- Richard Gere reveals his secret to a happy marriage is kissing his wife, Alejandra Silva, every day.
- He jokingly admitted that his wife doesn’t always comply, adding a layer of playful reality to their relationship.
- The couple relies on Buddhist principles, particularly patience, to navigate the challenges of parenting their two young sons.
- Gere openly credits Silva for making him a better father, inspired by her calm and mindful approach to family issues.
A Surprising Rule in a Hollywood Marriage
In an exclusive interview with HELLO! at a screening for his documentary Wisdom of Happiness, Hollywood veteran Richard Gere, 76, shared a glimpse into his life with wife Alejandra Silva, revealing a “strict” rule that keeps their bond strong. But it’s a rule his wife doesn’t always let him follow.
When asked what daily activity provides him with a sense of calm, Gere didn’t hesitate. “Kissing my wife,” he replied with a smile. However, he quickly added a humorous dose of reality: “When she lets me, which isn’t all the time.”
Silva playfully confirmed, “Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Otherwise, it would be too easy, right?” The lighthearted exchange offers a candid look at their dynamic, proving that even A-list relationships have their moments of playful negotiation.
Faith and Family: A Buddhist Approach to Parenting
Beyond daily kisses, the couple revealed that their shared Buddhist faith is a cornerstone of their family life, especially when it comes to raising their two sons, aged five and six. Gere explained how they use its teachings to resolve conflict, citing a recent “drama” with one of their children.
“[Alejandra] is always really good with [saying]: ‘OK, I know I want to strangle you right now, but I’m going to take a deep breath and we’re going to talk through this,’” Gere shared. He went on to praise his wife’s maternal instincts, stating, “She’s an incredible mother that way. I’ve actually learnt how to be a better father by watching her.”
A Karmic Connection
Silva, who was introduced to Buddhism by Gere, agrees that forbearance is fundamental. “Like Richard has said before, there is a lot of patience that is brought into the equation,” she said. Their connection felt destined from the start. After knowing each other as family friends for years, they were reintroduced in 2014, and Silva has previously said, “Our karma was attracted the moment we saw each other.”
The Power of Patience
The couple, who married in 2018, welcomed their son Alexander in 2019 and James in 2020. Gere believes Silva’s embrace of Buddhism was incredibly natural, a sign of a deep spiritual connection. For them, the most important teaching is simple but profound. “Patience. Just patience with yourself and with everybody else,” Gere explained. “It’s like playing the piano – you have to practise and practise and practise, and then you’re able to achieve something.”