Richard Gere, 76, has admitted there were several motivations behind his transatlantic move with his wife Alejandra Silva, 43, and their blended family in 2024.
As well as allowing Spanish native Alejandra to be closer to her family, they had a shared goal that brought them specifically to Madrid. Opening up about their new lifestyle with her 11-year-old son, Albert and their two children, Alexander, 5, and James, 4, he gushed to Elle Spain: "The truth is, you're seeing us in our prime. We're happier than ever."
The Primal Fear actor added: "She's happy because she's home, and I'm happy because if she's happy, I'm happy."
However, they insisted that their shared interest in humanitarian efforts is what primarily drove them to live in Spain.
"One of the things that unites us most and what made us fall deeply in love was our shared passion for activism," said Alejandra, who is helping to tackle homelessness.
"The only reason Richard and I are here in Madrid is to be part of the board of trustees of the NGO Hogar Sí," she said. "We want to help this country end homelessness. Our goal is that, in five years, no one will sleep on the streets."
What motivated Richard Gere to move to Spain?
This is not the first time they have addressed their relocation. The Pretty Woman actor previously lived in the US, where his eldest son Homer, whom he shares with ex Carey Lowell, continues to live as he pursues an acting career. In 2024, the couple reportedly bought a three-storey estate worth approximately €11 million ($12.5 million) in La Moraleja, an exclusive enclave located in Alcobendas.
Richard told chat show host Jimmy Fallon: "She gave me about seven years here, so we're going to spend some years in Madrid with her family."
He also praised the community, telling Elle Spain: "The place is beautiful. We were talking about communities, there's a very strong sense of community, and people care about each other.
"You know, in my part of the world, those kinds of bonds, social bonds, and community bonds are breaking down, so I do appreciate them," he continued.
Despite the big change, the family have settled into their new routine, with Alejandra praising Richard as a "very devoted and present father" who plays the guitar while she cooks dinner and reads bedtime stories to their kids.