Hollywood icon Richard Gere, 76, and his Spanish-born wife, Alejandra Silva, 42, have officially relocated their family from the United States to Madrid, Spain. While the couple has repeatedly expressed their joy and fulfillment in their new European life, the American Gigolo star recently admitted there is one distinct element of his former life he misses dearly.

Speaking to People magazine at the DOC NYC Visionaries Tribute Luncheon, Gere confessed that the thing he pines for most is the “energy” of New York City, which he described as “very addictive.” This is a sentimental longing for the city where he spent years building his career, starting as a “starving, struggling actor” in the 1970s.

The Driving Force: Family and Happiness

Despite missing the relentless hustle of the Big Apple, Gere is “thrilled” with the move, emphasizing that the primary reason for the relocation was his wife’s happiness. “My wife is so happy in Spain, so that’s the best part of that,” the Pretty Woman alum gushed. “She has wonderful family, wonderful friends.”

The family, who moved last year after selling their $10.75 million mansion in Connecticut, includes their two young sons, Alexander, 5, and James, 4, as well as Silva’s son, Albert, 11, from a previous marriage. Gere also has an adult son, Homer, 25, from his marriage to Carey Lowell, who remains in the US.

In a joint interview with Elle España, Silva reiterated the profound connection that anchors their marriage, stating: “We are like soulmates. We have the same values, we see the world in the same way and from the first moment we felt like we have known each other for a long time. And this only happens once, if it happens at all.”

The Spanish Lifestyle: Less Stress, More Joy

Gere highlighted the stark contrast between the Spanish lifestyle and the pace of life in the US, citing the relaxed, warm culture as a major benefit for their family’s well-being.

“Spanish culture, there’s a very open joy about it,” Gere explained. He added that the Spanish people are “very warm and very open and a lot less stressed than what you find here in the U.S.” He summarized his feelings by saying: “It’s a very happy place. Like the Italians. I mean, being in Italy, being in Spain, you’re dealing with Latin cultures that just understand life in a different way.”

Silva further praised Gere’s transition into a more domestic role: “Richard is a very devoted and present father. He loves to read them stories... He’s a great dad.” She added, on a lighter note, that while he doesn't cook, “when I cook, he plays the guitar.”

Humanitarian Mission

Beyond personal happiness, the couple’s move was strongly influenced by their shared humanitarian goals. Silva confirmed their commitment to tackling a major social issue in her home country: “The only reason why both Richard and I are here in Madrid is to be part of the board of the NGO Hogar Sí.”

The charity is dedicated to combating homelessness, and the couple’s ambitious goal is that “within 5 years, no one sleeps on the street” in Spain. This mission aligns with Gere’s Buddhist faith and his long-standing commitment to social justice, echoing his favorite piece of advice from the Dalai Lama: “Whenever you can, be kind. And it is always possible.”

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