Gere performs for Pudding prize

Actor Gere cited a political reason for accepting the award

Actor Richard Gere donned a white bra and blonde wig to accept the Hasty Pudding Man of the year award from Harvard University's drama society.

He also wore a pair of gold dancing shoes and sang a song set to Razzle Dazzle, a tune from Chicago.

The actor played lawyer Billy Flynn in the film version of the stage musical, winning a Golden Globe award.

The student honour, which also went to Halle Berry this year, is given to actors who make a lasting contribution.

'Bozos'

Gere, who also had to win the heart of a student dressed as a dragon during the ceremony, explained why he had decided to accept the award, of a brass pudding pot.

"We're really all bozos on the bus. All of us, especially in this world and this country right now, when the biggest bozo on the bus is actually driving it," he said.

Halle Berry accepted the woman of the year award

The actor's singing performance included the lyrics "I could become a permanent resident, I could become your next president," in reference to Harvard president Lawrence Summers, who resigned last week.

Vice-president of Hasty Pudding Theatricals Peter Dodd said it was "natural" to give this year's award to Richard Gere.

"He is one of those actors that's been around for so long," he said.

Previous recipients of the award include film director Martin Scorsese and actress Catherine Zeta Jones.