Hollywood actor Richard Gere and his wife, Spanish activist Alejandra Silva, are known for their desire to lead a private life, away from the persistent attention of the press. They carefully protect their privacy, so there is less known about the famous actor’s family than one might expect. Gere’s relatives prefer to stay out of the limelight, focusing on their own careers and community work—though that does not make their stories any less interesting.
The roots of this remarkable family lie in the Methodist traditions instilled by Gere’s parents—Homer and Doris Gere. Their marriage lasted over 70 years, setting an example of devotion and love for their children. Homer, who passed away in 2023 at age 100, and Doris, who died in 2016, raised five children in an environment of charity work, civic engagement, and a passion for learning. Richard, born in Philadelphia in 1949, is the second child in the family and has three sisters—Susan, Laura, and Joanne—as well as a younger brother, David. All of them received a university education and, in one way or another, have dedicated their lives to helping others.
Each of the Gere sisters has found her calling in impactful social fields. Susan held the position of director at Lesley University in Boston, earning recognition in academic circles. Laura devoted her career to the healthcare sector, where she actively supports caregivers and works to improve their quality of life. Joanna managed to combine creativity and science: with a background in fine arts, she became the executive director and co-founder of a biotechnology project focused on advancing scientific innovation.
The actor’s only brother, David Gere, is also a remarkable figure. He is a professor and founder of the Center for Art and Global Health at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). David is a renowned AIDS activist, and his work includes organizing photography projects aimed at highlighting the lives of people with HIV. In 2019, the brothers appeared together on CNN for World AIDS Day, demonstrating their shared commitment to the cause. Richard has always supported his brother at key moments in his life, including David’s participation in the Broadway production of ‘Bent,’ which tells the story of the persecution of homosexuals in Nazi Germany. This experience was significant for both of them.
Thus, the entire Gere family, following the principles instilled by their parents and the example set by their famous brother, is actively involved in addressing major global issues. Their work covers topics such as supporting Tibet, fighting HIV, and protecting the environment—clearly reflecting the deep values that shaped their upbringing.
Incidentally, Richard Gere is not only a world-renowned actor and Golden Globe winner, but also a committed Buddhist and human rights advocate. He has long been a supporter of the Dalai Lama and is a vocal proponent of Tibetan independence. His personal life is closely connected to Spain through his marriage to publicist and activist Alejandra Silva, who is originally from Galicia. The couple married in 2018 and are raising two sons together. The family spends much of their time in Spain, where they own property and are involved in various charitable projects.
