By Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, July 18: Richard Gere, hollywood actor and long-time advocate for Tibet and a good friend of the Tibetan exiled spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama, has recently been the subject of public concern over reports of his health. The President of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) Sikyong Penpa during a public talk on the last-day visit to Ladakh, revealed that the 74-year-old actor had undergone prostate surgery earlier in June.
“Earlier in June, Richard Gere underwent a prostate operation. He relocated to Spain 10-15 days post-operation. Unfortunately, he required a second procedure due to an infection. Gere has been a devoted ally to our cause for many years. During this challenging time, I urge Tibetans to pray for his swift recovery,” stated Sikyong Penpa Tsering in his public address (min. 47:43 onwards).
The concerns over Richard Gere’s health amplified following an online post by Tibetan singer Loten Namling who shared information received from Fabrizio Pallotti, a close friend of Gere. According to the post, Gere’s health issues began with an operation in the United States, during which his blood became infected. The details of the initial procedure and the nature of the infection remain undisclosed. Following the complications from the initial operation, Gere underwent a second operation and is now recuperating in Spain.
The news of Richard Gere’s health has elicited widespread concern and well-wishes from supporters around the world. Social media platforms have been flooded with messages of support and prayers for his recovery. Gere’s unwavering support for the Tibetan cause has earned him immense respect and built a strong emotional connection, particularly within the Tibetan community.
In 1993, during the Academy Awards, while presenting the Best Art Direction, Gere skipped the script and called out China’s occupation of Tibet and its “horrendous, horrendous human rights situation.” He continued his advocacy, calling for a boycott of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and he continues to support the cause through his two foundations, the Washington-based International Campaign for Tibet and the Gere Foundation in New York.
A netizen via Facebook wrote, “I really hope he will recover well as soon as possible. He is our real friend. May Buddha bless him.”
“Sending from my heart streams of sincere prayers and wishes for a speedy recovery and long life. We Tibetans deeply remain grateful to you dearest Gere,” another netizen expressed.
6 Responses
Praying for his health! I admire this man enormously for his character and his work.
So sorry to hear of Richard Gere’s illness. It’s a very serious matter if not caught very early. I lost my dad with that illness. He never bothered to get checked. I know Richard will be having top medical care. He’s been a wonderful advocate for the Tibetan people. I don’t understand why China wants everywhere. Tibet, Taiwan and God only knows what else. Get better ❤️?
God speed✨?️
Blessings to Richard! A fine, fine person with great love in his heart. Wishing you well!!!?
Richard Gere and his family were recently in Portugal for vacations and he seemed very fine.
Let us all the Tibetans join together to pray for his quick recovery at this difficult time of his life. He desparately need our prayer. Please spare one minute of your time in the morning and in the evening to pray for his recovery. Spread the prayer of message to all the Tibetans through social media and other available means. Let us do our best and leave the rest for god..!!! “Tadyatha Om Bhekhandze Bhekandze Maha Bhekandze Radza Samudgate Soha”…!!!