Richard Gere's decision to almost not take on the role in the highly regarded film "Pretty Woman" has become a topic of much discussion. His initial hesitation and subsequent change of heart add an interesting layer to the making of this iconic movie. Richard Gere's Struggle and Triumph in "Pretty Woman"
Richard Gere's Initial Doubts
Richard Gere, at the age of 75, shared his reasons for not initially connecting with the script of "Pretty Woman." He admitted that when he first read it, he "didn't understand" his role as the suave and rich businessman Edward Lewis. To him, at that time, the character seemed like "just a suit." This initial perception led him to believe that the role was not for him and he even expressed discomfort in meeting with director Garry Marshall as he had made up his mind not to be a part of the movie.There was a sense of uncertainty within Gere as he grappled with the lack of a defined character. His doubts were palpable, and it seemed that the path to accepting the role was far from clear.
The Turning Point
However, everything changed after his meeting with Marshall. As they started discussing the script, Gere began to open up. He recounted how Marshall convinced him by saying, "Let's you and me find it." This simple statement gave Gere a new perspective and he began to re-evaluate his stance.The casting of Julia Roberts as the famous prostitute Vivian Ward had already been set. Marshall arranged a meeting between Gere and Roberts for him to give his impression. During this meeting, Roberts took a Post-It from Gere's desk and wrote "Please say yes" on it, which had a profound impact on Gere. He couldn't bring himself to say no to such a heartfelt gesture.
The Creation of a Classic
Gere and the team then embarked on a journey to find a character within the structure and essence of the movie. They worked hard to make it heartfelt, charming, fun, and sexy. There was a great sense of trust among them, and they had a wonderful time creating the movie.The 1990 classic "Pretty Woman" has since become a beloved film among fans. Roberts earned her second Academy Award nomination for her role, and Gere and Roberts reunited on-screen for "Runaway Bride" in 1999. Gere shared that starring in "Pretty Woman" was one of his cherished projects and he was proud of the work process that went into creating it. It allowed him to do many other things and has left a lasting mark on his career.Stephanie Giang-Paunon is an Entertainment Writer for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to
[email protected] and on Twitter: @SGiangPaunon.
