During the 1980s and 1990s, Cindy Crawford and Richard Gere were among Hollywood’s most celebrated couples. Their time together was marked by glamour and intrigue, captivating fans until their eventual separation. Here’s a look back at their iconic relationship.
Beginning of Their Relationship
Cindy Crawford, then 21, and Richard Gere, 38, first met in 1988 at a barbecue hosted by renowned photographer Herb Ritts. Crawford, new to fame, was enamored by Gere’s star power, while Gere was equally taken by the rising supermodel. The pair quickly began dating and moved in together in New York, sharing interests in Buddhism and meditation, and traveling to India and Nepal.
Crawford later reflected on this transformative period in her career during the Apple TV series The Super Models in 2023, noting how her relationship with Gere shifted her focus from high fashion to taking more control over her career.
One of their standout moments as a couple occurred at the 1991 Oscars, where Crawford dazzled in a memorable Versace gown.
Duration of the Relationship
The couple eloped to Las Vegas in December 1991 after three years of dating. Crawford recounted in 2015 how their spontaneous wedding involved her wearing an Armani suit and using a tinfoil ring due to the last-minute nature of the ceremony. Herb Ritts was present as both a bridesmaid and photographer.
Despite their high-profile romance, rumors circulated about their sexuality and the authenticity of their marriage. Crawford addressed these in a 1993 Rolling Stone interview, dismissing the speculation.
They separated in 1994 and filed for divorce the following year, citing irreconcilable differences.
Conclusion of Their Marriage
Before their separation, the couple issued a statement to counter rumors about their relationship, affirming their commitment to each other. However, they eventually parted ways, later attributing their 17-year age difference as a significant factor.
Crawford reflected in 2013 on how her youth at the time influenced the dynamics of their relationship, noting her desire to lead and grow independently.
Reflections on Their Time Together
Crawford has acknowledged how Gere taught her to navigate fame, learning from his interactions with fans and his ability to set boundaries. Gere, in a 1996 interview with Charlie Rose, described the divorce as painful but emphasized the importance of shared goals in a marriage.
Current Perspectives
Years later, Crawford discussed the reasons behind their split, citing their lack of time together and the challenges posed by their age difference. On the “WTF With Marc Maron” podcast in 2016, she mentioned how their relationship lacked a foundation of friendship and equality.
Lessons from Their Relationship
While age differences can sometimes work, they can also present challenges. Gere later married Carey Lowell and Alejandra Silva, with whom he has children. Crawford married Rande Gerber in 1998, and they have two children together.
The relationship between Gere and Crawford remains a notable chapter in the history of celebrity romances, remembered for its glamour and intensity.
