Many of Richard Gere’s fans are perhaps aware that the actor did not want to initially act in the blockbuster film Pretty Woman, which released in 1990. The Hollywood A-lister was not interested to be a part of the project after hearing the storyline.
The romance between a corporate financier and a prostitute portrayed by actress Julia Roberts did not interest Gere in the beginning. The actor felt it was not the kind of film he was looking for.
Gere opened up about his initial reaction when he was offered the lead role in one of the all-time popular movies of Hollywood Pretty Woman. The film released three decades ago in 1990.
The veteran screen star who was also an accomplished stage actor has been associated with reputed projects including American Gigolo, and Days of Heaven among others. He thought the character of Edward Louis did not have too many shades in it.
The actor even said that if a goat is dressed up in a suit, he can serve the purpose. Gere said it was more about “the suit” than “anything else.” The original screenplay for the movie had a darker element in it and was not a mushy romance like it eventually turned out to be.
Richard Gere eventually accepted the role primarily because of Julia Roberts, who played the role of a Hollywood prostitute in the film and the director late Garry Marshall. The Runaway Bride actor also expressed his deep regard for the departed director of the movie, Yahoo News reports.
Incidentally, Roberts was yet to reach the pinnacle of her career when she was doing this film and had only a handful of released movies in her kitty. Gere praised his former co-star saying she was magical.
The actor also remembered interacting with the actress at his office in New York after Marshall requested him to meet her. Gere feels that Roberts had an amazing screen presence.
Gere does not seem to have any regret for accepting the offer because Pretty Woman went on to become one of the highest box office hits in 1990. It is also regarded as one of the most famous romantic comedies of Hollywood.
In other news, Gere, who is also the chairman of the ICT or the International Campaign for Tibet, raised objections against China before a subcommittee this Tuesday. The actor discussed how Chinese censorship is having an impact on American economic interests, particularly in Tibet.
Richard Gere mentioned that the United States has been supportive of the people of Tibet, as well, their Buddhist culture. He noted that the Government of China restricts access for Americans to Tibet. These include restricted entry of American politicians and journalists to Tibet, Phayul reports.