‘Pretty Woman’ star Richard Gere initially turned down famous role saying it was ‘not for me’

You May Be Interested In:Border state officials put cartels on notice as they await green light to take major action


Richard Gere almost did not take the role in the iconic film “Pretty Woman.”

Gere, 75, who played opposite Julia Roberts in the romantic comedy, shared why he did not connect with the script at first. 

Initially, Gere admitted he “didn’t understand” his role as the suave and rich businessman Edward Lewis. 

RICHARD GERE SAYS ‘INTEGRAL’ ‘PRETTY WOMAN’ SCENE WITH JULIA ROBERTS WAS IMPROVISED

Richard Gere and Julia Roberts in a scene from the film “Pretty Woman” in 1990. (Buena Vista/Getty Images)

“There was no character,” Gere explained on “The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter” podcast. “I read this thing, and I said, ‘It’s not for me.’”

Gere looked at his “Pretty Woman” character at the time as “just a suit.”

“The Agency” actor added that he was “uncomfortable” meeting with director Garry Marshall since he made up his mind and did not want to be a part of the movie. 

Pretty Woman

Julia Roberts with Richard Gere in “Pretty Woman,” the film that made her a star. (AP Images)

However, he switched gears after their meeting. 

“We start talking about the script and I said, ‘Look, I just don’t see a character,’” he began to explain. 

RICHARD GERE FLASHES ‘OBSCENE GESTURE’ DURING LIVE ‘TODAY’ INTERVIEW

After Gere initially turned down the part, Marshall convinced him, saying, “Let’s you and me find it,” Gere recalled. 

Julia Roberts And Richard Gere In 'Pretty Woman'

Richard Gere said he initially “didn’t understand” his role as Edward Lewis, seeing the character as “just a suit.” (Buena Vista/Getty Images)

Roberts, who played the famous role of prostitute Vivian Ward, was already cast in “Pretty Woman.” Marshall set up a meeting between the two for Gere to give his impression of Roberts. 

LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

WATCH: RICHARD GERE ‘WASN’T LOOKING’ FOR ROLE IN NEW SPY THRILLER ‘THE AGENCY’

“I said, ‘She’s adorable. She’s great.’ And while I’m talking to him, she takes a Post-It off of my desk, and she writes on it something. Then she moves it across the table to me, and it says, ‘Please say yes.’ So how could you say no to that?” Gere said.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER

“We ended up… really trying to find a character there that made sense within the structure and… the essence of what that piece was,” he said.

“To make it heartfelt, to make it charming, make it fun, make it sexy… we all loved each other. Great trust, we had a wonderful time, and we had no idea that it was going to be what it was.”

Famed Hollywood Actor Richard Gere

Richard Gere shared that he is “so proud” of “Pretty Woman” and the “work process that we did to create that movie.” (Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)

The 1990 classic has gone on to be adored by fans since its release. Roberts earned her second Academy Award nomination for her role as Vivian. Gere and Roberts also reunited on-screen for the 1999 film “Runaway Bride.”

Gere shared that starring in “Pretty Woman” was one of his projects that he’s cherished for years. 

“I’m so proud of that movie and proud of the work process that we did to create that movie,” Gere said. “And I’m not only proud, I’m thankful for that movie because it allowed me to do a lot of other things too.”

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

share Paylaş facebook pinterest whatsapp x print

Similar Content

Deion Sanders gives 1-word reaction to Titans firing general manager as son Shedeur could be top pick
Deion Sanders gives 1-word reaction to Titans firing general manager as son Shedeur could be top pick
Trump to appoint former ICE Director Tom Homan as next ‘border czar’: ‘nobody better at policing our borders’
Trump to appoint former ICE Director Tom Homan as next ‘border czar’: ‘nobody better at policing our borders’
The Temptations founding member ‘not impressed’ with music today
The Temptations founding member ‘not impressed’ with music today
Giants should regret letting Saquon Barkley go after lighting it up against them, ex-NFL star says
Giants should regret letting Saquon Barkley go after lighting it up against them, ex-NFL star says
'View' hosts do doubletake when Fetterman calls charges against Trump 'politically motivated'
‘View’ hosts do doubletake when Fetterman calls charges against Trump ‘politically motivated’
Prince Andrew’s Jeffrey Epstein link has disgraced duke ‘petrified’ to step foot on US soil: expert
The News Nexus | © 2024 | News