Public interest has resurfaced around old photos of Richard Gere dressed as a homeless man, leaving many people surprised when they realize years later who the famous actor was, supporting a stranger’s kind gesture.
Richard Gere, the 74-year-old Hollywood legend, has showcased his versatility through numerous roles, including one in 2014 where he portrayed a homeless man. At the time, many were unaware that these images were from a movie and even less so that Gere was the star. The old media still catches readers of Dailypositiveinfo off guard, even years later.
While walking the streets of New York City, Gere was completely unrecognizable to the public. “For over forty minutes, no one even looked at me. I was in one of the busiest areas of New York,” Gere once said. “If it had been me, I wouldn’t have lasted 30 seconds.”
In several photos, the “Runaway Bride” star is seen wearing olive-colored slacks, a long-sleeved shirt, a beige scarf, and a charcoal beanie. Gere was also photographed sitting next to actor Ben Vereen, who played another homeless man in the film, while also donning a slightly soiled raincoat.
Other media images show Gere carrying plastic bags while walking around. A few onlookers noticed him during the movie’s filming, unaware that he was portraying George, a father trying to repair his broken relationship with his daughter Maggie, played by actress Jena Malone.
During the movie, George finds solace in a homeless shelter called “Bellevue Hospital” and befriends another resident who aids him in mending the bond with his daughter. The film, in which Gere played this role, is titled Time Out of Mind.
Even years after his identity was revealed, Dailypositiveinfo readers who viewed the recent throwback post remain in disbelief that the homeless man was actually Gere. One reader commented, “I wouldn’t have recognized him.”
Another noted, “Wow! I remember him from [‘Pretty Woman’], an old movie.” Beyond their surprise, many acknowledged that Gere’s portrayal of George brought attention to the serious issue of homelessness.
“WOW. [Not] surprised though. That’s New York City for you. [It’s] sad though…. Very sad!!!!” one reader exclaimed on Facebook. Echoing similar feelings, another added, “OMG..if [it’s] true 
[it’s] so sad 
but I don’t know what they [are] doing in Hollywood to [these] people 
.”
Praising Gere’s actions, someone else commented, “Amazing. I’m glad he did this, taking a good look at OUR SOCIETY.”
During the film’s production, when Gere was still mistaken for just another homeless person, a compassionate French mother noticed him and offered him food.
Karine Gombeau, who was visiting New York from Paris with her family, saw Gere sifting through a trash can near Grand Central Terminal, unaware that he was an actor in character for the movie.
Moved by the scene, Gombeau decided to give Gere some leftover pizza slices she had with her family. When she approached the “Unfaithful” star, Gere asked, “What’s in the bag?”
Gombeau tried to respond in English but ended up speaking a mix of English and French. “I said, ‘Je suis désolée [I am sorry], but the pizza is cold,’” the French tourist recalled. Gere responded, “Thank you so much. God bless you,” she shared. It wasn’t until two days later, when Gombeau received a copy of her good deed from The Post, that she realized Gere was only playing a homeless character.
To her amazement, Gombeau found a picture of herself with Richard Gere in the article. “It was magical… It’s crazy, this story. It’s unimaginable that something like this could happen,” she marveled.
