The 77-year-old, who now divides his time between Spain and upstate New York, offered a candid glimpse into his personal life.
Richard Gere is opening up about his life away from Hollywood, revealing how spending time in Spain with his wife, Alejandra Silva, has brought him happiness as he reflects on the lessons he has learned throughout his decades-long career.
The 77-year-old "Pretty Woman" star, who now divides his time between Spain and upstate New York, offered a candid glimpse into his personal life while discussing how his outlook on fame, material possessions, and finding inner peace has evolved over the years.
Speaking to Fox News Digital, Gere explained that his happiness is closely tied to that of his wife, whom he married in 2018.
"Well, Spain is my wife's country, so she gets super happy there," the actor said. "And I'll tell you when my wife's super happy, I'm super happy."
Although Gere has embraced spending time in his wife's home country, he remains deeply connected to the northeastern United States, where he spent much of his childhood.
Richard Gere is opening up about his life away from Hollywood, revealing how spending time in Spain with his wife, Alejandra Silva, has brought him happiness as he reflects on the lessons he has learned throughout his decades-long career. (Instagram/Alejandra Gere) The actor explained that his upbringing, particularly the time he spent around his grandfather's farm in Pennsylvania, continues to influence his perspective on life.
Those early experiences have remained important to Gere, even after spending decades in the entertainment industry and becoming one of Hollywood's most recognizable leading men.
Gere and Silva share two sons, Alexander and James.
The actor is also a father to his 26-year-old son, Homer, whom he welcomed with his former wife, Carey Lowell. Silva has another son from a previous relationship.
The couple relocated to Spain in late 2024, allowing Silva to spend more time in her home country after years of living in the United States.
However, Gere's latest comments suggest that his appreciation for life extends beyond where he calls home.
Gere, who has taken on a role as the executive producer of the documentary "Wisdom of Happiness," also reflected on how his priorities have shifted since his early days in Hollywood.
The film explores the teachings of the Dalai Lama, with whom Gere has maintained a longstanding connection through his Buddhist faith.
Having practiced Buddhism for more than four decades, Gere explained that his beliefs have helped him navigate the pressures that can accompany fame and success.
While discussing the emotions that people experience, including jealousy, anger, and greed, the actor acknowledged that even those who have spent years working on themselves are not exempt to negative feelings.
He likened those emotions to passing clouds, explaining that they do not have to define a person's state of mind.
For Gere, that philosophy has also influenced how he views the material rewards that come with a successful Hollywood career.
"Well, what's really important? Is it what I own or what I am?" he questioned.
The 77-year-old "Pretty Woman" star, who now divides his time between Spain and upstate New York, offered a candid glimpse into his personal life while discussing how his outlook on fame, material possessions, and finding inner peace has evolved over the years. (YouTube/Access Hollywood) 
Speaking to Fox News Digital, Gere explained that his happiness is closely tied to that of his wife, whom he married in 2018. (Instagram/Alejandra Gere) The actor went on to explain that he no longer believes lasting happiness can be achieved through external accomplishments or possessions.
His comments mark a striking reflection from a star whose career has spanned more than five decades and included leading roles in major films such as "Pretty Woman," "An Officer and a Gentleman," and "Chicago."
Despite his years in the spotlight, Gere admitted that he is increasingly unconcerned with how others perceive him.
The realization has become particularly apparent as he watches his eldest son navigate adulthood.
During a recent conversation with Homer, Gere found himself reflecting on his own experiences as a young man and how much importance he once placed on other people's opinions.
At 25 or 26, Gere recalled being considerably more sensitive to what others thought or said about him.
Now, however, he has adopted a different attitude.
"And frankly, I don't care that much about it right now, what anyone thinks or says," he admitted.
The actor also credited his parents with instilling values that have continued to shape his life.
Gere recalled growing up in a Christian household where lending a hand to others was emphasized, noting that those lessons eventually complemented the Buddhist teachings he discovered in his 20s.
His father's upbringing on a farm also left a lasting impression on him.
According to Gere, farmers understand the importance of accepting circumstances beyond their control while continuing to work hard.
Despite his years in the spotlight, Gere admitted that he has become increasingly unconcerned with how others perceive him. (Instagram/Richard Gere) He recalled that his grandfather would wake up at 4 a.m. to milk cows, revealing that he still owns the kerosene lantern his grandfather used.
That combination of acceptance, discipline, and compassion remains central to Gere's outlook today.
It is also a message he hopes audiences will take away from "Wisdom of Happiness."
Gere revealed that his involvement in the documentary became particularly meaningful after he watched an early version with Silva in New York.
The experience left his wife emotional and strengthened his belief that the project could offer an important reflection on the Dalai Lama's life and teachings.
As the documentary progressed, Gere said he became increasingly convinced that its message was relevant to the challenges facing the world.