Richard Gere may have traded the United States for a new life in Spain, but the longtime Hollywood star admits there is still one part of America he can’t quite let go of.

The 76-year-old actor revealed in a new interview with People that he deeply misses the “energy” of New York City — the place where he first carved out a career in the 1970s as a struggling young performer chasing his big break. “It’s very addictive,” Gere said of Manhattan’s nonstop buzz, recalling the vibrant artistic community that shaped his early life and career (Source: People).

Gere, his wife Alejandra Silva, 42, and their young sons Alexander, 5, and James, 4, left the U.S. last year and settled in Madrid, where Silva was born. Despite occasional pangs of nostalgia, the Pretty Woman star says he couldn’t be happier with their move abroad.

“My wife is so happy in Spain, and that’s the best part of it,” Gere said, noting that Silva is surrounded by “wonderful family” and “wonderful friends,” which has made the relocation feel seamless.

The actor added that Spanish culture has deeply charmed him. “There’s a very open joy about it,” he explained. “The people are warm, very open, and a lot less stressed. It’s a very happy place.” Gere compared life in Spain and Italy, saying both nations share a relaxed, life-embracing sensibility common across Latin cultures.

A Fresh Life in Europe

Gere and Silva — who first met in 2014 — now split their time between family life, professional commitments, and philanthropic projects. Gere, a longtime humanitarian and Buddhist, has been increasingly active in international nonprofit work. Variety notes that the actor’s global advocacy efforts have grown in recent years alongside his work in film and documentary projects.

The couple, who married in 2018, share two children, while Gere is also father to 25-year-old Homer from his marriage to Carey Lowell. Silva, meanwhile, is mother to her 11-year-old son, Albert, from a previous marriage.

In an interview with Elle España earlier this year, Gere said the family has found “our momentum” in Madrid, adding, “We are happier than ever.” Silva echoed the sentiment, describing their bond as that of “soulmates” who share the same values and outlook on life. “This only happens once, if it happens at all,” she said.

And the couple appears to have embraced a gentle, grounded rhythm in their new home. Silva said Gere is “a very devoted and present father” who loves reading stories to the children. “He’s a great dad,” she said, adding with a laugh, “He doesn’t cook — I do. But when I cook, he plays the guitar.”

A Move Driven by Purpose

Beyond lifestyle and family ties, Gere and Silva say one of the central reasons for their move was the desire to support humanitarian efforts in Spain. Both are now part of the board of Hogar Sí, a Spanish NGO focused on ending homelessness.

“We want to help this country end homelessness,” Silva said. “Our goal is that, within five years, no one sleeps on the street.” Gere added a piece of wisdom inspired by his longtime friend, the Dalai Lama: “Whenever you can, be kind. And it is always possible.”

Gere previously discussed the family’s plans on The Tonight Show in late 2024, explaining that the move to Spain was long overdue. “My wife is Spanish and she gave me about seven years here,” he said of their time in the U.S. “Now we’re going to spend some years in Madrid. Our kids are bilingual, so they’re going to flourish there.”

Still Drawn to New York

Although Gere is fully embracing life in Spain, he admits the pull of New York never truly fades. The actor was recently spotted in Manhattan leaving Tribeca hotspot Locanda Verde during a brief visit, a reminder that the city will always be part of his story. As BBC Culture has noted in its profiles of the actor, Gere’s connection to New York’s creative scene remains central to his identity, even as he settles into a new chapter across the Atlantic.

For now, the actor seems to have struck the ideal balance: a vibrant family life in Spain, purposeful humanitarian work, and a lifelong love affair with the city that shaped his earliest years.