Richard Gere | Source: Getty Images
Richard Gere, known for roles in iconic films, has built a life where family holds significant meaning. While he rose to fame on the big screen, becoming a father brought different responsibilities and profound moments that he valued deeply. As a parent, he has carefully balanced his public and private lives.
Richard Gere and Alejandra Silva at the "Oh, Canada" premiere during the 77th annual Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France on May 17, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Richard’s commitment to fatherhood, particularly with his younger sons, shows his focus on privacy and family values. The experiences of his three sons highlight these priorities and demonstrate how Richard has managed the various phases of being a parent.
Becoming a Stepfather — The Start of Fatherhood
Before becoming a biological father, Richard stepped into the role of a stepfather when he married Carey Lowell, an actress known for her role in “Law & Order,” in the early 2000s. Carey had a daughter, Hannah Dunne, from her previous marriage to actor Griffin Dunne.
Richard embraced this role wholeheartedly and later reflected on the experience, saying, “Being a step-father was an easy ride.” This early chapter helped shape his views on parenting, easing any initial fears he may have had about fatherhood.
Before becoming a biological father, Richard Gere stepped into the role of a stepfather when he married Carey Lowell in the early 2000s. | Source: Getty Images
Richard’s willingness to take on the responsibilities of a stepfather marked an essential shift in his personal life. Notably, his first marriage to supermodel Cindy Crawford in the 1990s ended without children.
When they broke up, Cindy cited Richard’s hesitation to start a family as a key reason for their split. She attributed it to his concern that parenting would “monopolize” his life. However, by the time he married Carey, Richard had evolved in his outlook.
Cindy Crawford and Richard Gere at the 63rd Annual Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California in 1991. | Source: Getty Images
He overcame what he once described as “a guy fear” and embraced parenthood. The experience he shared with Hannah as a stepfather laid the groundwork for how Richard would later approach parenting his biological children.
Richard Gere and Carey Lowell with her daughter Hannah Dunne, whom she had during her previous marriage to actor Griffin Dunne. | Source: Getty Images
Richard Gere embraced his role as Hannah's stepfather wholeheartedly. | Source: Getty Images
On September 27, 2005, Richard Gere was seen attending the 2005 Benefit for Continuum Center for Health and Healing with Hannah Dunne. | Source: Getty Images
Becoming a stepfather helped shape Richard Gere's views on parenting, easing any initial fears he may have had about fatherhood. | Source: Getty Images
Homer James Jigme Gere — The Joy of Richard Gere’s Life
Richard’s journey as a biological father began in 2000 with the birth of his first son, Homer James Jigme Gere. At the time, Richard was 50 years old and in a long-term relationship with Carey (Homer’s mom).
Richard and Homer James Jigme Gere. | Source: Getty Images
The couple was together for several years before marrying in 2002, eventually separating in 2013 and finalizing their divorce in 2016. Homer’s birth came after Richard had returned home from the set of “Dr. T and the Women,” where he played an obstetrician.
Richard and Homer James Jigme Gere with Carey Lowell at an event. | Source: Getty Images
Homer’s name carries deep significance, honoring his paternal and maternal grandfathers: Homer Gere, a former insurance salesman, and James Lowell, a geologist. The name “Jigme” reflects Richard and Carey’s shared interest in Tibetan Buddhism, as it means “fearless” in Tibetan.
On April 29, 2001, the father-son duo was seen arriving for the "Kids for Kids" Carnival in New York City's Central Park. | Source: Getty Images
Shortly after Homer’s birth, Richard expressed his joy by calling his father (Homer’s grandfather) to share the news. According to his father, Richard’s voice conveyed excitement and happiness. “It was very sweet — and it made me feel good,” shared Richard’s dad when the actor told him the baby’s name.
Carey Lowell, Homer James Gere, and Richard Gere were seen watching a game between the Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on February 2, 2012. | Source: Getty Images
From an early age, Homer was a significant source of joy for Richard. When Homer was just two years old, Richard dubbed him “the joy” of his life, a child who loved music, ran fast, and showed intelligence and humor. “Pretty quick he learned irony, which is a wonderful quality for any human being,” reflected Richard of his young son’s wit.
On June 26, 2009, Richard Gere took his son to watch the New York Subway Series game between the Mets and Yankees at Citi Field. | Source: Getty Images
This father-son bond also influenced many of Richard’s career decisions. In an interview from 2015, he disclosed that while he mostly chose film roles on his own, he made sure not to be away from Homer for extended periods.
“If I have to be away for long, I talk to him about it, and if there is a problem, I don’t take up the project. Your family is more important than anything,” emphasized the doting dad.
On March 7, 2011, Richard and Homer Gere attended the Utah Jazz vs New York Knicks game at Madison Square Garden. | Source: Getty Images
As indicated on his LinkedIn profile, Homer attended Hackley School in Tarrytown, New York. He later pursued higher education at Brown University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and visual art in May 2024.
Homer Gere has grown noticeably taller than his father, as evident from their joint appearances. | Source: Getty Images
Although Homer has largely stayed out of the public eye, he and his father made a rare appearance together on the red carpet of the Cannes Film Festival in May 2024.
Over the years, their relationship has highlighted Richard’s dedication to fatherhood and showcases the “Runaway Bride” talent’s ability to balance his career with his role as a parent.
Though Homer Gere generally shies away from the limelight, he and Richard Gere made a rare public appearance together at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2024, walking the red carpet side by side. | Source: Getty Images
Richard Gere has often expressed his admiration and love for his eldest son. | Source: Getty Images
Homer Gere, who largely stays out of the public eye, attended the Filming Italy Venice Award red carpet during the 81st Venice International Film Festival on September 1, 2024, in Venice, Italy. | Source: Getty Images
Welcoming His Youngest Sons — Embracing Fatherhood Again
Almost two decades after the birth of his first child, Richard embraced fatherhood again, this time with his wife, Alejandra Silva.
Richard Gere and Alejandra Silva at the Miami International Film Festival in Miami, Florida on March 3, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
The couple married in 2018, and soon after, in 2019, they welcomed their first child together, a son named Alexander Gere. Richard was 69 at the time and expressed happiness over becoming a father again during this later stage of his life.
Soon after, the couple celebrated the arrival of their second son, making Richard a father for the third time. These new chapters in the actor’s life brought a sense of renewal and happiness, and his and Alejandra’s shared commitment to family privacy has been a cornerstone of how they raise their children.
Alejandra, who, like her husband, has a son named Albert Friedland from her previous marriage to Govind Friedland, has been steadfast in maintaining a level of seclusion around their family life.
Richard Gere and Alejandra Silva at the Starlite Porcelanosa Gala in Marbella, Spain on August 14, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
On social media, Alejandra occasionally offers glimpses of Alexander and his younger brother, but their faces are always hidden, blurred, or shown from behind to protect their identities. This approach aligns with Richard’s long-standing desire to shield his private life from the public eye.
Alejandra Silva has been diligent in maintaining a level of privacy for her children. | Source: Getty Images
Alejandra Silva occasionally offers glimpses of her sons, but their faces are always hidden, blurred, or shown from behind to protect their identities. | Source: Getty Images
Richard’s journey as a father is defined by dedication, growth, and a commitment to protecting his loved ones. From becoming a stepfather to Hannah to raising his first son, Homer, and later welcoming Alexander and his youngest child, Richard’s life reflects a balance of public success and personal devotion.Richard’s journey as a father is defined by dedication, growth, and a commitment to protecting his loved ones. From becoming a stepfather to Hannah to raising his first son, Homer, and later welcoming Alexander and his youngest child, Richard’s life reflects a balance of public success and personal devotion.
In the same way that the actor protects his family, his loved ones protect and look out for him, too. One such time saw his doting wife ease the worried public with updates about Richard after he experienced a health scare in 2023.
Although the news she shared was initially concerning, Alejandra reassured fans of her husband’s recovery. “He is feeling much better today! The worst has already passed,” she wrote.
Alejandra Silva and Richard Gere spotted out in Madrid, Spain on December 5, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Despite his Hollywood fame, Richard, who is now 75, consistently prioritizes family over his career, safeguarding his children’s privacy and treasuring their time together.
His role as a father highlights his core values — love, privacy, and providing a peaceful upbringing, and his story illustrates how fatherhood can transform and enrich life, emphasizing the importance of family.
