When Pretty Woman hit theaters in 1990, it quickly became a global sensation. The romantic comedy, starring Richard Gere and Julia Roberts, is often credited as one of the defining love stories of its era. One of the most frequently asked questions about the film revolves around the age of its male lead. Richard Gere’s portrayal of Edward Lewis, a wealthy and emotionally reserved businessman, brought a mix of maturity and charm that captivated audiences. But just how old was Richard Gere when he starred in this iconic film? Understanding this detail gives deeper insight into the film’s casting choices, character dynamics, and the cultural context of the time.
Richard Gere’s Age During Pretty Woman
Richard Gere was born on August 31, 1949. Pretty Woman was released in March 1990, which means Gere was 40 years old during the film’s debut. Depending on the timing of filming in 1989, he may have been 39 when principal photography took place. His age brought a certain level of sophistication and world-weariness to the character of Edward Lewis, making him a believable and relatable figure for adult audiences.
At 40, Gere had already solidified himself as a leading man in Hollywood, known for roles in films like American Gigolo (1980) and An Officer and a Gentleman (1982). His age in Pretty Woman placed him squarely within a demographic that could convincingly portray a powerful businessman while still possessing the charisma needed for a romantic storyline.
Age Difference Between Richard Gere and Julia Roberts
One notable aspect of Pretty Woman is the age gap between its two leads. Julia Roberts was only 21 years old when the film was released, making the age difference between Roberts and Gere approximately 19 years. While such a gap might raise eyebrows today, it was relatively common in films from that era, particularly in romantic narratives involving older male leads and younger female characters.
The age difference added a layer of complexity to the relationship between Edward and Vivian. Gere’s Edward represents stability, power, and control, while Roberts’ Vivian embodies youth, spontaneity, and emotional openness. This contrast becomes central to the film’s tension and ultimate charm, as the two characters influence and transform one another.
Character Analysis: Edward Lewis
Edward Lewis, the character played by Richard Gere, is a wealthy corporate raider who specializes in buying struggling companies and selling them for profit. He is polished, detached, and initially emotionally distant. Gere’s real-life maturity at age 40 informed his portrayal of Edward’s character, giving him a calm authority and a slightly jaded perspective that made the eventual romance feel more earned and believable.
Why Gere Was the Right Choice
- His age added credibility to Edward’s success and wealth.
- He exuded a level of sophistication that matched the upscale setting of the film.
- Gere had the acting experience to convey Edward’s inner conflicts subtly.
Initially, Richard Gere wasn’t the first actor considered for the role. The producers had approached several other leading men of the era, but once Gere read the script and met with director Garry Marshall and Julia Roberts, he agreed to take on the role. The chemistry between Gere and Roberts was immediate, helping elevate the film beyond its romantic-comedy formula.
The Cultural Backdrop of Pretty Woman
Understanding Gere’s age in the film also helps contextualize Pretty Woman within the cultural norms of the late 1980s and early 1990s. During this time, Hollywood often portrayed older male characters with younger female counterparts, especially in films about romance and personal transformation. This reflected, and to some extent reinforced, societal views about age, gender roles, and relationships.
Audiences at the time were receptive to such dynamics, and Richard Gere’s role as a middle-aged romantic lead only reinforced his status as a dependable heartthrob with broad appeal. His performance balanced gravitas and vulnerability, giving the film emotional depth that resonated with viewers of various age groups.
Richard Gere’s Career at 40
By the time he starred in Pretty Woman, Gere had already been a working actor for over 15 years. His role in American Gigolo catapulted him into sex-symbol status, while An Officer and a Gentleman showed his range and capacity for emotionally complex roles. At 40, Gere was at a point in his career where he could bring both experience and screen presence to a role like Edward Lewis.
Highlights of Gere’s Career Before Pretty Woman
- American Gigolo(1980): Introduced him as a stylish, self-assured leading man.
- Breathless(1983): Showcased his edgier, risk-taking side as an actor.
- An Officer and a Gentleman(1982): Cemented his reputation as a romantic lead with emotional depth.
His performance in Pretty Woman was a return to romantic storytelling, but with more maturity and subtlety than some of his earlier work. It was a role that perfectly aligned with his age, status, and ability as a performer.
Audience Reception and Legacy
Audiences loved the chemistry between Richard Gere and Julia Roberts, and their performances were a large part of the film’s enduring success. The film grossed over $460 million worldwide and remains a favorite among romantic comedies. Gere’s age didn’t limit the character; instead, it gave Edward Lewis credibility as a successful, introspective businessman learning to love and be vulnerable again.
For many fans, Pretty Woman introduced a softer, more romantic side of Richard Gere. His age and performance contributed to a new perception of the romantic male lead someone who is not only attractive but also emotionally evolving.
Richard Gere was 40 years old when he starred in Pretty Woman, a fact that enhanced the authenticity of his portrayal as Edward Lewis. His mature age brought depth, sophistication, and believability to a role that required both emotional restraint and eventual openness. The significant age gap between Gere and Julia Roberts added complexity to their on-screen romance and highlighted broader themes of transformation, vulnerability, and unexpected connection.
In retrospect, Gere’s age was not only appropriate but essential to the character’s impact. It provided the foundation for a performance that continues to resonate with audiences decades later. As a result, Pretty Woman remains a timeless classic, and Gere’s age and experience were integral to its magic and success.