Richard Gere, the celebrated actor known for his role as Edward Lewis in the iconic romantic comedy Pretty Woman, has made a surprising confession: he was on the brink of turning down the role. Until now, this secret had only been shared with his wife, Alejandra Silva, and its disclosure has incited curiosity among fans.
The film, which premiered in 1990, marked a significant turning point for Gere. By then, he had already made his mark with performances in acclaimed films like American Gigolo and An Officer and a Gentleman. Yet, it was his portrayal of the lonely businessman Edward Lewis, who hires the character Vivian, played by Julia Roberts, for social events, which transformed his career irrevocably.
Despite the film's eventual success, Gere hesitated to accept the role, feeling the initial script lacked depth and found the character of Edward uninspiring. "I was not convinced at all about the script or the character," Gere admitted during a recent interview, noting his initial struggle to appreciate the story. This sentiment was rooted deeply in his first reading, leading him to question how he could bring something valuable to the character.
Gere's turning point came thanks to his agent's insistence and encouragement from Disney's head at the time, Jeff Katzenberg. "Richard, I think you should do this," he recounted Katzenberg advising him. Despite the persistent recommendations, the doubts lingered, and Gere found himself unsure of accepting the offer. It wasn't until his meeting with Julia Roberts and director Garry Marshall, whom he initially met for discussions, did his perspective shift. "After talking with them, I thought it at least could be fun," he reflected. This engagement sparked his involvement, leading him to collaborate on rewriting parts of the script.
The film’s success was phenomenal, grossing over €463 million worldwide against its budget of €14 million. “I don’t think anyone thought it was going to be such a success,” Gere said, acknowledging how unexpected the film's reception was even for him.
The most interesting aspect of Gere’s confession is how closely it connects to his personal life, especially his relationship with Silva. She has been the only one privy to his internal struggles during this pivotal decision. With their marriage blossoming, Gere has become more willing to share intimate aspects of his career and past with her, something he admits he hadn't done much before. "Alejandra has taught me to embrace each stage of my career with pride," he shared.
Since they married, he feels encouraged to open up about both ups and downs, his reflections becoming part of their shared emotional intimacy. Gere's commendation of Silva's influence emphasizes their deep connection: she prodded him to acknowledge the importance of those memories, shaping how he relates to his followers.
Beyond the film, the couple has shared tender moments captured through media outlets: photos of them were taken leaving a photography studio on November 30, 2024, and during various public appearances. The bond appears strong, complemented by their family with three children, with Gere often expressing the value of his personal life intertwined with his professional one.
Meanwhile, as their private lives thrive, Gere’s activism remains prominent. Recently, he traveled to Tibet, engaging with causes close to his heart, particularly related to human rights. This trip took him on more than 8,300 kilometers away from home to participate at the Museo del Tíbet, highlighting his dedication to social causes.
Notably, during his time away, Gere didn't forget about Silva. He shared pictures from his travels on social media, including one from the premiere of his new series The Agency held last November. Along with the premiere snapshot, he posted another elegant photo of them from their recent photoshoot for Elle magazine, where Silva was seen dazzling in Prada attire and Bvlgari jewelry.
It appears the couple is thriving together, as Silva even flaunted her purchase of a luxury car valued at over €85,000, showcasing the couple’s successful life together. Gere's philanthropic endeavors, including his founding of the Richard Gere Foundation, focus on Tibetan cultural preservation and humanitarian efforts, embodying his commitment to social responsibility.
Overall, Richard Gere’s recent revelations, brought to light by his loving relationship with Alejandra Silva, provide not only insight to his iconic role but also reflect on personal growth and contentedness. With over 30 years since Pretty Woman, he continues to impact the film industry, reaffirming why this film remains such a significant piece of cinema history.