Richard Gere, known for his roles in movies such as “An Officer and a Gentleman,” surprised everyone when he threatened to involve his lawyers in a British TV chat show. Gere’s objection was to the use of the label “sex symbol” in his introduction. The incident took place during his appearance on the show hosted by the experienced British TV personality Michael Aspel in 1989. Aspel shared this intriguing anecdote in an interview with the Daily Mail, reminiscing about his encounters with various Hollywood celebrities over the years.
Aspel explained, “When Richard Gere came on the show, I introduced him and at the end I said, and ‘he’s done this, he’s done that,’ and I used the phrase ‘sex symbol.'” However, shortly after the interview, Gere’s agent contacted the show, stating that they would involve their lawyer if the reference to Gere as a sex symbol was not removed. This incident surprised Aspel and the entire production team. Gere seemed to take himself very seriously, as he was involved in activism for the people of Tibet.
Elizabeth Taylor, one of the most iconic actresses of all time, proved that she was not just a talented performer but also had a great sense of humor. Aspel shared his experience interviewing Taylor on his show in 1998. He expressed his admiration for her, admitting that she was the only woman he had ever written a fan letter to as a young man. Their encounter did not disappoint.
Taylor’s interview with Aspel was described as honest, funny, and even a bit bawdy. At the end of the interview, as they were having their photographs taken, Taylor playfully asked, “Is there any lipstick on my teeth?” Seizing the opportunity to be cheeky, Aspel responded, “No, but I wouldn’t mind some on mine.” To his surprise, Taylor gave him a mischievous smile, took his face in her hands, and planted a tremendous kiss on his cheek, leaving a magenta mark. The encounter ended on a high note as they all went for a drink together.
Barbra Streisand, a legendary singer and actress, had a reputation for being polite and pleasant. When Aspel had the chance to interview her, he found her to be exactly that. However, it was this politeness that prevented them from having a truly engaging conversation. Aspel felt that the interaction could have easily taken place over the phone, lacking the depth and spontaneity that an in-person interview can bring.
Streisand’s manners were impeccable, but the interview failed to leave a lasting impression on Aspel. He sensed that there was more to Streisand than what transpired during their conversation, and he couldn’t help but feel that the opportunity for a deeper connection was missed.
When Aspel had the pleasure of interviewing the iconic actor Jack Nicholson, he was thrilled to capture a moment with him in a photograph. However, upon seeing the picture afterwards, Aspel couldn’t help but notice the significant contrast between their expressions. While Nicholson displayed his famous grin, Aspel appeared slightly downcast. This unexpected difference in their demeanor left a lasting impression on Aspel and served as a reminder that even in seemingly successful encounters, outcomes can be vastly different.
Aspel believes that he was one of the last people to interview the legendary singer Bing Crosby. Tragically, Crosby passed away on the golf course just a few days after their interview in 1977. Aspel reflects on this encounter as a bittersweet memory, knowing that he had interacted with a true icon of the entertainment industry shortly before his untimely demise.
Michael Aspel cherishes the memories of his encounters with Richard Gere, Elizabeth Taylor, Barbra Streisand, Jack Nicholson, and Bing Crosby. These experiences with Hollywood luminaries brought moments of surprise, laughter, missed opportunities, and bittersweet farewells. Through his stories, Aspel highlights the unpredictable nature of celebrity encounters and the lasting impact they can have on those fortunate enough to experience them.