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.

Gere’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 Gere has managed the various phases of being a parent.

Becoming a Stepfather — The Start of Fatherhood

Before becoming a biological father, Gere stepped into the role of a stepfather when he married Carey Lowell in the early 2000s. Lowell had a daughter, Hannah, from her previous marriage to actor Griffin Dunne.

Gere 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.

Gere’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.

Crawford cited Gere’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 Lowell, Gere had evolved in his outlook.

He overcame what he once described as “a guy fear” and embraced the role of father and stepfather. This experience with Hannah laid the groundwork for how Gere would later approach parenting his biological children.

Homer James Jigme Gere — The Joy of His Life

Gere’s journey as a biological father began in 2000 with the birth of his first son, Homer James Jigme Gere. Gere was 50 years old at the time and in a long-term relationship with Carey, an actress known for her role in “Law & Order.”

The couple was together for several years before marrying in 2002, eventually separating in 2013 and finalizing their divorce in 2016. The birth of Homer came after Gere had returned home from the set of “Dr. T and the Women,” where he played an obstetrician.

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 Gere and Lowell’s shared interest in Tibetan Buddhism, as it means “fearless” in Tibetan.

Shortly after Homer’s birth, Gere expressed his joy by calling his father to share the news. According to his father, Gere’s voice conveyed excitement and happiness. “It was very sweet—and it made me feel good,” Gere’s father said when told of the baby’s name.

From an early age, Homer was a source of joy for Gere. At two years old, Gere described him as “the joy of my 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,” Gere reflected on his young son’s wit.

This bond influenced many of Gere’s career decisions. He shared in a 2015 interview 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,” Gere emphasized.

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.

Although Homer has largely stayed out of the public eye, they made a rare appearance together on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2024. Their relationship highlights Gere’s dedication to fatherhood, showcasing his ability to balance his career with his role as a parent.

Welcoming His Youngest Sons — Embracing Fatherhood Again

Almost two decades after the birth of his first child, Gere embraced fatherhood again, this time with his wife, Alejandra Silva. The couple married in 2018, and soon after, in 2019, they welcomed their first child together, a son named Alexander.

Gere was 69 at the time and expressed joy at becoming a father again during this later stage of his life. Soon after, the couple celebrated the arrival of their second son, making Gere a father for the third time.

These new chapters in Gere’s life brought a sense of renewal and happiness. His and Silva’s shared commitment to family privacy has been a cornerstone of how they raise their children. Silva, who also has a son, Albert, from her previous marriage to Govind Friedland, has been steadfast in maintaining a level of seclusion around their family life.

On social media, Silva occasionally offers glimpses of Alexander and their youngest son, but their faces are always hidden, blurred, or shown from behind to protect their identities. This approach aligns with Gere’s long-standing desire to shield his private life from public attention.

Gere’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, Gere’s life reflects a balance of public success and personal devotion.

In 2023, Gere experienced a health scare. His wife, Silva, provided updates that, although initially concerning, reassured fans of his recovery. “He is feeling much better today! The worst has already passed,” she wrote.

Despite his Hollywood fame, Gere, 75, consistently prioritizes family over career, safeguarding his children’s privacy and treasuring their time together. Gere’s role as a father highlights his core values — love, privacy, and providing a peaceful upbringing. His story illustrates how fatherhood can transform and enrich life, emphasizing the importance of family.