Richard Gere is ringing in the holiday season with a big move overseas. The beloved actor, known for his roles in Pretty Woman and Maybe I Do, revealed that he and his family are relocating to Madrid, Spain—a decision deeply rooted in honoring his wife Alejandra Silva’s heritage.
Gere shared the news during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Nov. 20, confirming that Thanksgiving will be celebrated in Madrid this year. Playfully addressing the audience, Gere joked, “My wife is Spanish. Is this a problem for anybody out there?”
Embracing Spanish Roots
The decision to move is not just about location but about connection. Gere explained, “My wife gave me about seven years here [in the U.S.], so we’re going to spend some years in Madrid with her family.” He emphasized that their bilingual children, sons Alexander, 5, and James, 4, would flourish in a Spanish-speaking environment.
Silva, 41, comes from a tight-knit Spanish family, which Gere lovingly described as reminiscent of a big Italian family. Following the passing of Silva’s grandmother two years ago, she has taken on the role of the family matriarch, organizing large gatherings, including weekly Sunday lunches for over 30 relatives.
A Love Story Across Borders
Gere and Silva’s relationship has spanned nearly a decade. The couple met in 2014 in Positano, Italy, and tied the knot in May 2018. In addition to their two young sons, Silva shares an 11-year-old son, Albert, with her ex-husband, Govind Friedland. Gere also has a 23-year-old son, Homer, from his second marriage to Carey Lowell.
This latest chapter follows the sale of the family’s Connecticut home for $11 million in October. The six-bedroom property, which Gere bought in 2022 for $10.8 million, served as their residence for two years before they decided to relocate.
A Move Rooted in Balance
The actor first announced his plans to move to Spain earlier this year in an interview with Vanity Fair Spain, calling it a fair exchange after years of living in the U.S. “For Alejandra, it will be wonderful to be closer to her family, her lifelong friends, and her culture. She was very generous in giving me six years living in my world, so it is only fair that I give her at least another six living in hers,” Gere said.
While the family embarks on this exciting new chapter in Spain, Gere assured fans that he will still return to the United States. For now, however, the holidays will be spent embracing Spanish traditions, culture, and family ties in the heart of Madrid.
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Photo Credit: Richard Gere / Shutterstock.com