converted to the religion after she and Gere got together. Of her decision, she said:

"I'll be eternally grateful to him. No doubt about it, thanks to Buddhism, my life has changed."

This year marks the fifth year since the lovebirds tied the knot in an Indian-inspired wedding, which took place in 2018.