Richard Gere and Julia Roberts, two of Hollywood's most beloved figures, continue to be defined by their iconic partnership, particularly exemplified by their classic film Pretty Woman. During his recent appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, which aired on November 20, Gere revisited the origins of their friendship and the indelible mark Pretty Woman has left on both their careers and pop culture.
Gere shared the charming story of how he first met Roberts prior to the start of filming the romantic comedy, which was directed by the late Garry Marshall. He recounted the moment with warmth, saying, "She had made, I think, one film before [Pretty Woman] — Mystic Pizza, and Garry Marshall ... He put us together." This initial meeting took place at Gere's office, where Marshall set up the introduction, hoping the two would click.
Gere vividly recalled, "I said to Gary, 'I think I just said yes.'" The actor smiled, remembering how Roberts had scribbled on one of his Post-its, "Please say yes," creating a lighthearted yet enthusiastic atmosphere before they had even begun filming.
According to Gere, their chemistry was electric from the start. He mentioned how they had "such a good time making [the movie]," allowing their natural rapport to shine through as they played the roles of Edward Lewis and Vivian Ward. It was during the film's 25th anniversary celebrations back in 2015 when Gere first shared how mesmerized he was by Roberts during their initial encounter, reflecting the dynamic nature of their bond.
Garry Marshall, the film's director, had his own endearing take on the pair's undeniable connection. "I came out and I saw the two of them at the end of a hall just looking at each other, and right there, I said, look at their chemistry. They don't know each other, and they're doing great," he said, demonstrating the immediate warmth and the sparks ignited between the future stars.
Released in 1990, Pretty Woman skyrocketed Roberts to stardom and garnered her an Oscar nomination for Best Actress. The film was not just another romantic comedy; it was also groundbreaking as it offered a new perspective on modern love. The film reached audiences worldwide, grossing over $460 million globally from just a $14 million production budget, sealing its status as the highest-grossing romantic comedy of all time.
The film's legacy continues to thrive beyond its initial successes. Currently, audiences can experience its magic live; the musical adaptation of Pretty Woman is set to take the stage at Century II from Friday through Sunday. This Broadway production is part of the "Broadway in Wichita" series and offers fans a chance to relive the fairy-tale romance through song and dance. The showtimes promise to bring new life to the classic story as fans relive the moments of Roberts and Gere as they navigate love and laughter.
The impact of Pretty Woman extends beyond just its storyline. Its influence has seeped extensively within pop culture, serving as inspiration for countless other romantic comedies. Directors, writers, and producers who followed have often cited Pretty Woman as the blueprint for successful rom-coms, with its pivotal blend of humor, heart, and glamour.
Despite his success, Gere's recent focus has shifted more to his family life. He and his wife, Alejandra Silva, have recently embraced new beginnings by moving to Spain, home to Silva. Gere emphasized, "For Alejandra, it will be wonderful to be closer to her family, her lifelong friends and her culture. She was very generous in giving me six years living in my world, so it is only fair I give her at least another six living in hers." This statement encapsulates not just love, but also respect and collaboration, mirroring the spirit of partnership he found with Roberts many years earlier.
Through his reflections on Pretty Woman, both the film and the supportive friendship it forged with Roberts, Gere demonstrates how these memories remain cherished. The enduring charm and the fairy-tale elements of their onscreen romance remind audiences not only of their chemistry but also of the importance of genuine connections. The film remains celebrated, proving the magic crafted by Gere, Roberts, and Marshall still resonates today.