Richard Gere stirred up some unexpected excitement during his recent appearance on the “Today” show, shocking host Savannah Guthrie by extending his middle finger at her to kick off the interview. Guthrie quickly reacted, humorously brandishing papers to shield the gesture from the audience and exclaimed, “I’m bleeping you!”
While such antics might seem out of character for the “Pretty Woman” star, 75, Gere clarified that he was recreating a scene from his upcoming espionage series, “The Agency,” premiering on November 29 on Paramount+/Showtime. A clip from the series had been played, but it cut off just before he delivered his infamous gesture, prompting him to reenact it live. When questioned by Guthrie about his choice, Gere insisted, “It didn’t make any sense without that!”
The lively segment was not without humor, as Gere quipped, “My hand did that, I have no control!” Interestingly, Guthrie noted that Gere isn’t the only celebrity to have a moment of misbehavior on the show. Cher, who appeared just the day prior, also dropped an expletive while discussing her divorce from Sonny Bono, leading to some light-hearted comparisons between the two encounters.
This playful and candid exchange showcases the unpredictability of live television and reminds viewers of the humanity behind their favorite celebrities. In an era where entertainment often feels scripted, moments like these serve as refreshing reminders that spontaneity can lead to genuine laughter and camaraderie on air.
Overall, while Gere’s gesture may have raised eyebrows, it also ignites excitement for his upcoming series and illustrates that even stars have their whimsical moments. Such events can alleviate the seriousness often associated with interviews and bring a sense of levity to the morning routine for audiences.