After decades of living in the United States, American actor Richard Gere has announced that he’s leaving Hollywood behind and relocating to Madrid, Spain. The 75-year-old actor, best known for his roles in “American Gigolo” and “Runaway Bride,” revealed his plans on the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Gere’s decision to move to Spain is largely driven by his wife, Alejandra Silva, who is Spanish. The couple, along with their children, will be making the move just in time to celebrate Thanksgiving in their new home. Gere joked about his wife giving him an ultimatum, saying she had allowed him seven years in the States, and now it was time to move to Madrid.
The actor is excited about the move, citing the benefits for his children, who are bilingual and will have the opportunity to flourish in Spain. Gere also mentioned that his wife is looking forward to being closer to her family and friends, and that she’s already planning big Sunday lunches for their extended family.
In an earlier interview with Vanity Fair Spain, Gere confessed that the move to Spain would be a great adventure for him, allowing him to get out of his comfort zone. He also noted that he had never lived full-time outside the United States before.
Gere’s decision to leave the US follows the recent sale of his Connecticut home for $10.7 million. The actor is not the only American celebrity to make the move abroad; TV show host Ellen DeGeneres and her wife Portia de Rossi recently relocated to England.
