From the silver screen’s favorite “Officer and a Gentleman” to a devoted advocate for global peace, Richard Gere remains one of Hollywood’s most enduring icons. Known for his silver hair, soulful gaze, and a career that has spanned intense dramas and iconic romantic comedies, Gere has successfully transitioned from a 1980s heartthrob into a respected elder statesman of the film industry.
As of early 2026, Richard is embracing a profound new chapter. Having recently relocated his life to Spain to support his wife’s roots, he is balancing his legendary film legacy with his deep commitment to humanitarian activism and fatherhood.
Richard Gere Biography
Born Richard Tiffany Gere on August 31, 1949, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Richard grew up in a musical and industrious Methodist household. He was a talented gymnast and musician in high school, eventually attending the University of Massachusetts Amherst on a gymnastics scholarship. However, the pull of the stage was stronger; he dropped out after two years to pursue acting, landing his first major role as Danny Zuko in the London production of Grease in 1973.
His early years in New York and London theater honed a brooding, “method” intensity that would eventually make him a household name. By the late 70s, he had established himself as a leading man who could handle both gritty realism and undeniable charm.
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Career
Richard’s career is a masterclass in longevity and reinvention:
- The Breakout (1980s): American Gigolo (1980) and An Officer and a Gentleman (1982) made him a global superstar and a definitive sex symbol of the decade.
- The Rom-Com King (1990s): He starred in one of the highest-grossing romantic comedies of all time, Pretty Woman (1990), followed by another hit, Runaway Bride (1999), both alongside Julia Roberts.
- Award-Winning Depth: In 2002, he showcased his musical talents in Chicago, winning a Golden Globe for Best Actor.
- 2025–2026 Projects: Richard remains highly active. In late 2024 and 2025, he received critical acclaim for his role in Paul Schrader’s Oh, Canada. In early 2026, he will appear in the thriller Left Seat and is executive producing the spiritual documentary Wisdom of Happiness, featuring his longtime friend, the Dalai Lama.
Richard Gere Movies
- American Gigolo (1980): The film that cemented his status as a cinematic icon.
- An Officer and a Gentleman (1982): An enduring classic of the romantic drama genre.
- Pretty Woman (1990): The quintessential 90s rom-com.
- Primal Fear (1996): A powerful legal thriller featuring a breakout Edward Norton.
- Chicago (2002): A dazzling turn as the slick lawyer Billy Flynn.
- Hachi: A Dog’s Tale (2009): A heart-wrenching story beloved by audiences worldwide.
- Oh, Canada (2024): A contemplative late-career drama that premiered at Cannes.
Richard Gere Net Worth
As of January 2026, Richard Gere’s net worth is estimated at $120 million. While he earned massive paychecks during the 90s, often commanding $15 million per film, his current wealth is managed through strategic real estate. In late 2024, he sold his 32-acre Connecticut estate for $10.75 million to facilitate his move abroad. He continues to invest significantly in philanthropic ventures, particularly through the Gere Foundation.
Family
Family is the cornerstone of Richard’s life in 2026. He is a father to three biological sons: Homer James Jigme (born 2000), whom he shares with Carey Lowell, and two young sons, Alexander (born 2019) and James (born 2020), with his wife Alejandra. He is also a stepfather to Alejandra’s son, Albert. In a bold move in late 2024, the family relocated to Madrid, Spain, to be closer to Alejandra’s heritage, a gesture Richard described as “only fair” after she spent six years in his world.
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The Loves and Legacies of a Hollywood Star
Richard Gere and Cindy Crawford
One of the most famous pairings of the early 90s, Richard and supermodel Cindy Crawford were the ultimate power couple. They famously eloped in Las Vegas in 1991, exchanging aluminum foil rings. However, the 17-year age gap and their demanding careers led to a divorce in 1995. Cindy has since reflected on the marriage as a “great chapter” where she learned how to handle fame.
Richard Gere and Carey Lowell
In 2002, Richard married actress Carey Lowell. Their relationship was largely defined by their shared interest in Buddhism and their son, Homer. However, after 11 years of marriage, they separated in 2013. The divorce was famously protracted, taking three years to settle in 2016, reportedly due to disagreements over Gere’s multi-million dollar fortune and their differing lifestyle preferences.
Richard Gere and Alejandra Silva
Richard found lasting peace with Spanish publicist and activist Alejandra Silva. Despite a 34-year age gap, the two connected over their shared humanitarian values and were married in 2018. As of early 2026, they are “happier than ever” living in Madrid. Alejandra has noted that Richard has more energy than she does, often describing him as her “soulmate” who gives her life true meaning.
Controversies
Richard’s convictions have occasionally put him at odds with the industry:
- The 1993 Oscars Ban: Richard was famously “banned” from the Academy Awards for nearly 20 years after he used his time as a presenter in 1993 to denounce China’s human rights abuses in Tibet. He recently noted he was “unfazed” by the exclusion, prioritizing his principles over the podium.
- Political Activism: A vocal critic of various political regimes, Richard sparked headlines in 2024 and 2025 for his staunch support of UNRWA and the people of Gaza, as well as his continued criticisms of modern political polarization in the U.S.
- The “Gerbil” Urban Legend: For decades, Richard was the subject of one of Hollywood’s most persistent and bizarre urban legends. Though entirely baseless and proven to be a malicious hoax, it remains a notable example of the dark side of pre-internet celebrity rumors.
Richard Gere Age
As of January 2026, Richard Gere is 76 years old. He will celebrate his 77th birthday on August 31, 2026. Fans often comment on his “aging with grace,” as he has never opted for obvious cosmetic procedures, preferring a natural look that reflects his Zen lifestyle.
Richard Gere Now
Now, Richard is living his “Spanish Era.” He is in Madrid, enjoying the local culture and focusing on his two young children. Professionally, he takes on projects that align with his Buddhist faith, specifically his work with the Dalai Lama.
Conclusion
Richard Gere has managed to do what few in Hollywood can: maintain his soul while keeping his stardom. In 2026, he isn’t just a face from a movie poster; he is a man of deep conviction, a dedicated father, and a global citizen.
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