Richard Gere has long been one of Hollywood’s most recognizable actors. Known for his performances in classics such as Pretty Woman, American Gigolo, and An Officer and a Gentleman, Gere became a household name during the 1980s and 1990s. Beyond his celebrated acting career, Gere is also a dedicated humanitarian and family man.
While fans often recognize him for his charm and on-screen presence, Gere’s role as a father is equally significant. Among his children, his eldest son, Homer James Jigme Gere, has drawn attention for inheriting his father’s good looks and maintaining a close relationship with him while choosing a life away from the spotlight.
This article explores Richard Gere’s family history, his son Homer’s upbringing, and the balance between privacy and fame in their lives.
Richard Gere’s Early Career and Rise to Fame
Richard Gere was born on August 31, 1949, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His breakthrough came with the 1980 film American Gigolo, where he became widely known as a Hollywood heartthrob. His stardom was solidified with roles in Pretty Woman (1990) opposite Julia Roberts and An Officer and a Gentleman (1982).
By the mid-1990s, Gere had established himself not only as a talented actor but also as one of Hollywood’s most enduring leading men. His fame attracted significant media attention, particularly regarding his relationships and family life.
Marriage to Cindy Crawford
In the early 1990s, Gere married Cindy Crawford, a world-renowned model. The two wed in December 1991 in Las Vegas in what was described as a small and spontaneous ceremony. However, their marriage lasted only four years, ending in divorce in 1995. Crawford later reflected on their relationship, noting that the significant age difference posed challenges.
Despite their celebrity status and the media attention surrounding them, the marriage did not produce any children.
Relationship with Carey Lowell and the Birth of Homer
After his divorce, Gere met Carey Lowell, an actress and model best known for her role in the James Bond film Licence to Kill (1989) and the TV series Law & Order. The couple welcomed their only child together, Homer James Jigme Gere, in February 2000 in New York City.
The name “Homer” was chosen to honor Gere’s father, while “Jigme” reflects Gere’s longstanding support for Tibetan causes and Buddhism. Gere has been deeply involved in humanitarian work, particularly advocating for human rights in Tibet, and this influence is reflected in his son’s name.
Homer’s Childhood and Parents’ Divorce
Homer grew up in New York and experienced life in the public eye due to his parents’ fame. However, both Gere and Lowell made efforts to give him as normal a childhood as possible.
In 2003, Richard Gere and Carey Lowell separated. Their divorce, finalized in 2016, was widely reported, particularly regarding custody arrangements. Despite the publicity, both parents prioritized Homer’s well-being, and he has maintained strong relationships with them.
Homer also has a half-sister, Hannah Dunne, from Lowell’s previous marriage to actor and producer Thomas Griffin Dunne.
Public Appearances with His Father
Although Homer prefers to live a private life, he has occasionally been seen at public events with Richard Gere. Notably, he accompanied his father to the Chicago Bulls vs. New York Knicks game at Madison Square Garden in 2012. He also joined Gere at the Giffoni Film Festival in Italy in 2014, one of the largest children’s film festivals in Europe.
These appearances showed not only the close bond between father and son but also the similarities in their appearance, which many observers have commented on over the years.
Richard Gere’s Later Family Life
Richard Gere’s personal life took another turn when he married Alejandra Silva, a Spanish publicist and activist, in 2018. Together, they have two young sons, born in 2019 and 2020. This made Gere a father again in his seventies, a fact widely reported in outlets such as People and Hello! Magazine.
For Homer, this meant welcoming two half-brothers into the family, expanding the Gere household while maintaining his own independent lifestyle as an adult.
Homer James Jigme Gere Today
As of 2025, Homer James Jigme Gere is 25 years old. Unlike his father, he leads a life largely out of the public eye. Media reports indicate that he resides in New York and has chosen to avoid the Hollywood spotlight.
Despite his privacy, Homer is occasionally photographed during outings with his father. Observers often remark on the resemblance between the two, with Homer inheriting Gere’s charm and appearance. However, he has not pursued a career in acting, preferring to keep his professional and personal life private.
Richard Gere on Fatherhood
In past interviews, Gere has spoken about how fatherhood changed his perspective. In a 2002 interview with The Guardian, he explained that raising children shifts priorities and makes “the marginal stuff” in life less significant compared to family responsibilities.
His reflections highlight how central fatherhood has been in shaping his life beyond Hollywood. Whether raising Homer with Carey Lowell or welcoming new children with Alejandra Silva, Gere has consistently emphasized the importance of family.
Balancing Fame and Privacy
For children of celebrities, maintaining privacy can be challenging. While Richard Gere has been a public figure for decades, his son Homer has managed to stay mostly out of the limelight. This choice reflects both his own desire for normalcy and his parents’ efforts to protect his upbringing.
By making only occasional public appearances, Homer illustrates how members of celebrity families can establish independent paths outside of their parents’ fame.
Conclusion
Richard Gere’s legacy extends beyond his award-winning performances and humanitarian work. His role as a father to Homer James Jigme Gere underscores the personal side of a man best known as a Hollywood icon.
Homer, now an adult, embodies many of his father’s qualities while forging a private life away from the spotlight. With two younger half-brothers and a strong bond with both of his parents, Homer’s story reflects the balance between fame, family, and individuality.
As Richard Gere continues his career and advocacy work, his children remain a central part of his life—reminding fans that behind the Hollywood glamour, he is also a devoted father.
