In a move that stunned fans, Hollywood icon Richard Gere recently announced he and his family will be relocating from the United States to Spain, declaring they have no intention of permanently returning to U.S. soil. Gere’s statement framed the shift not merely as a change in residence, but a profound re-evaluation of what matters most: family, cultural identity, and personal values amid a transforming American social and political climate—highlighting figures like Elon Musk as a catalyst for his decision.

From Pretty Woman to Spanish Living Room: How It All Began

Gere, best known for captivating moviegoers in Pretty Woman and American Gigolo, first spoke publicly about the move in April 2024, during an interview with Vanity Fair España. He revealed that his wife, Alejandra Silva, who is originally from Galicia, “gave me six years living in my world,” and in return, he felt compelled to spend “another six living in hers” . Their decision reflected mutual respect and gratitude—and a desire to offer their young children a bilingual, culturally rich upbringing. Gere added, “My wife is Spanish… we’re going to spend some years in Madrid. Our kids are bilingual, so they’re going to flourish there” .

By November 2024, the couple had sold their $10.8 million Connecticut home and was preparing to leave the United States permanently—or so it seemed at first .

The Real Reason: More Than Just Family

While getting closer to Silva’s Spanish roots was central, Gere’s decision encompassed deeper concerns. During the International Goya Awards in February 2025 in Granada, Gere used his platform to deliver a pointed critique of U.S. politics and leadership. He called America “a very dark place… because we have a bully, a thug, who’s the president” . He further described former President Donald Trump as “violent, crude and ignorant,” and warned of eroding empathy in American society .

Gere cited the accumulation of power and influence by wealthy magnates like Elon Musk as emblematic of the troubling shifts he perceives in American values. That influence, he implied, contributed to the tension and disconnection he felt in U.S. culture.

Life in Madrid: Community, Activism and a New Routine

Settled in La Moraleja, a leafy upscale neighborhood of Madrid, Gere and Silva have embraced a quieter, more grounded life. Their two sons, Alexander (6) and James (5), attend school in Madrid and are thriving in a bilingual environment .

Madrid’s transformation impressed Gere. In an interview with El País Semanal, he described the city as having “a very special energy… it now smiles,” and said he and his family plan to stay “for a few years” enjoying the local culture, schools, and community-oriented lifestyle . The move also deepened their engagement with Spanish NGOs: Gere and Silva have become involved with Hogar Sí, an organization working on ending homelessness, and Open Arms, supporting refugees and migrants in crisis .

They live deliberately—low‑key, private, family‑focused. Among public appearances, Gere attends charity events or appearances tied to nonprofit work. Otherwise, he lives “at home, with family, or with close friends,” avoiding the spotlight unless necessary .

A Strategic Balance: Not a Permanent Goodbye to the U.S.

Despite emphatic statements about relocating to Spain, both Gere and Silva have made it clear they will continue to split time between Spain and the U.S. In a recent interview, Silva expressed that after spending several years in Spain she already “misses the U.S.” and they intend to return regularly—especially for their children’s summer camp each year .

Alejandra stated plainly: “For a few years [we’ll live in Spain], and then come back. But we’re always coming back… we have to balance our lives there and here” . Though the move was framed as radical, in practice it’s more fluid and seasonally balanced.

From Hollywood to Humanitarian Work: A Change of Focus

Gere’s life in Spain has allowed him to deepen his activism and philanthropic focus. He has long supported causes like Tibetan human rights and environmental sustainability; now, in Madrid, he channels that energy domestically. Silva and Gere have partnered with Hogar Sí to help end homelessness in Spain within five years, aiming to tackle root causes and build sustainable solutions .

His advocacy is no longer a sidebar—it’s central. He has also made clear that participating in public events is guided by a shared passion for social impact, not celebrity profile.

A Family’s New Chapter: Culture, Roots, and Everyday Joy

Beyond activism, the move to Spain is a human story. The couple’s children, now attending school in Madrid, are learning Spanish at home, in school, and with extended Spanish family. Silva’s role in her extended family is evolving: after her grandmother passed away, she has naturally stepped into being the matriarch, the anchor of regular family gatherings that Gere notes now include as many as 35 people in Sunday lunches .

Gere reflects: “The kids are healthy, happy. I love my wife. She’s incredible, a great mother. This is ‘top of the top’ for me,” underscoring that for him, the move is about grounding life in joy, presence and growth—not fame.

Fans React: A Mix of Shock, Support and Debate

News of Gere’s move stirred conversation online. Some fans voiced sadness at his departure from the U.S., while many others praised the courage it took to make such a value-driven life pivot. On Twitter, the hashtag #RichardGereInSpain trended as thousands weighed in—from stories of admiration to reflections on the U.S. as a polarized society.

Critics seized on his references to Elon Musk and American politics, viewing them as overly ideological departures. Others framed his move as a statement of protest—a call for reevaluating where power accumulates and how public figures can reclaim agency beyond national identity.

What It Means for Hollywood and Beyond

Gere is not retiring. Instead, he’s repositioning his career with a new lens. He has expressed a desire to continue acting, focusing on projects that offer intercultural collaboration and deeper artistic expression—particularly within European cinema, known for themes of nuance and storytelling depth. His relocation may open doors with Spanish and European filmmakers, potentially shifting Gere’s career into fresh, creative dimensions.

By prioritizing personal fulfillment, the move also sends a message about the evolving role of celebrity: one where legacy isn’t just about awards and box office, but impact, purpose, and lived values.

Timeline at a Glance

Period
Milestone

April 2024
Gere reveals decision to move to Spain in Vanity Fair España interview

November 2024
Connecticut home sold; family begins move to Spain

February 2025
Gere speaks at Goya Awards, takes public stance on U.S. politics

March–May 2025
Family settles into life in Madrid; interviews in El País, Independent

Summer 2025 onwards
Family plans seasonal travel back to U.S. for children’s camps

Why the Move Matters

1. Values Over Convenience
Gere and Silva chose roots, culture, and family cohesion over the trappings of Hollywood. The move speaks to a deeper search for community and authenticity.

2. A Stand Against Polarization
By criticizing figures like Elon Musk and former leadership, Gere frames the relocation as more than symbolic—it’s a realignment of priorities in an increasingly divided society.

3. Global Identity, Local Impact
The couple models fluid citizenship: living in Spain but staying connected to U.S. life. They show that identity can be global, not binary.

4. Evolution of Celebrity
Gere’s shift marks a new phase: less red carpets, more real-world engagement. His continued activism and humanitarian work reflect celebrity as stewardship, not showmanship.

Final Takeaway

Richard Gere’s move to Spain is far more than a headline—it tells a story. A story of gratitude, cultural appreciation, and values-driven transformation. Of choosing presence over fame, activism over avoidance, and family over convention. While some readers may see his decision as a political protest, others will recognize it as a deeply personal commitment to a life lived on purpose.

As Gere begins this new chapter in Madrid, his legacy in Hollywood remains strong—but so too does his emerging chapter as a citizen of a broader world, grounded in empathy, action, and community. His journey invites us to ask: what do we truly value, and how far would we go to live it?