Richard Gere Reveals Why He's Leaving the U.S. to Start a New Life in Spain with His Family

Richard Gere is embarking on a significant life change, announcing his decision to leave the United States and settle in Spain with his wife, Alejandra Silva, and their family.

The 75-year-old Pretty Woman actor shared the news during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, revealing that they plan to arrive in Madrid in time to celebrate Thanksgiving with Alejandra’s relatives.

“My wife is Spanish. Is this a problem for anybody out there?” Richard joked with the audience before explaining the move. “She gave me about seven years here [in the U.S.], so we’re going to spend some years in Madrid.”

The couple, who married in 2018, share two young sons—Alexander, five, and James, four. Gere is also a stepfather to Alejandra’s 11-year-old son, Albert, and has a 24-year-old son, Homer, from his previous marriage to actress Carey Lowell. Emphasizing the benefits of the move, Richard noted, “Our kids are bilingual, so they’re going to flourish there.”

Although the Hollywood star will be based in Spain, he reassured fans that he isn’t leaving America for good. “Of course, I’ll be back,” he said, adding that his family’s happiness remains his top priority. “I love my wife. She’s incredible. Great mother. Kids are healthy and happy. Of course, there’s nothing more than that.”

Richard also reflected on Alejandra’s tight-knit Spanish family and their plans to celebrate Thanksgiving in a grand style.

“My wife grew up in a big Spanish family, like a big Italian family,” he shared. “Her grandmother was kind of the glue that held everyone together. She passed away about two years ago, and I can see [Alejandra] morphing into the new grandmother of this extended family. She’s already planning for 35 people for Sunday lunches.”

The actor’s decision to move abroad mirrors a growing trend among celebrities. Recently, Ellen DeGeneres and her wife, Portia de Rossi, relocated to the Cotswolds in rural England.

Similarly, actress Eva Longoria splits her time between Mexico and Spain, citing concerns over America’s political climate. She expressed fears that if certain political promises come to fruition, the U.S. could become a “scary place.”

Richard’s appearance on Fallon followed a lively interview earlier that day on NBC’s Today show. During the segment, the program aired a clip from his new political thriller, The Agency.

However, producers cut the scene short before Richard’s character gave the middle finger, prompting the actor to recreate the moment live on air.

As Savannah Guthrie introduced him, Richard surprised everyone by flipping her off in the studio, leaving the host visibly shocked. “Sorry, but that’s what I did in the piece,” he explained, defending the gesture.

Savannah quickly attempted to cover his hand with her script, quipping, “You just did an obscene gesture on this family morning show.”

Despite the surprising moment, Gere’s candid charm and humor shone through as he spoke about his love for family and the exciting new chapter awaiting them in Spain.