When cameras rolled for the romantic comedy classic Pretty Woman in the late summer and fall of 1989, actor Richard Gere was 40 years old. Born on August 31, 1949, he turned 41 shortly after principal photography wrapped. By the time the film hit theaters in March 1990 via Walt Disney Studios, he had entered his fourth decade, anchoring the movie with a mature screen presence that contrasted sharply with his 22-year-old co-star, Julia Roberts.
That age gap and career positioning defined the dynamic between wealthy corporate raider Edward Lewis and independent spirit Vivian Ward. Audiences often misremember the actors as peers because of the sleek, timeless aesthetic of 1989 Los Angeles fashion. Yet, Gere brought over a decade of major cinematic experience to the set, having already starred in hits like American Gigolo and An Officer and a Gentleman.
The Production Timeline and Chronology
Principal photography for Pretty Woman—originally titled 3,000 under a much darker script draft—ran from July 24, 1989, to October 18, 1989. Since Gere's birthday fell on August 31 during the middle of production, he spent the first half of the shoot at age 39 and the second half at age 40.
This specific age placed Gere precisely at a crossroads in his career. He wasn't the fresh-faced ingenue of his 1970s breakout roles anymore. Instead, he had transitioned into a polished, established leading man capable of portraying a cynical businessman learning how to feel again. Related insight regarding this has been shared by The Hollywood Reporter.
Why His Age Mattered to the Character
Edward Lewis required a specific brand of world-weariness. A younger actor in his twenties wouldn't have carried the same corporate authority or emotional detachment necessary to make his character arc believable.
- Professional History: Gere had spent over fifteen years building a reputation on stage and screen, allowing him to project natural executive confidence.
- Physical Transformation: His salt-and-pepper hair and tailored suits established a stark visual contrast against the vibrant, chaotic energy of Hollywood Boulevard.
- Chemistry Dynamics: The 18-year age gap between Gere and Roberts mirrored the mentor-and-student, high-society-meets-underworld premise of the narrative.
Behind the Scenes of 1989 Hollywood
Life on set involved rigorous hours and unexpected casting choices. Director Garry Marshall didn't cast Gere right away. Several other prominent actors turned down the role of Edward Lewis before Gere accepted it.
Gere brought an understated charm to the production, which helped calm a nervous, breakout lead actress. Roberts admitted in later interviews that she felt intimidated by the scale of her first major studio feature. Gere's veteran status on set provided stability during a tense studio transition when Touchstone Pictures altered the original tragic ending into a fairy-tale conclusion.
Common Misconceptions About the Cast's Ages
Viewers frequently confuse the release year with the filming year. Because the movie premiered in March 1990, many casual fans assume the actors were a year older during production.
- Julia Roberts: Born on October 28, 1967, she was just 21 years old when filming began in July 1989, and turned 22 near the end of post-production.
- The Age Gap: The real-life age difference of roughly 18 years was amplified on screen by the characters' starkly different socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Career Stages: While Roberts was an overnight sensation, Gere was a seasoned box-office veteran looking to revitalize his drawing power after a few underperforming box-office projects in the mid-1980s.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old was Richard Gere when Pretty Woman was released?
Richard Gere was 40 years old when Pretty Woman premiered in US cinemas on March 23, 1990.
Was Richard Gere the first choice for Edward Lewis?
No. Several actors, including Al Pacino, Christopher Reeve, and Denzel Washington, were considered or approached for the role before Richard Gere signed on.
How long did it take to film Pretty Woman?
Principal photography lasted roughly three months, spanning from late July to mid-October 1989 in Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Did Richard Gere play his own piano pieces in the movie?
Yes. The piano scene in the hotel lounge featured Richard Gere playing a melody that he composed himself, adding a genuine touch to his character's artistic side.
