relocating

Richard Gere's meaningful reason for returning to the U.S. after moving to Spain

The relocation represented a major life change for the actor.

JULY 6, 2026 6:38 PM EDTJUL 6, 2026, 6:38 PM EDT

Richard Gere and Alejandra Silva returned to the United States to celebrate the Fourth of July, giving fans a glimpse into the family's new life after relocating to Spain.

For Alejandra, returning to Spain meant reconnecting with her roots and stepping into the role long filled by the grandmother she adored. — Richard Gere has said moving to Spain has allowed his family to enjoy a slower pace of life while staying connected to both countries.

Silva, 43, shared a joint Instagram post documenting the holiday weekend in New York City, where the couple celebrated alongside their two youngest sons, Alexander, 7, and James, 6.

"Deeply grateful for a life built between two countries, two cultures, and so many people we love," Silva wrote alongside the carousel. She continued, "Today, we celebrate connection, family, friendship, and everything that reminds us that home is not only a place, but the people we carry in our hearts."

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The family spent part of the celebration aboard a boat cruising around Manhattan, posing in front of the Statue of Liberty. Other moments captured the boys playing on the beach before ending the day watching the city's fireworks display over the water. The following morning, Silva also shared a video of the family enjoying a peaceful walk through wooded trails.

Richard Gere and Alejandra Silva celebrated the Fourth of July with their sons during a visit to New York City.

The holiday marked one of Gere's first festive visits back to the United States since he and Silva officially relocated their family to Madrid at the end of 2024.

The move was first announced by the 'Pretty Woman' star during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where he explained the decision to settle in his wife's native country.

"My wife is Spanish and she gave me about seven years here and so, we’re going to spend some years in Madrid," Gere said at the time. "Our kids are bilingual, so they’re going to flourish there," he added.

Alexander and James spent time playing on the beach as part of the family's holiday celebrations.

The relocation represented a major life change for the actor. Before leaving the United States, Gere sold his historic New Canaan, Connecticut, estate for $10.75 million. The sale later attracted attention after the buyer demolished the 1938 residence to redevelop the property. Despite the move overseas, Gere kept a smaller country home near New York for future visits.

The family's new residence is a luxury home in La Moraleja, an exclusive neighborhood in Alcobendas, just outside Madrid. Rather than making a temporary move, the couple transported their personal belongings from the United States, including furniture, artwork, guitars, pianos and Gere's extensive library. The home was also designed to reflect the actor's Buddhist philosophy, with peaceful interiors connected to expansive gardens.

The family wrapped up the Fourth of July by watching fireworks over New York City.

Since settling in Spain, Gere has embraced a quieter routine away from Hollywood. He has frequently been spotted running errands, walking around Madrid and supporting charitable organizations, including the nonprofit Hogar Sí, which works to combat homelessness.

The actor has also become increasingly vocal about his appreciation for life in Spain. In several interviews, he has praised the country's relaxed pace, saying he admires the joyful spirit of its people and believes Spaniards place greater value on enjoying life's simple moments with less stress than many Americans.

Richard Gere and Alejandra Silva share a sweet kiss at New York City premiere — The couple relocated to Madrid in late 2024 but continue returning to the United States for family traditions and work commitments.

Gere has also described Spaniards as warm, generous, and deeply welcoming, qualities that he says have made the transition especially meaningful for his family.

When asked what he loves most about Spain, the actor has often joked that his favorite part is seeing how happy his wife is living in her home country. He has also spoken enthusiastically about Spanish cuisine, calling it extraordinary, and has playfully compared Spaniards to Italians because of their warmth and love of life.

The actor has even embraced his connection to Galicia, where he owns another residence. During one red carpet appearance, Gere jokingly leaned into the idea that he had become an honorary Galician after being told many locals already considered him one of their own.

Richard Gere and wife Alejandra Silva — Richard Gere and Alejandra Silva have embraced a lifestyle split between Spain and the United States.

Despite embracing life in Spain, Gere has admitted that learning Spanish has been one of his biggest challenges. He has previously said he feels self-conscious about not speaking the language fluently yet and revealed that Silva often encourages him to continue improving.

Although Madrid has become the family's primary home, Gere and Silva have made it clear that they are not saying goodbye to the United States. Instead, they have embraced a lifestyle divided between both countries, returning regularly for the actor's professional commitments and so their children can spend part of each summer attending camp in America.