Richard Gere, celebrated for his iconic film roles, has built a life centered on family and fatherhood. While he reached global fame through his acting career, becoming a father brought transformative responsibilities and moments that he cherishes deeply.
A Step into Fatherhood: Becoming a Stepfather
Gere’s journey into parenting began not with biological children but as a stepfather. When he married actress Carey Lowell in the early 2000s, Gere embraced his role as a stepfather to Hannah, Lowell’s daughter from her previous marriage to actor Griffin Dunne. Reflecting on this chapter, Gere described it as an “easy ride,” showing his natural adaptability to fatherhood.
This early experience shaped his perspective on parenting, helping him overcome any hesitations he previously harbored. It also marked a significant personal evolution for Gere, who had opted not to start a family during his first marriage to supermodel Cindy Crawford in the 1990s.
Crawford later revealed that Gere’s reluctance to embrace parenthood at the time was a major factor in their separation, as he feared it would “monopolize” his life.
By the time Gere married Lowell, he had a newfound readiness to embrace fatherhood. His role as a stepfather to Hannah laid the foundation for his journey as a biological parent.
Welcoming His First Son: Homer James Jigme Gere
In 2000, Gere became a father for the first time at age 50, when his son, Homer James Jigme Gere, was born. Gere and Lowell, who had been in a long-term relationship, tied the knot two years later in 2002. Although the couple eventually separated in 2013 and finalized their divorce in 2016, Homer’s arrival marked a pivotal moment in Gere’s life.
Homer’s name holds deep familial and cultural significance. He is named after Gere’s father, Homer Gere, a former insurance salesman, and Lowell’s father, James Lowell, a geologist. The name “Jigme,” which means “fearless” in Tibetan, reflects Gere and Lowell’s shared passion for Tibetan Buddhism.
Gere’s excitement over fatherhood was palpable. Upon Homer’s birth, he immediately called his father to share the joyful news. Gere’s father recalled how his son’s voice radiated happiness, describing the moment as “very sweet.”
As Homer grew, Gere often expressed his pride and delight in his son. By the time Homer was two, Gere called him “the joy of my life,” marveling at his wit, intelligence, and humor. Gere cherished the connection they shared, noting, “Pretty quick he learned irony, which is a wonderful quality for any human being.”
Gere’s dedication to Homer influenced many of his career decisions. He prioritized his son above work commitments, ensuring he was present for important moments. “If I have to be away for long, I talk to him about it. If there’s a problem, I don’t take the project,” Gere explained, emphasizing that family always came first.
Homer pursued an education at Hackley School in Tarrytown, New York, before graduating from Brown University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and visual art in May 2024. Despite maintaining a low public profile, Homer and Gere made a rare appearance together at the Cannes Film Festival in 2024, highlighting their close bond.
Later Fatherhood with Alejandra Silva
Nearly two decades after becoming a father for the first time, Gere welcomed fatherhood again with his third wife, Spanish publicist Alejandra Silva.
The couple married in 2018 and soon celebrated the birth of their first child, Alexander, in 2019. Gere was 69 at the time and expressed immense joy in becoming a father later in life. Shortly after, the couple welcomed their second son, solidifying Gere’s role as a father of three.
Both Gere and Silva value their family’s privacy, carefully shielding their children from public scrutiny. Silva, who also has a son, Albert, from a previous marriage, has been particularly vigilant about maintaining their family’s seclusion.
On social media, she occasionally shares glimpses of Alexander and their youngest child, ensuring their faces are always obscured to protect their identities.
Gere’s later chapters as a father reflect a renewed sense of purpose. Despite the age gap between him and his younger sons, he remains deeply committed to providing them with a peaceful and loving upbringing.
A Legacy of Love and Family
Gere’s role as a father has been defined by growth, devotion, and unwavering commitment. From stepping into fatherhood as a stepfather to Hannah, to raising his first son Homer, and later embracing fatherhood again with Alexander and his youngest son, Gere has prioritized his family at every stage of life.
In 2023, Gere faced a health scare that concerned fans. However, Silva reassured the public of his recovery, sharing that he was “feeling much better” and that “the worst has already passed.”
Now 75 years old, Gere continues to embody the values of love, privacy, and family devotion. His story illustrates how fatherhood has enriched his life, balancing Hollywood stardom with his commitment to safeguarding his family’s well-being. For Richard Gere, being a father remains his most profound role—a testament to the transformative power of family.
