In the ever-evolving landscape of Hollywood, where headlines are often dominated by the flash of paparazzi bulbs and the rush of the next blockbuster, few actors have managed to maintain a sense of grounded tranquility as successfully as Richard Gere. Now at 76 years old, the Pretty Woman and An Officer and a Gentleman star has navigated a career spanning six decades, yet he consistently cites his role as a father as his most profound achievement.
Gere’s journey into parenthood is a compelling narrative of personal evolution—a story of a man who moved from the hesitance of his youth to embracing a “blended family” that spans generations. As of 2026, Gere is a father to three sons: Homer, Alexander, and James, each representing a distinct chapter in his life. His approach to raising them offers a rare glimpse into the values of a global icon who chooses presence over publicity and family over fame.
The Early Hesitation: From Solo Star to Stepparent
To understand Richard Gere’s current devotion to his family, one must look back at his early years in the spotlight. During the 1980s and 90s, Gere was one of the most sought-after leading men in the world. His marriage to supermodel Cindy Crawford in the early 90s was the epitome of high-profile romance, yet the couple never had children. During this period, Gere was often candid about his uncertainty regarding the demands of raising a family while maintaining a rigorous international acting schedule.
The Shift in Perspective
The transformation began in the late 1990s when Gere met actress Carey Lowell. Before they welcomed their biological son, Gere stepped into the role of a stepfather to Lowell’s daughter, Hannah Dunne. This period acted as a “soft launch” into fatherhood, allowing Gere to experience the day-to-day responsibilities of parenting. He later described this experience as vital to his personal growth, noting that it softened his reservations and prepared him for the deep connection he would soon forge with his first son.
Homer James Jigme Gere: The Firstborn and the Legacy
In February 2000, at the age of 50, Richard Gere welcomed his first biological son, Homer James Jigme Gere. The name itself carries deep significance: “Homer” honors Gere’s own father, while “Jigme” (meaning “fearless” in Tibetan) reflects Gere’s lifelong devotion to Tibetan Buddhism and his close relationship with the Dalai Lama.
Growing Up Out of the Spotlight
For most of his life, Homer remained a mystery to the public. Gere and Lowell were intentional about raising him away from the “industry” hubs of Los Angeles, preferring the quieter landscapes of New York and Connecticut. This protection allowed Homer to develop his own identity.
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Education: In 2024, Homer graduated from Brown University with a degree in psychology and visual arts.
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Artistic Evolution: While he initially showed little interest in his father’s fame, Homer has recently begun exploring the performing arts. As of early 2026, he has been involved in writing, directing, and acting in independent projects, even being spotted on sets with peers like Kaia Gerber.
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The Bond: Gere famously tailored his career around Homer’s schedule for two decades, often refusing roles that required him to be away from home for more than a few weeks. In 2025, Gere remarked, “I always love being with my son… if we’re in the woods walking or doing something good for others, I’m always happy to see him.”
A New Chapter at 70: Fatherhood with Alejandra Silva
Many expected Gere to settle into a quiet retirement following his first son’s transition into adulthood. Instead, his life took a vibrant, youthful turn when he married Spanish publicist and activist Alejandra Silva in 2018. Despite a 34-year age gap, the couple found common ground in their shared Buddhist faith and humanitarian values.
The Youngest Sons: Alexander and James
Gere became a father again at the ages of 69 and 70, welcoming Alexander in February 2019 and James in April 2020.
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Privacy First: Unlike many celebrity parents, Gere and Silva have a strict policy regarding their children’s privacy. On social media, photos often show the boys from the back or with their faces obscured, focusing on the feeling of a moment rather than the children’s likeness.
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The Move to Spain: In late 2024 and through 2025, the family made headlines by relocating to Alejandra’s home country of Spain. Gere explained that after six years of Silva living in “his world” in the United States, it was only fair to give her and their sons the opportunity to grow up immersed in her culture and language.
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Bilingual Upbringing: By 2026, the youngest Gere sons are reportedly thriving in Madrid, with Gere noting that their Spanish is “perfect” and that the Mediterranean pace of life has brought a sense of “fulfillment” and “momentum” to their family unit.
The Philosophy of “Being Present”
What sets Richard Gere apart as a father is his philosophical approach to the role. Influenced heavily by his Buddhist practice, he views parenting as an exercise in patience and compassion.
Leading by Example
Gere does not shield his children from the world’s realities but involves them in his philanthropy. Whether supporting the Open Arms non-profit or attending charity galas in New York City, he teaches his sons that their privilege is a tool for service. In 2025, the entire family—including the young Alexander and James—was seen in rare photos wearing matching hoodies to support a non-profit cause, a “rare family snap” that emphasized their unity.
The Blended Family Dynamics
The Gere household in 2026 is a modern, blended family. This includes:
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Homer (25): The elder brother and budding artist.
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Albert (13): Alejandra’s son from a previous marriage, whom Gere dotes on as his own.
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Alexander (6) & James (5): The high-energy youngsters keeping their father active.
Conclusion: A Lifetime of Growth
Richard Gere’s journey as a father is a testament to the idea that it is never too late to reinvent oneself or to find new meaning in life. From the “stoic” actor of the 80s to the “doting dad” of the 2020s, Gere has shown that the most important roles are played off-camera.
By prioritizing the privacy and emotional well-being of his three sons, he has managed to do the impossible: raise a family in the heart of fame while keeping them entirely grounded. As the family navigates their new life in Spain and Homer carves his own path in the arts, the Gere legacy appears to be less about “movie stardom” and more about the quiet, enduring strength of family bonds.