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Richard GereandAlejandra Silvaturned heads in 2018 when they got married and announced plans to start a family despite their 33-year age difference.
A source close to the couple told PEOPLE at the time that the two were “extraordinarily happy.” The insider added: “They’re so comfortable with each other, have fun together and are looking forward to their future together.”
In August 2024, Silvacelebrated Gere’s 75th birthdaywith a sweet post on Instagram.
Three months later, Gere announced that he and Silva are moving to Spain with their children during a November 2024 appearance onToday.
“Mywife is Spanish, and we’re going there for her family, her friends, her culture," he said. “The kids are bilingual, so it’s really going to be great for them.” Shortly after Gere shared the news of their move,he and Silva were photographedwhile out and about in Madrid together.
So, who is the leading lady in Richard Gere’s life? Here’s everything to know about theactor’s third wife, Alejandra Silva, and their relationship.
RELATED VIDEO: Richard Gere Marries Spanish Girlfriend Alejandra Silva: ‘They’re Extraordinarily Happy’
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Silva runsRais Fundacion, a nonprofit aiming to eradicate homelessness in Spain in five years (the word “rais” means roots in Spanish). The activist often speaks about her mission, and she toldHola!in 2015 that she has gone method to understand the problems homeless people face in her country.
“I’ve slept on the street to understand the struggle of the homeless,” Silva said. “I’m not scared of rolling up my sleeves and diving into work. If I do something, I put 100% effort in. If I can’t, I’d rather not do it.”
Silva’s dad, Ignacio Silva Botas, was the vice president of Spanish soccer club Real Madrid from 1995 to 2000. Before that, Botas was a successful businessman who moved his family to Madrid when Silva was a child.
Silva ran in Madrid’s elite circles while she was young and attended some of the top private schools in the city. She also was close to Real Madrid players due to her dad’s affiliation and was romantically linked to player Roberto Carlos.
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Silva said she believed the universe was on her side regarding her relationship with thePretty Womanstar. The activist toldHola!in 2015 that Gere had been a family friend, and they had known each other for over a decade. Silva said they were immediately attracted to each other the moment they reconnected years later.
“Our karma was attracted the moment we saw each other,” she said. “I’m not ignoring our age difference and what it means to be with a Hollywood star, but when there’s such a strong karmic energy, the problems disappear.”
Silva opened up about her long-distance relationship with Gere in 2015, revealing that the two would see each other when their kids were with their exes.
“It’s hard to coordinate, but we don’t go more than 20 days without seeing each other,” she toldHola!
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After their early days as a long-distance couple, Silva moved to New York to live with Gere.Martha Stewartis one of their neighbors.
Gere called Stewart after seeing a demonstration of her caramel mile-high cake onToday, wanting the cake itself. Shegifted the cake to his familyafter filming the show.
Upon reconnecting in 2014 and dating shortly after, Gere married the Spanish activist in asecret ceremonyin April 2018.
Gere and Silva kept the celebration going in May,throwing a wedding partyon Cinco de Mayo at Gere’s estate in Pound Ridge, New York. A source told PEOPLE that the couple, both Buddhists, welcomed several Tibetan monks to the celebration. Silva woretwo custom dressesfor the occasion.
Alejandra Silva Instagram
Just like Gere, Silva has a son from her previous marriage. She welcomed Albert in December 2012 with ex-husband Govin Friedland, the son of American billionaire Robert Martin Friedland. The couple resided in Italy with their son until they divorced in 2014.
Gere and Silvahad their first son together, Alexander, in February 2019. His sibling,James, arrived in April 2020. Their blended family also includes Gere’s adult son, Homer James Jigme, from his previous marriage toex-wife Carey Lowell.
Activism is a common passion the couple share. The foundation hosted a screening of Gere’s movieThe Dinnerin December 2017, and he often attends events benefitting Rais with Silva. She toldHola!Gere’s philanthropic instinct is one of the things that drew her to the actor.
“What I love most about him is his humanitarian side,” she said. “He’s a very empathetic person.”
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In May 2024, Silva and the actor’sson Homerjoined Gere at the Cannes Film Festival for thepremiere ofOh, Canada. The trio, who were dressed to the nines, walked the red carpet alongside Gere’s costarUma Thurman.
source: people.com