He's one of the most recognizable and talented actors in Hollywood. Yet for all that people say they know about Richard Gere, he remains an enigma. From humble beginnings on a Pennsylvania dairy farm to the height of Hollywood hype, Gere has remained true to his craft and committed to his ideals.

As this E! True Hollywood Story reveals, Gere paid his dues in little stock-theater companies before hitting it big on Broadway. His gritty performances in bold roles caught the attention of Hollywood, where he soon found a niche as a sex symbol, a role he found distasteful.

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Through a string of relationships with beautiful and talented women, he managed to make movies while promoting his causes, such as freedom for Tibet and an end to human-rights abuses in Central America. Yet audiences know him best from his roles in American Gigolo, Pretty Woman and Chicago.

So, tune in to this remarkable Story, as E! tries to separate reality from myth. But first, check out these fun facts about the man who's still steaming up the screen after all these years.