Parenting is no walk in the park, even for Hollywood icons like Richard Gere. In a recent heart-to-heart interview, the 76-year-old actor and his wife, Alejandra Silva, opened up about a surprising parenting challenge that left them scrambling for solutions just hours before a high-profile event. But here's where it gets intriguing: the couple, who share sons Alexander and James, turned to their shared Buddhist faith to navigate the crisis. And this is the part most people miss—despite Richard’s decades-long commitment to Buddhism and the Tibetan freedom movement, it’s Alejandra who takes the lead in practicing patience with their boys.
During the interview, Richard candidly shared, 'We were just having a drama about one of our kids,' prompting Alejandra to explain how their faith became their lifeline. 'It brings a lot of patience into the equation,' she noted, emphasizing the importance of teaching their children about Buddhism and its principles. Richard couldn’t help but praise his wife’s approach: 'She’s incredible—she’ll say, “I know I want to strangle you right now, but I’m going to take a deep breath, and we’re going to talk through this.” I’ve actually learned how to be a better father 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 may agree that spirituality is the answer to every parenting dilemma. What do you think? Could faith-based practices like Buddhism be the key to resolving family conflicts, or is it more about individual temperament and communication skills? Let’s discuss in the comments!
The couple, who married in 2018, welcomed Alexander that same year and James in 2020. Richard is also father to 25-year-old Homer, from his previous marriage to Carey Lowell. In a bold move, the family relocated to Spain in October 2024 to immerse their children in Alejandra’s culture and be closer to her family. 'Going to Madrid is going to be a great adventure,' Richard told Vanity Fair Spain, adding, 'It’s only fair that I give her at least six years living in her world, after she gave me six in mine.'
However, their European adventure was short-lived. The family recently returned to the U.S., though not without mixed feelings. 'Alejandra was really happy in Spain—her family, friends, culture, and food,' Richard shared. 'But we always intended to come back. It’s about balancing our lives here and there.'
And this is the part most people miss: Despite their globetrotting lifestyle, the couple remains committed to creating stability for their children. 'We’ll come back here in the summer for the kids’ camp,' Alejandra explained. 'It’s all about finding that balance.'
So, here’s a thought-provoking question for you: In today’s interconnected world, is it beneficial for children to grow up exposed to multiple cultures, or does frequent relocation create more challenges than opportunities? Share your thoughts below—we’d love to hear your perspective!
