Richard Gere says his 'sex symbol' title was silly

Melbourne, Nov 2 : He's been one of the big screen's most recognizable stars for 30 years, and has been a sex symbol for a long time, but according to Richard Gere the title was 'silly'.

While in an interview, when the 'Pretty Woman' star was about his long-time billing as a sex y icon, the actor said: "I thought it was silly - I always did and I always will,'' he says.

"They're just characters to me. Believe me, I have a very rich, committed and interesting life outside of this stuff. This is a job," the Daily Telegraph quoted him, as saying.

Gere says his early days as an intense, self-critical young actor have given way to someone who has mellowed and is no longer concerned solely with work.

Gere, who was married to supermodel Cindy Crawford for four years in the 1990s, says his marriage to actress Carey Lowell and the birth of their son when he was 50 changed the way he approached his career, with his family now a big factor in his choice of roles.

"I pick my roles differently. I want to know where it's going to shoot. I don't want to be far from my family," he said.

Gere recently finished filming Amelia, about pilot Amelia Earhart, who disappeared over the Pacific in 1937 in an attempt to fly around the world.

The film co-stars Hilary Swank, Ewan McGregor, Virginia Madsen and Canberra-raised teenager Mia Wasikowska.

ANI