Richard Gere became a father at different stages of life, having his first son in his 50s and welcoming two more sons in his late 60s and early 70s.
Richard Gere, celebrated for his iconic film roles, treasures family as a central part of his life. Fatherhood brought him meaningful responsibilities, and he has skillfully balanced his public career with his private life. His dedication to his younger sons reflects his commitment to privacy and family values, showcasing how he has embraced each phase of parenting.
“Becoming a Stepfather: The Beginning of Richard Gere’s Fatherhood Journey”
Before becoming a biological father, Richard Gere began his journey into parenthood as a stepfather. When he married Carey Lowell in the early 2000s, he embraced the role of stepfather to Hannah, Lowell’s daughter from her previous marriage to Griffin Dunne. Reflecting on the experience, Gere described it as “an easy ride,” shaping his perspective on parenting and easing initial fears about fatherhood.
This marked a significant shift in his personal life. Gere’s first marriage to supermodel Cindy Crawford in the 1990s ended without children, partly due to his hesitation about starting a family, fearing it would “monopolize” his life. By the time he married Lowell, however, Gere had overcome those fears, which he once called “a guy fear.”
The experience of being a stepfather to Hannah helped prepare Gere for fatherhood later in life, shaping his approach to raising his biological children.
Homer James Jigme Gere: The Joy of Richard Gere’s Life
Richard Gere’s journey as a biological father began in 2000 with the birth of his first son, Homer James Jigme Gere. At the age of 50, Gere welcomed Homer during his long-term relationship with Carey Lowell, the actress best known for her role in Law & Order. This milestone marked a significant and joyful chapter in Gere’s life.
Richard Gere and Carey Lowell welcomed their son, Homer James Jigme Gere, in 2000 before marrying in 2002. Though the couple separated in 2013 and finalized their divorce in 2016, Homer remained a central figure in Gere’s life.
Homer’s name carries deep personal and cultural significance, honoring both grandfathers—Homer Gere, an insurance salesman, and James Lowell, a geologist. The Tibetan name “Jigme,” meaning “fearless,” reflects Gere and Lowell’s shared passion for Tibetan Buddhism.
Homer’s birth followed Gere’s return from filming Dr. T and the Women, where he portrayed an obstetrician. Gere’s excitement was evident when he called his father to share the news, touching him with the choice of the baby’s name.
From a young age, Homer brought immense joy to Gere’s life. At two years old, he was described as a bright, humorous, and energetic child who loved music and had a sharp sense of irony—qualities that Gere cherished deeply.
This strong bond with Homer influenced many of Richard Gere’s career choices. In a 2015 interview, Gere revealed that while he primarily selected his film roles independently, he was careful to avoid being away from Homer for long periods, prioritizing their relationship above all.
“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,” Richard Gere shared, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to fatherhood.
Homer, who largely stays out of the public eye, attended Hackley School in Tarrytown, New York, before earning a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and visual art from Brown University in May 2024.
In a rare public appearance, Gere and Homer walked the red carpet together at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2024, showcasing their close bond. This moment underscored Gere’s dedication to balancing his career with his role as a devoted parent.
Welcoming His Youngest Sons: Embracing Fatherhood Again
Nearly two decades after the birth of his first son, Richard Gere embraced fatherhood again with his wife, Alejandra Silva. The couple married in 2018, and in 2019, they welcomed their first child together, a son named Alexander, when Gere was 69. Shortly after, they celebrated the arrival of their second son, making Gere a father for the third time.
These new additions brought a sense of renewal and joy to Gere’s life. Together, Gere and Silva prioritize family privacy, raising their children away from the public eye. Silva, who also has a son, Albert, from a previous marriage, shares Gere’s dedication to creating a loving and secluded family environment.
Alejandra Silva occasionally shares glimpses of their sons, Alexander and their youngest, on social media, but always ensures their faces are hidden, blurred, or shown from behind to maintain their privacy. This approach aligns with Richard Gere’s long-standing commitment to shielding his private life from public scrutiny.
Gere’s journey as a father is marked by dedication, growth, and a deep desire to protect his loved ones. From his role as a stepfather to Hannah to raising his sons Homer, Alexander, and his youngest, Gere has managed to balance his public success with personal devotion to his family.
In 2023, Gere faced a health scare, but his wife, Silva, reassured fans with updates about his recovery, writing, “He is feeling much better today! The worst has already passed.”
At 75, despite his Hollywood fame, Richard Gere consistently prioritizes family over career, safeguarding his children’s privacy and cherishing their time together. His role as a father reflects his core values of love, privacy, and providing a peaceful upbringing. Gere’s story underscores how fatherhood can transform and enrich life, emphasizing the profound importance of family in shaping personal fulfillment and happiness.
