Parenting is no walk in the park, even for Hollywood icons like Richard Gere. But here’s where it gets real: In a recent heart-to-heart with HELLO!, the 76-year-old actor and his wife, Alejandra Silva, opened up about a surprising parenting challenge they faced just hours before a public event. What’s even more intriguing? They turned to their shared Buddhist faith to navigate the turmoil. And this is the part most people miss: While Richard has been a devoted Buddhist and advocate for Tibetan freedom for decades, it’s Alejandra who’s the master of patience when it comes to their sons, Alexander and James.
During the interview, Richard couldn’t help but laugh as he recalled the drama, saying, ‘We were just having a moment with one of our kids.’ Alejandra quickly chimed in, explaining how their faith became their anchor. ‘Buddhism teaches us patience and helps us guide our children,’ she shared. Richard added with admiration, ‘Alejandra has this incredible way of saying, “I could lose it right now, but I’m going to take a deep breath and talk this through.” She’s an amazing mother, and I’ve learned so much about parenting by watching her.’
But here’s where it gets controversial: Is Buddhism the ultimate parenting tool, or is it just one of many strategies? While the couple swears by its effectiveness, not everyone agrees that spirituality should be the go-to solution for family conflicts. What do you think? Let’s discuss in the comments!
Richard and Alejandra, who married in 2018, welcomed Alexander that same year and James in 2020. Richard is also dad to 25-year-old Homer, from his first marriage to Carey Lowell. In a bold move, the family relocated to Spain in October 2024 to immerse their sons in Alejandra’s culture and be closer to her family. ‘It’s a great adventure,’ Richard told Vanity Fair Spain, adding, ‘Alejandra gave me six years in my world, so it’s only fair I give her the same.’
However, their European adventure was short-lived. The family recently returned to the U.S., though not permanently. ‘We’ll balance our lives between Spain and here,’ Alejandra explained to the Daily Mail. ‘The kids will go to camp in the summer, so we’ll be back and forth.’
And this is the part most people miss: Despite the unexpected twists, Richard and Alejandra’s commitment to each other and their family remains unshakable. Their willingness to adapt—whether through faith, cultural immersion, or cross-continental moves—is a testament to their love and resilience. But here’s the question: In a world of constant change, is their approach the key to a happy family, or is it just a celebrity privilege? Share your thoughts below!
