Why Richard Gere decided to leave the US and relocate to Spain

Ah, Hollywood—the land of glitz, glam, and Richard Gere. But wait, what’s that you say? Richard Gere, the silver-haired star of ‘American Gigolo,’ is packing up and saying “adiós” to the United States? Well, folks, it’s true! But don’t worry, he’s not leaving the silver screen behind forever. Instead, he’s taking his star power across the Atlantic to Madrid, Spain. Let’s dive into this juicy story!

At 75 years young, Gere revealed these exciting plans during an appearance on ‘The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.’ He’s moving with his lovely wife, Alejandra Silva, and their children just in time to enjoy Thanksgiving in their new Spanish digs. “My wife is Spanish and—is this a problem for anybody out there?” Gere quipped, as a few audience members gasped (can you blame them?). But fear not, fans—Gere assured them he’d be making visits back to the US.

The Ultimatum of All Ultimatums

Now, what’s a move without a little drama? Gere spilled the beans, saying, “My wife is Spanish, and she gave me about seven years here, so we’re going to spend some years in Madrid.” You heard that right. It seems the Spanish sunshine was calling Alejandra home, and Richard agreed it was time to prepare his passport for some serious stamping.

As Richard explained, the thought of their bilingual children flourishing in Spain was too good to pass up. “My wife, she grew up in a very big Spanish family, like a big Italian family,” he laughed. Oh, the vision of sprawling family lunches and kids chattering in two languages! An adventure, indeed.

“Her grandmother was the glue,” Gere reflected, mentioning the matriarch who had recently passed. It’s heartwarming to think that Alejandra is ready to step into those nurturing shoes, preparing Sunday lunches for 35 of their closest relatives and friends.

Richard’s candid chat with ‘Vanity Fair Spain’ earlier this year highlighted the pull of Spain’s vibrant culture. He confessed that relocating would be a way to shake things up, stepping out of his comfort zone while giving the kids a chance to immerse themselves in Alejandra’s roots. As he put it, “For me, going to Madrid is going to be a great adventure.” Now that’s the spirit!

In a practical move, Gere sold his Connecticut home for a cool $10.7 million in October. It originally belonged to Paul Simon, proving that houses can have just as much showbiz history as their owners. I mean, can’t you just feel the melodies in those walls?

But let’s not forget, Gere isn’t the only American star to hear Europe calling. TV show host Ellen DeGeneres and her wife, Portia de Rossi, also made the move recently, settling down in the picturesque landscapes of England.

So, what’s the takeaway here? Well, perhaps it’s that no matter how glittering your Hollywood stardom, sometimes a change in scenery is just the prescription for a richer life experience. Whether it’s family ties, a taste for adventure, or the culture around every corner—Spain, here comes Richard Gere!

And with that, we bid Mr. Gere a “buena suerte” on his Madrid adventure. Who knows, maybe we’ll see him sipping espresso in a Madrid café or perhaps embracing the local siesta tradition. Either way, it’s bound to be an exciting chapter.