"American Gigolo"

A gigolo, by definition, is a male escort or social companion who is supported by a woman in a continuing relationship, often living in her residence or having to be present at her beck and call.  The gigolo is expected to provide companionship, to serve as a consistent escort with good manners and social skills, and often, to serve as a dancing partner as required by the woman in exchange for the support (which is contrary to typical norms).  Many gifts such as expensive clothing and an automobile to drive may be lavished upon him.  The relationship may include sexual services as well, when he also would be referred to as "a kept man".

The term usually implies a man who adopts a lifestyle consisting of a number of such relationships serially, rather than having other means of support.

The 1980 film American Gigolo is among Richard Gere’s first, and best.  Gere said in 2012 that he was drawn to the role of Julian because of its gay subtext.  "I read it and I thought, 'This is a character I don't know very well.  I don't own a suit.  He speaks languages; I don't speak any languages.  There's kind of a gay thing that's flirting through it and I didn't know the gay community at all.'  I wanted to immerse myself in all of that and I had literally two weeks.  So I just dove in."  Glad he did.  Not only did the film establish Gere’s leading man status, it’s widely credited to have established Giorgio Armani in Hollywood, since the Italian designer's clothes are featured prominently.

There are many images on the Internet as well as in movie historical archives of Gere from the film, and although it’s been more than thirty years since Gere portrayed Julian Kaye, he’s aged rather well, don’t you think?  Here are some vintage shots of Gere in his defining role.  He may not look like this any more, but I know more than a few women (and men, at that) who would keep him now.