Richard Gere, 74, and his wife Alejandra Silva, 41, have a love story that has defied conventional norms. Meeting while both were navigating through divorces and addressing a significant age gap, the couple has faced their share of challenges. Despite outside opinions, they have consistently demonstrated their deep love for each other, a bond that has grown stronger since their first encounter in 2014.
Richard Gere And Alejandra Silvas First Meeting
Richard Gere, known for his previous marriage to Cindy Crawford, met Alejandra at her family’s hotel in Positano in 2014. Alejandra recalled their first meeting, saying, “A friend introduced us, we looked at each other and felt a very strong connection. We couldn’t stop looking at each other all night, and since then we haven’t been apart.” She added, “Love stories with a complicated beginning, where you have to overcome difficulties together, can bring you closer.”
Initially, Alejandra had hesitations, admitting, “He was more convinced than me.” However, Richard’s persistent and romantic gestures, including sending flowers and writing songs, quickly won her over. “We were destined to be together,” she concluded, describing their relationship as “a true fairytale.“
A Buddhist Wedding
After four years of dating, Richard proposed to Alejandra in France in 2018. Though they kept details of their engagement private, Alejandra shared a glimpse of the romantic proposal, “He asked me to marry him in the most romantic hotel I’ve been to, in St Paul de Vence [in the South of France], on my birthday. I get emotional just remembering it.”
Alejandra converted to Buddhism before their wedding, which took place in April 2018 at Richard Gere’s ranch outside New York City. Rare wedding photos show Alejandra in a V-neck dress with a sheer lace panel, and later, in a champagne gown with a lace overlay. Richard, beaming with joy, wore a classic black suit with an open white shirt. Alejandra expressed her happiness on Instagram, “Today is the day I married the most wonderful man I have ever met… I’m so proud to be with you, to share this life with you, to be the mother of our children, to be your friend, to be your wife!”
Growing Their Family
The couple’s joy expanded with the announcement of their first child just a year after marriage. Alejandra shared a special moment on Instagram, with the Dalai Lama blessing their baby bump. Their son Alexander was born in February 2019, followed by another son in April 2020. Richard also has a son, Homer, with ex-wife Carey Lowell, and Alejandra has a son, Albert, with ex-husband Govind Friedland.
Addressing the Age Gap
Alejandra has addressed their age difference, stating, “In this life, it had to be like this. He has promised me at least 20 good years! I have to confess that he has much more energy than me; he’s much more active. I find it hard to keep up with him. He’s not human!” She describes Richard Gere as “the most humble, sensitive, affectionate, attentive, funny, generous man that I’ve ever met.”
Shared Sentiments
Richard, reciprocating her sentiments, said, “I’m the happiest man in the universe. How could I not be? I’m married to a beautiful woman who is smart, sensitive, committed to helping people, who’s fun, patient, who knows how to forgive, who’s a great cook – and who makes the best salads in the world!”