Homer Gere says he nearly pursued science before acting career

Homer Gere says he considered becoming a scientist before following a career in acting.

Speaking to PEOPLE at the New York City premiere of his new FX series The Shards, the 25-year-old actor said he was a "really science-y kid" growing up. He said he loved physics and biology and planned to study science in college.

As a child, Gere also dreamed of becoming a baseball player, but a shoulder injury ended those ambitions. He said he eventually chose acting because he felt he connected more with people in his art classes than those in his physics classes.

Gere, the son of actors Richard Gere and Carey Lowell, said his father has been an important source of advice. Rather than offering acting tips, Richard Gere has focused on helping him build a sustainable career and conduct himself professionally on set.

The younger Gere also shared that the 2002 film Chicago, starring his father, helped him cope with separation anxiety as a child. He said he listened to songs from the film on his iPod during school bus rides.

Homer Gere stars in The Shards, an adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis' novel. The FX thriller, executive produced and co-created by Ryan Murphy, is set in 1980s Los Angeles and follows a group of elite high school students navigating relationships, identity and hidden dangers. The series premieres on Aug. 5 on FX.