Hollywood icon Richard Gere consistently brings unforgettable moments to the Today show, captivating audiences and hosts alike with his blend of charm, wit, and occasional mischief. From playfully crashing segments to making headlines with an unexpected gesture, Gere’s appearances alongside host Savannah Guthrie have become legendary, showcasing a dynamic that keeps fans eagerly watching.
When Richard Gere steps onto the set of NBC’s Today show, magic often happens. The acclaimed actor, known for his roles in classics like Pretty Woman, has a history of creating memorable on-air moments, particularly with co-anchor Savannah Guthrie. These interactions, ranging from openly flirty banter to unexpected live TV antics, have solidified Gere’s reputation as a charming and unpredictable guest, much to the delight of fans and the occasional fluster of the hosts.
A Flirty Crash and a Delayed Flight: October 2025
On Thursday, October 16, 2025, Richard Gere, at 76, once again stole the spotlight during his appearance on the Today show. Intended to promote his new documentary with the Dalai Lama, Wisdom of Happiness, Gere couldn’t resist a playful detour. He crashed the “Pop Start” entertainment segment, where Savannah Guthrie, Jenna Bush Hager, Dylan Dreyer, Craig Melvin, and Carson Daly were discussing current events.
His unexpected presence, particularly his decision to sit directly next to a visibly excited Guthrie, sparked immediate reactions. “It’s hard for Savannah to keep her concentration right now,” joked Craig Melvin. Guthrie herself, at 53, admitted, “Oh, look, come sit down. Hi, Richard Gere.” She then quipped, “Now I’m like, ‘Oh, is it getting hot in here?'” while playfully fanning herself, as detailed by People. The lighthearted teasing continued among the cast, with Carson Daly and Dylan Dreyer noting Guthrie’s flushed reaction, reminiscent of Melvin’s earlier “sweating” in anticipation.
NBC
Jenna Bush Hager, Dylan Dreyer, Richard Gere, Savannah Guthrie, Craig Melvin and Carson Daly on the ‘Today’ show.
Gere didn’t stop there. He playfully chided Guthrie for her impending departure to Tucson, Arizona, where she was scheduled to film a story for the show, implying she would miss his interview. Jenna Bush Hager even directly asked Gere, “Did you come here for her? For Savannah?” to which he charmingly replied, “Yes! Yes! I thought well at least I’m going to come over and sit with her for a second before she leaves for Tucson.”
Fortuitously for Guthrie and fans, her flight was delayed, allowing her to stay and co-conduct the interview with Melvin. Gere continued his playful banter, teasing her about not having seen his film yet but noting she would have something to watch on her delayed flight. He even offered her his phone number, stating, “We’ll give her [my] number ’cause I want to hear what you have to say,” after she watched the film, showcasing his enduring and playful rapport with the host.
The Infamous “Obscene Gesture” of November 2024
This wasn’t Gere’s first time making headlines on Today. A year prior, in November 2024, an interview promoting his TV show The Agency took an unexpected turn. After a clip from the series was shown, Richard Gere abruptly gave Savannah Guthrie the middle finger on live television. A surprised Guthrie, then 52, quickly swatted his hand down with her notes, exclaiming, “You just did an obscene gesture on this family morning show! I’m bleeping you!”
Gere immediately defended himself, explaining that the gesture was part of the scene from his show that the broadcast had edited out. “You didn’t show but that’s what I did in the piece! That’s what the clip was!” he argued, asserting that the context made sense with the full clip. Guthrie countered that they had specifically cut that part for the “family morning show” audience, but Gere playfully insisted, “My hand did that, I have no control!” This memorable exchange was widely reported, including by sources like Today.com.
Cher’s F-Bomb and a Week of Wild TV
Adding to the week of unexpected live TV moments, Guthrie noted that Gere’s incident followed closely on the heels of another celebrity slipping up on air. The previous day, music icon Cher, then 78, dropped an F-bomb during an interview with co-host Hoda Kotb. Cher recounted advice she received from Lucille Ball regarding her divorce from Sonny Bono, saying, “She said, ‘F*** him, you’re the one with the talent.'” Despite Kotb’s assurance of a bleep, the word aired, leading to gasps and laughter from the crew.
These incidents highlight the unpredictable nature of live television and the genuine reactions they elicit from hosts and audiences, making these interviews moments that fans of the Today show and classic film enthusiasts remember long after they air.
The Enduring Appeal of Richard Gere’s Today Show Moments
Richard Gere’s recurring appearances on the Today show consistently generate buzz within fan communities. His playful dynamic with Savannah Guthrie and other hosts has become a staple, offering a glimpse into the lighter side of a legendary actor. Whether he’s offering a phone number to discuss a film or playfully pushing the boundaries of morning television, Gere’s charm and wit ensure that his interviews are far more than just promotional stops—they are events in themselves.
These incidents are more than just breaking news; they become part of the shared memory of classic film enthusiasts and TV viewers alike, reinforcing the timeless appeal of Hollywood stars interacting authentically with their audience. His knack for creating viral moments solidifies his place not just as a film icon, but as a beloved, unforgettable guest on morning television.
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Richard Gere and Savannah Guthrie on the ‘Today’ show on Oct. 16.
