22 Portraits of a Young and Handsome Richard Gere From the Late 1970s

In the 1970s, Richard Gere (born August 31, 1949) was in the early stages of his acting career, establishing himself in Hollywood. He had a youthful, charismatic presence with a striking look—often sporting thick, wavy dark hair, a lean build, and a brooding expression. His style during the 1970s typically reflected the fashion trends of the era, such as leather jackets, denim, turtlenecks, and casual button-down shirts, projecting a mix of ruggedness and charm.

During this decade, Gere began to gain attention with his performances in theater and early film roles. He first made a name for himself on Broadway in the musical Grease and later moved into film with notable performances in Looking for Mr. Goodbar (1977) and Days of Heaven (1978). These roles showcased his versatility as an actor and his ability to play intense, emotionally complex characters.

By the end of the 1970s, Gere was on the brink of becoming a major Hollywood star, setting the stage for his breakout in the 1980s.