Parenting is no walk in the park, even for Hollywood royalty like Richard Gere and his wife, Alejandra Silva. But here's where it gets real: despite their A-list status, this power couple recently opened their hearts about a surprisingly relatable parenting struggle that left them scratching their heads. In an exclusive interview with HELLO!, Gere, 76, and Silva, 42, revealed that just hours before a screening of his documentary Wisdom of Happiness, they found themselves in the middle of a parenting crisis with one of their sons. What’s truly fascinating is how they navigated this challenge—leaning on their shared Buddhist faith to find a solution.
Gere, a longtime Buddhist and advocate for Tibetan freedom, admitted that it’s actually Alejandra who’s the master of patience when it comes to their two boys, Alexander and James. “We were just having a drama about one of our kids,” Gere chuckled, with Alejandra quickly adding, “It’s about bringing a lot of patience into the equation and teaching them about Buddhism—what it means and how it can help.” And this is the part most people miss: Alejandra’s calm approach isn’t just about avoiding conflict; it’s about creating a space for open communication. “I know I want to strangle you right now, but I’m going to take a deep breath, and we’re going to talk through this,” she explained. Gere couldn’t help but praise her, saying, “She’s an incredible mother, and I’ve actually learned how to be a better father by watching her.”
The couple, who married in 2018, welcomed Alexander that same year and James in 2020. Gere is also dad to 25-year-old Homer, from his first marriage to Carey Lowell. In a bold move, the family relocated to Spain in October 2024 to immerse their sons in Alejandra’s culture and be closer to her family. But here’s where it gets controversial: while the move was intended to be a long-term adventure, Gere recently revealed to HELLO! that they’ve already returned to the U.S. after just one year. Why the sudden change? Gere explained, “Alejandra was really happy in Spain—her family, her friends, her culture, the food—it was fabulous. But we always knew we’d come back eventually.”
In an interview with Vanity Fair Spain, Gere shared his thoughts on the move: “Going to Madrid was a great adventure. I’ve never lived full-time outside the U.S., and I think it was very interesting for my children too.” He also acknowledged the sacrifice Alejandra made in living in his world for six years, adding, “It’s only fair that I give her at least another six living in hers.”
But here’s the question that’s sparking debate: Is it ever truly possible to balance two cultures and two homes without someone feeling shortchanged? Alejandra hinted at this complexity when she told the Daily Mail, “We’ll come back to the U.S. in the summer for the kids’ camp, but we have to balance our lives there and here.”
This candid glimpse into their lives raises a thought-provoking question for all parents: How do you navigate cultural differences and parenting styles while keeping your family united? Do you think their approach is sustainable, or is it a recipe for confusion? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take!
