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RICHARD GERE GETS INTO THE SWING OF THINGS

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7 APRIL 2006

Silver screen veteran Richard Gere, who was 51 when his son Homer was born six years ago, waited a little longer than most to become a father. The Chicago star is obviously keen to make up for lost time, though, as he was clearly relishing the chance to take time out with his wife Carey and their little boy Homer this week.

The silver-haired performer was photographed on a crisp New York afternoon as he and his family headed for a playground near their home in Manhattan. And his young son, whose middle name "Jigme" means "fearless" in Tibetan, certainly lived up to his moniker, laughing excitedly as his dad pushed him higher and higher on one of the swings.

Richard and Carey's devotion to the Buddhist faith no doubt inspired the unusual choice of name, as they are both well-known for their commitment to the teachings of the Dalai Lama. And while the award-winning actor does his best to walk the spiritual path in the metaphorical sense, it seems the religion's iconic leader will soon be walking Richard Gere's path in the literal sense.

People travelling to visit the exiled Tibetan ruler at his home in the Indian town of Dharamsala will find the journey has been made a little easier after the Hollywood star offered to repave the road leading up to his house. Apparently the surface was largely destroyed by storms last year and has made for difficult walking ever since.