Cindy Crawford is one of the most famous and successful models ever. She rose to fame in the 1980s and 1990s as part of the original group of supermodels, along with Christy Turlington, Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, and Tatjana Patitz. She graced the covers of countless magazines, starred in iconic commercials and music videos, and walked the runways for the biggest fashion brands. She also ventured into acting and business, launching her own skincare line, furniture collection, and tequila brand.
But Crawford’s life was not only about glamour and fame. She also had her share of challenges and struggles, especially in her personal relationships. She was married twice, first to Hollywood actor Richard Gere and then to businessman and former model Rande Gerber. Her marriage to Gere was short-lived and ended in divorce, while her marriage to Gerber has lasted for over two decades and produced two children who followed their parents’ footsteps in modeling.
How did Crawford meet, marry, and divorce Gere? What made her relationship with Gerber different and successful? What are the secrets behind her enduring beauty and career? Here is a look at the life and love story of Cindy Crawford.
Meeting Richard Gere
Crawford met Gere in 1988 when she was 22, and he was 39. She was already a rising star in the modeling world, while he was an established actor who had starred in hit movies like American Gigolo, An Officer and a Gentleman, and Pretty Woman. A mutual friend introduced them at a barbecue in Malibu, and they felt an instant attraction.
They started dating soon after, but they kept their relationship low-key and private. They rarely appeared together in public events or talked about each other in interviews. They preferred to spend time together at their homes or travel to exotic locations. They also shared an interest in Buddhism and meditation.
Marrying in Secret
After three years of dating, Crawford and Gere decided to get married in 1991. They eloped to Las Vegas and tied the knot in a secret ceremony at the Little Church of the West. Crawford wore a simple navy blue suit and a straw hat, while Gere wore a black suit and a baseball cap. They exchanged gold bands that cost $35 each.
The couple did not announce their marriage to the public until four months later when they appeared together on the red carpet at the Academy Awards. They looked happy and in love, but their marriage was already facing problems.
Facing Rumors and Challenges
One of the biggest challenges that Crawford and Gere faced was the constant rumors about their marriage. The most persistent one was that their marriage was a sham to cover up Gere’s alleged homosexuality. The rumor was so widespread that Crawford had to pose for a provocative photo with Gere on the cover of Vanity Fair magazine in 1992, with the headline “What Makes This Marriage Work?”
Another challenge was their age difference and career demands. Crawford was young and ambitious, while Gere was older and more settled. They had different schedules and priorities, making it hard to spend quality time together. They also grew apart as they matured and changed as individuals.
Divorcing Amicably
After four years of marriage, Crawford and Gere announced their separation in 1994. They issued a joint statement saying that they remained friends and respected each other. They finalized their divorce in 1995 without any drama or dispute. They did not have any children or shared assets to divide.
Crawford later admitted that she was too young when she married Gere and that she tried to change herself to fit his expectations. She said she gave up her power to him and that they were not friends or peers. She also said that they did not spend enough time together and that they thought it would be okay to fly from one place to another to see each other.
