Richard Gere and his wife Alejandra Silva made a radiant appearance at the premiere of their short documentary, “What Nobody Wants to See,” held in Madrid on November 25, drawing attention not only for their style but for their growing connection to Spain. The couple’s prominent presence marked another chapter since their high-profile relocation from Hollywood to Spain, further cementing Richard Gere red carpet Spain as a recurring highlight in entertainment news.
The event showcased the couple’s sophisticated fashion, with Gere dressed in a tailored navy suit and black sneakers, and Silva choosing an elegant black ensemble with burgundy accents. While Gere is known for guarding his privacy, he and Silva have begun to occasionally share glimpses into their relationship, famously displaying affection at previous red carpet events like their October documentary screening in New York City.
Their shared life in Spain, where they moved last year, aligns closely with their personal priorities and charitable work. As Alejandra is originally from Spain, the relocation offered her a chance to reconnect with her roots, while Gere noted the happiness it brought their family. The couple, married since 2018 and parents to sons Alexander and James, rarely discuss their family publicly but have highlighted the importance of their new chapter.
“The truth is that you are seeing us in our momentum,”
Richard Gere explained in a joint interview with Elle España, adding, “We are happier than ever.” – Richard Gere, Elle España
Gere credits their happiness in Spain largely to Alejandra’s contentment and the positive environment for their children.
“She, because she is at home and I because, if she is happy, I am happy.”
– Richard Gere, Elle España
The couple’s deep connection and shared values extend beyond their personal relationship. Silva, mother to Albert from a previous marriage, describes Gere as her soulmate.
“We have the same values, we see the world in the same way and from the first moment we felt like we have known each other for a long time. And this only happens once, if it happens at all.”
– Alejandra Silva, Elle España
She also attributed the strength of their relationship to a spiritual bond, stating,
“We were united by the karma of our past lives.”
– Alejandra Silva, Elle España
Part of their motivation for moving to Spain is giving back through advocacy work. Both Gere and Silva are board members of the NGO Hogar Sí, focusing on eradicating homelessness.
“The only reason why both Richard and I are here in Madrid is to be part of the board of the NGO Hogar Sí.”
– Alejandra Silva, Elle España. Silva outlined their ambitious goal:
“We want to help this country to end homelessness. Our goal is that, within 5 years, no one sleeps on the street.”
– Alejandra Silva, Elle España
For Silva, returning to Spain also brought the opportunity to re-enter large family gatherings, something Gere addressed publicly.
“My wife, she grew up in a very big Spanish family,”
Richard shared on The Tonight Show.
“Her grandmother was kind of the glue that held that altogether, and the grandmother passed away about a year and a half ago, two years ago.”
– Richard Gere, The Tonight Show
He continued about their family dynamic:
“So my wife, I can see her morphing into the new grandmother of this extended family. She’s already planning for, you know, 35 people for Sunday lunches.”
– Richard Gere, The Tonight Show
Other Celebrities Who Chose Lives Beyond Hollywood
While Richard Gere and Alejandra Silva are not alone in their decision to leave Hollywood, their move exemplifies a broader trend of stars seeking fulfillment outside the industry. Their transition to Spain and active participation in local causes add to a growing list of high-profile figures making similar life changes.
Ellen DeGeneres Begins a New Chapter in England
Ellen DeGeneres ended her historic daytime run after 19 years, citing intense workplace scrutiny and internal changes, before releasing her farewell standup special “For Your Approval” on Netflix. She told a live audience,
“This is the last time you’re going to see me,”
and further clarified,
“After my Netflix special, I’m done.”
– Ellen DeGeneres, Ellen’s Last Stand…Up Tour. Along with her wife Portia de Rossi, she settled in England, confirming the move after the U.S. presidential reelection, and signaling a lasting shift away from the entertainment industry.
Tyra Banks Pursues Business Ventures Down Under
Tyra Banks, best known for her time hosting “America’s Next Top Model,” relocated to Australia in pursuit of her ice cream business, SMiZE and Dream. She shared,
“So I have this ice cream company, SMiZE and Dream,”
emphasizing her business focus. Tyra described her draw to Australia, noting,
“I’ve been going to Australia a lot because we were making a lot of our ice cream there in a big facility doing our recipes. And I just fell in love with it every time I went back and went back.”
– Tyra Banks, Today with Jenna & Friends. The move, she explained, also offers a fulfilling environment for her family, stating,
“Australia has been a dream come true for me and my family.”
– Tyra Banks, Today with Jenna & Friends
Eva Longoria Finds Home and Work-Life Balance
Eva Longoria, renowned for “Desperate Housewives,” left Los Angeles after reflecting on personal and societal changes. She told Marie Claire,
“I had my whole adult life here…The vibe was different. And then Covid happened, and it pushed it over the edge.”
– Eva Longoria, Marie Claire. Longoria clarified that her decision was driven by work and lifestyle, not politics:
“I didn’t leave because of the political environment,”
she said.
“I left because my work took me there since Land of Women—shooting six months in Catalonia, then four months in Mexico for Searching for Mexico, then back to Spain.”
– Eva Longoria, The View: Behind the Table. Now, she and her family share time between Mexico and Spain, balancing life and a flourishing career with recent roles in popular productions.
Richard Gere’s Life Transformed in Spain
Richard Gere’s experience since his move stands out among his peers. He discussed the transition on The Tonight Show, stating,
“My wife is Spanish, and she gave me about seven years here,”
referring to Alejandra Silva’s roots in Galicia.
“And so we’re going to spend some years in Madrid.”
– Richard Gere, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. He highlighted the benefits for their sons:
“Our kids are bilingual, so they’re going to flourish there.”
– Richard Gere, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The family’s integration in Spain illustrates a harmonious blend of personal happiness, community involvement, and cultural appreciation.
Gere and Silva’s activities in Madrid, especially in addressing homelessness, position them as engaged expatriates. Their efforts reflect both a private family life and high-profile public engagement in Spanish society.
Christina Milian’s Family Thrives in Paris
Christina Milian discussed her reasons for moving to Paris with husband Matt Pokora, explaining,
“My husband is French, and we’ve been together for over seven or eight years,”
and,
“And for the last three or four years we were commuting back and forth every six months.”
– Christina Milian, The Jennifer Hudson Show. The move benefited their children:
“They’re all going to school in Paris,”
she said, deciding,
“I was like, ‘What better than an opportunity than that?’”
– Christina Milian, The Jennifer Hudson Show. Milian describes Paris as offering her children new experiences and a healthy lifestyle:
“My kids are happy there… I have an active lifestyle that’s really nice during the day. Then at night time, I do my work because I work hours ahead. It’s a nice, healthy balance for me.”
– Christina Milian, E!
Lindsay Lohan Relocates to Find Privacy and Love
Lindsay Lohan moved first to London and then to Dubai, looking to escape tabloid scrutiny and find herself. She told Bustle,
“I feel like some of [my work] got overshadowed by paparazzi and all that kind of stuff when I was younger, and that’s kind of annoying.”
– Lindsay Lohan, Bustle. Lohan detailed the respite abroad, explaining her desire for less public intrusion and new beginnings. Her eventual marriage to Bader Shammas and motherhood in Dubai mark a new chapter, though she continues acting on her own terms.
Josh Hartnett Chooses Family and Simplicity in England
Josh Hartnett left Hollywood in search of a more grounded lifestyle, moving to Hampshire. He reflected,
“Hollywood is more than a place; it’s like a state of mind,”
preferring a life away from constant industry chatter. – Josh Hartnett, People. He values being present with his wife Tamsin Egerton and four children, strengthening family bonds. Even as he takes on new acting projects, Hartnett’s life centers on different priorities:
“With four children, you have so much to do. In a way, less is happening. But more of the important stuff is happening.”
– Josh Hartnett, The Guardian
Jesse Eisenberg Finds Stability in Indiana
Unlike many peers, Jesse Eisenberg relocated to Indiana, explaining,
“I’ve lived in Indiana for the last decade on-and-off…That’s where I feel the most comfortable. I’m not somebody who wants to surround myself in an industry that just feels kind of unstable to me.”
– Jesse Eisenberg, CBS News Sunday Morning. With wife Anna Strout and their son, Eisenberg lives a low-key lifestyle, detached from Hollywood expectations.
Eliza Dushku Palandjian Pursues Mental Health Work
Eliza Dushku Palandjian stepped back from acting, now focusing on psychedelic-assisted therapy and her own healing, which she credits for giving her life new purpose.
“I had the means to shift directions and choose a course in my life that focused on healing myself so that I could help heal others,”
she shared. – Eliza Dushku Palandjian, Boston Magazine. The former actress now helps others achieve transformation, marking her true calling beyond Hollywood.
Rosie O’Donnell Explores Life in Ireland
Rosie O’Donnell moved to Ireland in January 2025, where she is seeking Irish citizenship based on her family heritage. In a candid TikTok video, she revealed,
“I miss my friends. I miss many things about life there at home and I’m trying to find a home here in in this beautiful country. And when it is safe for all citizens to have equal rights there in America, that’s when we will consider coming back.”
– Rosie O’Donnell, TikTok
Evangeline Lilly Steps Away for Personal Fulfillment
Evangeline Lilly, beloved for “Ant-Man and the Wasp,” has paused her acting career, noting her joy at following her vision:
“I am so filled with joy and contentment today as I live out my vision,”
she announced. – Evangeline Lilly, Instagram. Lilly values her present fulfillment and may one day return, but for now she has chosen a different path.
“I might return to Hollywood one day, but, for now, this is where I belong.”
– Evangeline Lilly, Instagram
Ian Somerhalder Leads Environmental Initiatives
Ian Somerhalder shifted his focus to environmental causes, particularly regenerative farming.
“I stepped away from acting a little over four years ago to raise my kids, build my companies and get these films launched,”
he told E! News. – Ian Somerhalder, E! News. Somerhalder is determined to contribute to climate action while nurturing his family and building sustainable businesses.
He added,
“I will be a rancher and building legacy brands, whether it’s my bourbon or my health and wellness company, and the regenerative agriculture and healthy soil management practices that I live by and our family lives by. That’s where my life was going. So when people say ‘Why do you care?’ That’s why I care. Because that’s who I am, that’s what I’m going to become.”
– Ian Somerhalder, E! News
Jennette McCurdy Redefines Her Creative Path
Jennette McCurdy disclosed on her podcast “Empty Inside” the reasons she stepped away from acting.
“My experience with acting is, I’m so ashamed of the parts I’ve done in the past,”
she confided, discussing years of embarrassment and lack of fulfillment. – Jennette McCurdy, Empty Inside. Writing her memoir allowed her to consider acting on her own terms in the future.
“Maybe if I write something for myself. I think that’d really be maybe one of the only ways I could kind of try exploring it again.”
– Jennette McCurdy, E! News
Meghan Markle Forges a New Role Outside Hollywood
Meghan Markle exchanged acting for a public life in the British royal family after leaving her “Suits” role in Toronto. Alongside Prince Harry, Markle has focused on producing content and philanthropic work. Her transition echoes other figures like Grace Kelly, who left Hollywood for new beginnings abroad.
Cameron Diaz Enjoys a Life of Wellness and Occasional Returns
Cameron Diaz, after decades in movies, decided to prioritize personal pursuits. Discussing her departure with Gwyneth Paltrow, she explained,
“I just decided that I wanted different things out of my life.”
– Cameron Diaz, interview with Gwyneth Paltrow. Diaz has explored writing, parenthood, and wellness, though she has made select returns to film, such as in the 2025 Netflix movie “Back in Action.” Jamie Foxx recalled urging her back to acting:
“We just begged and pleased on my knees, like, ‘Just give the people one more again.’”
– Jamie Foxx, E! News
Terrence Howard Shifts Focus After Empire
Terrence Howard announced his retirement from acting after “Empire,” telling Extra,
“Oh, I’m done with acting. I’m done pretending.”
– Terrence Howard, Extra. While Howard has taken on new projects, he emphasizes his pursuit of meaningful experiences over continuing in Hollywood for its own sake.
“I’ve gotten to the point where now I’ve given the very best that I have as an actor,”
he said.
“Now I’m enjoying watching other new talent come around, and I don’t want to do an impersonation of myself.”
– Terrence Howard, ET
Jack Gleeson Balances Acting with a Low-Profile Life
Jack Gleeson, once known as King Joffrey on “Game of Thrones,” stepped away after his iconic role. He explained,
“I’ve been acting since age 8…I just stopped enjoying it as much as I used to.”
– Jack Gleeson, EW. Returning to acting after several years, Gleeson now takes on projects mindfully, balancing his career with other interests.
Phoebe Cates and Kevin Kline Focus on Family
Phoebe Cates withdrew from the spotlight to dedicate time to her family with Kevin Kline. Their agreement was clear:
“agreed to alternate so that we’re never working at the same time,”
Kline explained, prioritizing raising their children. – Kevin Kline, Playboy. While Cates rarely returns to acting, she remains active as a business owner in New York.
Rick Moranis Prioritizes Parenthood and Returns on His Terms
Rick Moranis, renowned for “Ghostbusters,” paused his career to raise his children after his wife’s passing in 1991. He kept a low profile for decades, declining most offers, but fans can look forward to his comeback in the Disney reboot “Shrunk,” proving that life’s chapters are ever-evolving.
Leelee Sobieski Opts Out to Focus on Family
Leelee Sobieski cited the demanding nature of acting and its impact on family life as reasons for leaving the business.
“Ninety percent of acting roles involve so much sexual stuff with other people, and I don’t want to do that,”
she said, reflecting on her decision to become a devoted mother and artist instead. – Leelee Sobieski, Vogue; Us Weekly
Portia de Rossi Pursues Business Ambitions
Portia de Rossi decided to leave acting to challenge herself in new ways, explaining,
“I was approaching 45 and I just kind of…was wondering is there something that I could tackle now that I’ve never done before that would be really challenging and different,”
she told Ellen DeGeneres on her talk show. – Portia de Rossi, Ellen DeGeneres Show. De Rossi started a business and only briefly returned to television when invited back for “Arrested Development.”
Daniel Day-Lewis Steps Back, but Returns for a Family Project
Daniel Day-Lewis, the legendary three-time Oscar winner, retired following his work on “Phantom Thread.” His representatives shared,
“will no longer be working as an actor. He is immensely grateful to all of his collaborators and audiences over the many years. This is a private decision and neither he nor his representatives will make any further comment on this subject.”
– Statement via rep. Yet, in 2024, Day-Lewis announced a return for a project with his son, showing that passion for the craft and family ties can intertwine.
Bridgit Mendler Builds a New Future Beyond Entertainment
Bridgit Mendler, known for “Good Luck Charlie,” shifted her attention to academic and entrepreneurial pursuits. Mendler earned multiple advanced degrees from MIT and Harvard, and launched Northwood Space, where she serves as CEO. Her journey illustrates how former stars can thrive in completely different fields, underlining the diversity of paths after Hollywood.
Significance of the Trend and Future Implications
The movement of celebrities like Richard Gere and Alejandra Silva from Hollywood to new homes abroad reflects a widespread search for balance, personal growth, and new forms of fulfillment. For Gere and Silva, Spain has become a place of purpose—providing family stability, opportunities to help causes like homelessness, and a space to grow together. Their journey aligns with a broader pattern among high-profile figures, blending public influence with private happiness.
As more celebrities reevaluate their priorities, countries like Spain, France, Australia, and England may see further increases in high-profile relocations, often accompanied by philanthropic work and cultural contributions. The decision by these individuals to embrace life beyond the limelight is shaping contemporary narratives about family, wellness, activism, and the enduring search for meaning outside the Hollywood spotlight.
