“Richard Gere’s Family in Focus: The Eldest and His Two Redheaded Brothers”

Richard Gere became a father at different stages of life, having his first son in his 50s and welcoming two more sons in his late 60s and early 70s.

Richard Gere, celebrated for his iconic film roles, treasures family as a central part of his life. Fatherhood brought him meaningful responsibilities, and he has skillfully balanced his public career with his private life. His dedication to his younger sons reflects his commitment to privacy and family values, showcasing how he has embraced each phase of parenting.

“Becoming a Stepfather: The Beginning of Richard Gere’s Fatherhood Journey”

Before becoming a biological father, Richard Gere began his journey into parenthood as a stepfather. When he married Carey Lowell in the early 2000s, he embraced the role of stepfather to Hannah, Lowell’s daughter from her previous marriage to Griffin Dunne. Reflecting on the experience, Gere described it as “an easy ride,” shaping his perspective on parenting and easing initial fears about fatherhood.

This marked a significant shift in his personal life. Gere’s first marriage to supermodel Cindy Crawford in the 1990s ended without children, partly due to his hesitation about starting a family, fearing it would “monopolize” his life. By the time he married Lowell, however, Gere had overcome those fears, which he once called “a guy fear.”

The experience of being a stepfather to Hannah helped prepare Gere for fatherhood later in life, shaping his approach to raising his biological children.

Richard Gere, Carey Lowell, and her daughter Hannah Dunne (Photo by Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
(Original Caption) Carey Lowell with her daughter Hannah and Richard Gere. (Photo by Frank Trapper/Corbis via Getty Images)
Richard Gere, step-daughter Hannah Dunne and her friend (Photo by Jun Sato/WireImage)
NEW YORK CITY, NY – SEPTEMBER 27: Hannah and Richard Gere attend 2005 Benefit for Continuum Center for Health and Healing at Metropolitan Pavilion on September 27, 2005 in New York City. (Photo by Joe Schildhorn/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)
NEW YORK CITY, NY – SEPTEMBER 27: Hannah and Richard Gere attend 2005 Benefit for Continuum Center for Health and Healing at Metropolitan Pavilion on September 27, 2005 in New York City. (Photo by Joe Schildhorn/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)

Homer James Jigme Gere: The Joy of Richard Gere’s Life

Richard Gere’s journey as a biological father began in 2000 with the birth of his first son, Homer James Jigme Gere. At the age of 50, Gere welcomed Homer during his long-term relationship with Carey Lowell, the actress best known for her role in Law & Order. This milestone marked a significant and joyful chapter in Gere’s life.

Richard Gere and Carey Lowell welcomed their son, Homer James Jigme Gere, in 2000 before marrying in 2002. Though the couple separated in 2013 and finalized their divorce in 2016, Homer remained a central figure in Gere’s life.

Homer’s name carries deep personal and cultural significance, honoring both grandfathers—Homer Gere, an insurance salesman, and James Lowell, a geologist. The Tibetan name “Jigme,” meaning “fearless,” reflects Gere and Lowell’s shared passion for Tibetan Buddhism.

Homer’s birth followed Gere’s return from filming Dr. T and the Women, where he portrayed an obstetrician. Gere’s excitement was evident when he called his father to share the news, touching him with the choice of the baby’s name.

From a young age, Homer brought immense joy to Gere’s life. At two years old, he was described as a bright, humorous, and energetic child who loved music and had a sharp sense of irony—qualities that Gere cherished deeply.

388480 03: Actor Richard Gere and his son Homer James Jigme Gere arrive for the “Kids for Kids” Carnival hosted by The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation April 29, 2001 in New York City’s Central Park. (Photo by Diane L. Cohen/Liaison)
NEW YORK – JUNE 26: Actor Richard Gere and his son Homer attend the New York Subway Series game between the Mets and Yannkees at Citi Field on June 26, 2009 in New York, New York. (Photo by George Napolitano/FilmMagic)
NEW YORK – MARCH 14: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Richard Gere, Cary Lowell and son Homer Gere pose backstage at the hit musical “Hair” on Broadway at The Al Hirshfeld Theater on March 14, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic)
NEW YORK – MARCH 07: Richard Gere and son Homer James Jigme Gere attend the Utah Jazz vs New York Knicks game at Madison Square Garden on March 7, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by James Devaney/WireImage)
NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 02: Carey Lowell, Homer James Gere and Richard Gere attend the Chicago Bulls VS New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on February 2, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by James Devaney/WireImage)

This strong bond with Homer influenced many of Richard Gere’s career choices. In a 2015 interview, Gere revealed that while he primarily selected his film roles independently, he was careful to avoid being away from Homer for long periods, prioritizing their relationship above all.

“If I have to be away for long, I talk to him about it, and if there is a problem, I don’t take up the project. Your family is more important than anything,” Richard Gere shared, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to fatherhood.

Homer, who largely stays out of the public eye, attended Hackley School in Tarrytown, New York, before earning a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and visual art from Brown University in May 2024.

In a rare public appearance, Gere and Homer walked the red carpet together at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2024, showcasing their close bond. This moment underscored Gere’s dedication to balancing his career with his role as a devoted parent.

CANNES, FRANCE – MAY 17: (L-R) Homer James Jigme Gere and Richard Gere attend the “Oh, Canada” Red Carpet at the 77th annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 17, 2024 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)
CANNES, FRANCE – MAY 17: Richard Gere and Homer James Jigme Gere depart the “Oh, Canada” Red Carpet at the 77th annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 17, 2024 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Daniele Venturelli/WireImage)
VENICE, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 01: Richard Gere and Homer James Jigme Gere pose on stage at the “Cartier Masteclass: The Art and Craft of Cinama” during the 81st Venice International Film Festival on September 01, 2024 in Venice, Italy. (Photo by Daniele Venturelli/WireImage)
VENICE, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 1: Homer James Jigme Gere, son of Richard Gere ttends the Filming Italy Venice Award red carpet during the 81st Venice International Film Festival at Palazzo del Cinema on September 1, 2024 in Venice, Italy. (Photo by Gisela Schober/Getty Images)

Welcoming His Youngest Sons: Embracing Fatherhood Again

Nearly two decades after the birth of his first son, Richard Gere embraced fatherhood again with his wife, Alejandra Silva. The couple married in 2018, and in 2019, they welcomed their first child together, a son named Alexander, when Gere was 69. Shortly after, they celebrated the arrival of their second son, making Gere a father for the third time.

These new additions brought a sense of renewal and joy to Gere’s life. Together, Gere and Silva prioritize family privacy, raising their children away from the public eye. Silva, who also has a son, Albert, from a previous marriage, shares Gere’s dedication to creating a loving and secluded family environment.

Alejandra Silva occasionally shares glimpses of their sons, Alexander and their youngest, on social media, but always ensures their faces are hidden, blurred, or shown from behind to maintain their privacy. This approach aligns with Richard Gere’s long-standing commitment to shielding his private life from public scrutiny.

Gere’s journey as a father is marked by dedication, growth, and a deep desire to protect his loved ones. From his role as a stepfather to Hannah to raising his sons Homer, Alexander, and his youngest, Gere has managed to balance his public success with personal devotion to his family.

In 2023, Gere faced a health scare, but his wife, Silva, reassured fans with updates about his recovery, writing, “He is feeling much better today! The worst has already passed.”

(EDITORS NOTE: Part of this image has been pixellated to obscure the identity of the child). Richard Gere’s girlfriend Alejandra Silva and her son is seen on November 6, 2015 in Madrid, Spain.
Richard Gere’s girlfriend Alejandra Silva and her son are seen on November 6, 2015 in Madrid, Spain.

At 75, despite his Hollywood fame, Richard Gere consistently prioritizes family over career, safeguarding his children’s privacy and cherishing their time together. His role as a father reflects his core values of love, privacy, and providing a peaceful upbringing. Gere’s story underscores how fatherhood can transform and enrich life, emphasizing the profound importance of family in shaping personal fulfillment and happiness.