| Richard Gere and his famous birthmark |
Beckers Nevus
| International film sensation Richard Gere first gained acclaim as a beefcake actor skilled at gritty realism. Through the years, he has maintained a career as a romantic leading man. Because of his characters' many love scenes, his films incidentally showcase a prominent pigmented patch on his left upper back. The appearance and location of this lesion are consistent with a Becker's nevus. Nevus is a medical term for either a pigmented lesion (such as a mole), or for a birthmark. A Becker's nevus is usually seen in men on the upper back or chest. It is a tan to brown flat patch with studded with dark hairs. Though considered a birthmark, it commonly appears during puberty, probably as a response to increasing levels of testosterone (male hormone). It is benign (not cancerous), and is rarely seen in women. Lasers may decrease the pigmentation, and electrolysis can be used to treat the hairs. Most men with this birthmark are comfortable with its presence and do not desire treatment. Imagine a pre-teen boy, becoming aware of a blotchy dark mark on his upper back or chest. Already saddled with pubescent anxiety, this lesion could further lessen his confidence. To that boy, we can offer the example of Gere, here shown with Lauren Hutton in "American Gigolo." His birthmark does not appear to have slowed his amorous endeavors in the slightest. Gere's doing all right. |
Gere's Left Shoulder
| With Lauren Hutton in American Gigolo |
| With Lolita Davidovich in Intersection |
| Officer and a Gentlemen with Debra Wenger |
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