Will Geer and Richard Gere are two famous actors who have starred in many popular movies and TV shows. Geer is best known for his role as Grandpa Walton in the long-running series The Waltons, while Gere is famous for his roles in American Gigolo, Pretty Woman, Chicago, and many others. But are these two actors related by blood or by name?
The Origin of the Rumor
The rumor that Will Geer and Richard Gere are related stems from the fact that they share a similar surname, albeit with different spellings. Geer’s original surname was Ghere, which he changed to Geer when he became an actor. Gere’s original surname was also Ghere, but his great-grandfather changed it to Gere in the late 19th century.
Some people have speculated that Geer and Gere are distant cousins who share a common ancestor from England. However, there is no concrete evidence to support this claim. Neither actor has publicly confirmed or denied their alleged kinship.
The Differences Between Geer and Gere
Despite their similar surnames, Will Geer and Richard Gere have many differences in their personal and professional lives. Geer was born in 1902 in Indiana, while Gere was born in 1949 in Pennsylvania. Geer had a degree in botany and was interested in plants and gardening, while Gere studied philosophy and was passionate about Buddhism and human rights.
Geer was married to actress Herta Ware from 1934 to 1954, and they had three children together: Ellen, Thad, and Kate. Geer also had a long-term relationship with activist Harry Hay, who was one of the founders of the gay rights movement in the US. Geer was bisexual and supported various social causes, such as labor unions, civil rights, and environmentalism. He died in 1978 at the age of 76.
Gere has been married three times: to model Cindy Crawford from 1991 to 1995, to actress Carey Lowell from 2002 to 2016, and to publicist Alejandra Silva since 2018. He has three children: Homer, Alexander, and Jigme. Gere is heterosexual and has been involved in various humanitarian efforts, such as advocating for Tibet, AIDS awareness, and homelessness. He is still active as an actor and producer.
The Conclusion
Will Geer and Richard Gere are not related by blood or by name. They have different backgrounds, lifestyles, and careers. They only share a similar surname that originated from their ancestors who came from England. The rumor that they are related is unfounded and based on speculation.
