Alejandra Silva explains why she and Richard Gere returned to the U.S., insisting that España will always be a point of return for their family.
Richard Gere and Alejandra Silva Leave Spain: Why the Couple Returned to the U.S. After Their Spanish Dream
Richard Gere and Alejandra Silva’s long-anticipated move to Spain has come to an end—at least for now. What began as a heartfelt attempt to build a quieter life in Europe has transitioned into a new chapter back in the United States. The couple, who relocated to Spain with the intention of raising their children away from the public eye, have confirmed that they are once again living in America. Gere first shared the news in an interview with HELLO! this past October, saying, “We’re back here now,” while attending the New York premiere of Wisdom and Happiness, a documentary on the Dalai Lama for which he serves as an executive producer.
Now, Alejandra Silva has offered deeper insight into their decision during a recent interview with ¡Hola!, explaining how the choice to leave Spain reflects a blend of family needs, lifestyle considerations, and personal connection to her home country.
A Short Yet Meaningful Return to Spain
On November 5, Spanish jewelry brand Suarez hosted a private dinner in Madrid to unveil its new high-end collections, Aura and Tesela. Among the guests was Alejandra Silva, who had recently returned to the U.S. but flew back briefly for the event. Her appearance in Madrid came only weeks after she and Gere left the city, ending what was initially planned to be a long-term stay.
Silva described her emotional attachment to Spain in her interview, saying, “Spain is my home, and even though my life takes me to different places, I always need to keep that bond with my land, its people, and its way of feeling.”
The couple originally moved to Spain to enjoy a quieter, more private life—particularly important for a family raising young children. Silva previously explained in an interview with El País Semanal that part of their motivation was to “go unnoticed,” something that proved mostly successful. They appeared rarely at public events and cultivated a peaceful, grounded routine. But after just one year, they made the thoughtful choice to return to the United States.
Why the Move Back to the U.S. Happened So Soon
Though the plan had been to spend several years in Spain, Silva shared that the move became a learning experience rather than a long-term settlement. Speaking to ¡Hola!, she explained:
“It has been a process full of lessons. Spain gave us so much, especially on a family level, and returning to the United States was a reflective decision. We feel good, strong, at peace. I don’t see it as a goodbye, but as another stage in our journey. We still have one foot in each place, and that is also a gift.”
Silva emphasized that their decision revolved heavily around the needs of their two young sons, Alexander (6) and James (5). With education, stability, and family dynamics in mind, they ultimately felt returning to the U.S. offered the best support system at this moment in their lives.
Despite the move, Silva remains deeply connected to Spain. She made it clear that she hasn’t ruled out living there again, saying, “I don’t dismiss it at all. Spain will always be a point of return.” The emotional connection is unmistakable—she described how each time she lands in Spain, she breathes in the familiar air, feels the warmth of the sun, and reconnects with the landscapes that shaped her identity.
Roots That Still Matter
During her interviews, Silva expressed the importance of periodically returning “home” to recharge. Even quick trips to the sea or countryside, she said, help her find balance. She also noted that she remains professionally tied to several ongoing projects in Spain and will return whenever required.
Her affection for her home country was one of the reasons Gere himself embraced the move. Prior to relocating, the actor sold his Connecticut estate in 2024 for $10.7 million and purchased a property in La Moraleja, one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Madrid. Gere told Vanity Fair that after Silva had lived in his “world” for six years in America, it was only fair he spend an equal amount of time in hers.
“Going to Madrid will be a great adventure for me,” Gere said at the time. “I’ve never lived full-time outside the United States. For Alejandra, it will be wonderful to be closer to her family, lifelong friends, and her culture.”
Their stay in Spain didn’t last the intended six years, but Silva maintains that the time was meaningful, intimate, and transformative.
A Move That Surprised Many
The couple’s return to the U.S. surprised fans and media outlets, especially after reports circulated that they had purchased a home in Galicia. Many believed the couple had fully committed to a long-term life in Spain.
The decision raised even more questions considering Gere’s vocal criticism of the political climate in America—particularly regarding Donald Trump. After Trump won the 2024 presidential election, Gere made headlines at the Goya Awards, saying, “I come from America, which is in a very dark place, where a bully is the president.”
Given his stance, few expected the actor to willingly resume life in the U.S. so soon.
What Comes Next for the Couple
For now, Gere and Silva remain open about the possibility of returning to Spain in the future. With their global lifestyle, dual commitments, and strong ties to both countries, their lives are likely to continue unfolding across borders. Silva’s message is clear: Spain is not just a past chapter—it remains part of their present and future.
Whether their next move brings them back to the Mediterranean or keeps them rooted in the U.S., the couple’s journey reflects a thoughtful balance between personal identity, family priorities, and the ever-changing rhythms of life.
