Richard Gere Has No Concerns about Being an Old Dad — His Goal Is to 'Become Happier' to Chagrin of Neighbors

Richard Gere never based his existence on people's opinions; instead, he chose his life's script. Today, the actor who allegedly believed he was reaching an expiration date on earth following his Lyme illness has learned to bask in his happiness, enjoying life as a second-time dad and husband to a younger wife.

Apart from being an all-time favorite actor, Richard Gere possesses charmingness in his looks. Little wonder, during his prime, he bagged the title of a sex symbol and was declared "Sexiest Man Alive."

Today, the "American Gigolo" star has metamorphosed into a more mature mind, ready to change the world and impact his audience with his views.

In 2020, Gere teamed up with Jon Avnet to make a film known as "Three Christs," from Milton Rokeach's 1964 book "The Three Christs of Ypsilanti." The movie highlighted the need to understand and care for people with mental illnesses and eventually be the compass that guides them home.

This is not the first time he would be writing a thrilling story. In 2014, the actor released an indie film titled "Time Out Of Mind," in which he played a homeless man. While speaking on a prevalent theme in these works, he shared:

"I think whether someone is what's traditionally called healthy or unhealthy, everyone is still looking for his or her home. In that sense, I think everyone is involved with homelessness. It's as if we're looking for the signpost to get us home."

Gere, 72, is guilty of finding his way home to his family with a renewed purpose, not minding the naysayers. The "Pretty Woman" actor bonded with an exiled spiritual leader, Dalai Lama, during his early years on humanitarian projects.

This relationship stirred him towards spiritual positivity, making the humanitarian opt for a happier life more than anything else. Consequently, he reached his goal, shaming his neighbors by constructing a meditation hut on top of his Greenwich Village home.

Apart from his spirituality, some modifications in his love life enabled the dream of being a fulfilled man who found his way come true.

Richard Gere's Life as a Married Man for the Third Time

Long before trouble loomed in his second marriage, the "Unfaithful" star met Alejandra Silva. However, the duo did not date until 2014, following his separation from his ex-wife, Carey Lowell.

Among his kids, including Homer, 22, whom he shares with Lowell, Alexander, 3, and the third child whose details have not been revealed, a source confirmed that Gere is most worried about his two youngest.

Since the genesis of their relationship, Silva has always admired the actor, revealing that he brought light into her life and redirected her path. In her words:

"Richard has been my hero in real life. I was a little lost, without light, and meeting him gave sense to my life. I felt like someone was stretching out his hand and showing me the true path."

Indeed, these two stretched on a path to forever, one involving love, hope, and commitment. Yet, despite being in love and seemingly right for each other, they took it one step at a time, and in 2018, four years after dating, Gere married for the third time.

It was a Spanish civil ceremony, with its reception at the actor's New York home. The guest list was full of Tibetan monks, and despite not being new to sharing wedding vows, People's "Sexiest Man Alive" admitted he was "the happiest man in the universe."

Richard Gere Stays Healthy and Prioritizes Family

The third time was a charm for Gere, who became a husband at 68, to a youthful and attractive woman, and a father to two adorable sons.

Following their wedding, the couple welcomed their first son, Alexander (this is their second child, individually, they have kids from past relationships), in 2019. In 2020, the "Hachiko" actor became a dad again.

Among his kids, including Homer, 22, whom he shares with Lowell, Alexander, 3, and the third child whose details have not been revealed, a source confirmed that the doting dad is most worried about his two youngest. According to the insider:

"He knows he's extremely old to be a father. He can do the math — and it's made him very aware his time is limited. When he found out they were pregnant, he realized how difficult it would be for him to raise a young child."

However, Gere's fear of not being around for his boys is speculation. Words from the horse's mouth were that he had no worry or concerns about late fatherhood.

Through the years, the onscreen star has shown that he is fit and ageless. However, during a 2018 interview with psychologists Daniel Goleman and Richard Davidson, the father-of-three mentioned how beneficial meditating has been. He said:

"There is no doubt that if you meditated for an hour you would feel different. This is the real deal. I had an underlying sense of unwellness and existential crisis. As I looked around it was something in Eastern philosophy, specifically Buddhism, that was speaking to me."

Reportedly, in 2000, Gere postponed filming "Autumn In New York" with Winona Ryder because of his antibiotic treatment for Lyme. Afterward, the film star was restored, but sources alleged that he believed death was imminent because the illness "landed him flat on his back and in agony."

Following his revelations in the heart-to-heart session with Goleman and Davidson, the psychologists agreed that his way of doing things had worked wonders; however, Davidson commented:

"We know that calming the mind can also have an effect on the body and improve our physical health in certain ways."

The psychologist playfully added that his explanation was why Gere looked good. In addition, research has proven that mindfulness meditation benefits hypertension, diabetes, and people with cancer.

Besides religiously following his mind exercise, the "Gentleman" star is conscious of what he eats, believing that a diet can improve a person's lifespan. Gere sticks to his vegetarian diet, which includes foods high in dietary fiber.

Additionally, one thing that tops his priority list is family. He is committed to making memories with his boys and wife. In August, the couple was spotted looking elegant while attending the Starlite Porcelanosa gala in Marbella, Spain, on Sunday.

The "First Knight" looked stylish in a suit and bow tie, while his date for the night ushered in a dose of sunshine in her yellow flowing gown. Before the red carpet event, the family, including their kids, enjoyed sunbathing during a getaway in Ibiza.

Gere is showing how he makes every moment count, from living a healthy life, attaining a spiritual balance, being present for his family, and interestingly, ever ready to share his views with the world through movie making.