Richard Gere was 40 years old when he starred in the 1990 romantic comedy film “Pretty Woman.” Gere played the role of Edward Lewis, a wealthy businessman who falls in love with a prostitute named Vivian Ward, played by Julia Roberts. The film was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to launch Roberts’ career.
Gere’s age was a factor in his casting in “Pretty Woman.” The film’s director, Garry Marshall, wanted an actor who was old enough to be believable as a wealthy businessman, but who was also young enough to be believable as a love interest for Roberts’ character. Gere fit the bill perfectly, and he delivered a charming and nuanced performance in the role.
Gere’s performance in “Pretty Woman” helped to cement his status as a leading man in Hollywood. He went on to star in a number of other successful films, including “An Officer and a Gentleman” (1982), “Chicago” (2002), and “Arbitrage” (2012). He has also been nominated for an Academy Award for his role in “Chicago.” Richard Gere is regarded as one of the most iconic actors in Hollywood history.
how old was richard gere in pretty woman
The question “how old was Richard Gere in Pretty Woman” highlights several key aspects related to the film and its production:
- Richard Gere’s age
- Richard Gere’s appearance
- The role of Edward Lewis
- The casting process
- The film’s production
- The film’s release
- The film’s success
- Richard Gere’s career
- The film’s cultural impact
- The film’s legacy
Richard Gere was 40 years old when he starred in Pretty Woman. He was considered to be too old for the role by some, but director Garry Marshall felt that his age and experience would add depth to the character. Gere’s performance was praised by critics and audiences alike, and he helped to make the film a huge success. Pretty Woman was a major turning point in Gere’s career, and it helped to establish him as one of the leading men in Hollywood.
Richard Gere’s age
Richard Gere’s age was a significant factor in his casting in the film Pretty Woman. At 40 years old, he was considered to be too old for the role of Edward Lewis by some. However, director Garry Marshall felt that Gere’s age and experience would add depth to the character. Marshall was right, and Gere’s performance was praised by critics and audiences alike.
Gere’s age brought a sense of maturity and worldliness to the role of Edward Lewis. He was able to convey the character’s intelligence, sophistication, and vulnerability in a way that a younger actor might not have been able to. Gere’s age also helped to create a believable romantic relationship between Edward and Vivian Ward, played by Julia Roberts. Despite their age difference, Gere and Roberts had a undeniable chemistry on screen.
The success of Pretty Woman helped to change the way that Hollywood viewed older actors. Prior to the film’s release, there was a perception that older actors were not as bankable as younger actors. However, Pretty Woman proved that older actors could still be leading men and women in major Hollywood films. Gere’s performance in the film helped to pave the way for other older actors to take on leading roles in major films.
Richard Gere’s appearance
Richard Gere’s appearance played a significant role in his casting in the film Pretty Woman. At 40 years old, he was considered to be too old for the role of Edward Lewis by some. However, director Garry Marshall felt that Gere’s age and experience would add depth to the character, and that his appearance would be believable in the role of a wealthy businessman.
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Maturity
Gere’s age and appearance gave him a sense of maturity and worldliness that was perfect for the role of Edward Lewis. He was able to convey the character’s intelligence, sophistication, and vulnerability in a way that a younger actor might not have been able to.
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Physicality
Gere’s physical appearance was also a factor in his casting. He is a tall, handsome man with a fit physique. This made him believable in the role of a wealthy businessman who is also a love interest for Vivian Ward, played by Julia Roberts.
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Chemistry
Gere’s chemistry with Roberts was also a factor in his casting. The two actors had a natural chemistry on screen, which was essential for the film’s success. Gere’s age and appearance helped to create a believable romantic relationship between Edward and Vivian.
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Star power
Gere was also a major star at the time of Pretty Woman’s release. His star power helped to attract audiences to the film and made it a box office success.
Overall, Richard Gere’s appearance was a significant factor in his casting in the film Pretty Woman. His age, physicality, chemistry with Roberts, and star power all contributed to the film’s success.
The role of Edward Lewis
Richard Gere’s age played a significant role in his portrayal of Edward Lewis in the film Pretty Woman. At 40 years old, Gere was considered to be too old for the role by some. However, director Garry Marshall felt that Gere’s age and experience would add depth to the character.
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Maturity
Gere’s age gave him a sense of maturity and worldliness that was perfect for the role of Edward Lewis. He was able to convey the character’s intelligence, sophistication, and vulnerability in a way that a younger actor might not have been able to.
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Experience
Gere’s experience as an actor also helped him to bring depth to the role of Edward Lewis. He was able to draw on his own life experiences to create a believable and nuanced character.
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Chemistry
Gere’s chemistry with Julia Roberts, who played Vivian Ward, was also a factor in his casting. The two actors had a natural chemistry on screen, which was essential for the film’s success.
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Star power
Gere was also a major star at the time of Pretty Woman’s release. His star power helped to attract audiences to the film and made it a box office success.
Overall, Richard Gere’s age and experience played a significant role in his portrayal of Edward Lewis in the film Pretty Woman. He was able to bring a sense of maturity, worldliness, and vulnerability to the role, which helped to make the character believable and relatable to audiences.
The casting process
The casting process for the film Pretty Woman was a complex and challenging one. Director Garry Marshall wanted to find the perfect actors to play the roles of Edward Lewis and Vivian Ward, and he spent a great deal of time and effort in the casting process.
One of the most important factors in the casting process was the age of Richard Gere. Marshall wanted an actor who was old enough to be believable as a wealthy businessman, but who was also young enough to be believable as a love interest for Julia Roberts, who was 23 years old at the time.
Gere was 40 years old when he was cast in the role of Edward Lewis, and some people thought that he was too old for the role. However, Marshall felt that Gere’s age and experience would add depth to the character. Gere’s performance in the film proved Marshall right, and he gave a nuanced and believable performance as Edward Lewis.
The film’s production
Richard Gere’s age played a significant role in the production of the film Pretty Woman. Director Garry Marshall wanted an actor who was old enough to be believable as a wealthy businessman, but who was also young enough to be believable as a love interest for Julia Roberts, who was 23 years old at the time. Gere was 40 years old when he was cast in the role of Edward Lewis, and some people thought that he was too old for the role.
However, Marshall felt that Gere’s age and experience would add depth to the character. Gere’s performance in the film proved Marshall right, and he gave a nuanced and believable performance as Edward Lewis. Gere’s age also helped to create a more believable romantic relationship between Edward and Vivian. Despite their age difference, Gere and Roberts had a undeniable chemistry on screen.
The success of Pretty Woman helped to change the way that Hollywood viewed older actors. Prior to the film’s release, there was a perception that older actors were not as bankable as younger actors. However, Pretty Woman proved that older actors could still be leading men and women in major Hollywood films. Gere’s performance in the film helped to pave the way for other older actors to take on leading roles in major films.
The film’s release
The release of the film Pretty Woman in 1990 played a pivotal role in shaping the public’s perception of Richard Gere’s age and his casting in the film. Here are a few key facets to consider:
- Box office success: Pretty Woman was a huge commercial success, grossing over $463 million worldwide. This success helped to solidify Gere’s status as a leading man in Hollywood and demonstrated that audiences were willing to embrace older actors in romantic lead roles.
- Critical acclaim: Gere’s performance in Pretty Woman was critically acclaimed, with many critics praising his nuanced and believable portrayal of Edward Lewis. This critical acclaim helped to further legitimize Gere as a serious actor and dispel any doubts about his ability to play a romantic lead despite his age.
- Cultural impact: Pretty Woman became a cultural phenomenon and is widely considered one of the most iconic romantic comedies of all time. The film’s success helped to redefine the genre and set a new standard for romantic comedies. Gere’s performance as Edward Lewis played a significant role in the film’s success and helped to establish him as a romantic icon.
- Ageism in Hollywood: The release of Pretty Woman came at a time when ageism was still prevalent in Hollywood. Many older actors were typecast in supporting roles or were not considered for romantic lead roles. Gere’s success in Pretty Woman helped to challenge this ageism and paved the way for other older actors to take on leading roles in major Hollywood films.
In conclusion, the release of Pretty Woman was a watershed moment in Richard Gere’s career. It not only showcased his as an actor but also helped to challenge ageism in Hollywood and redefine the romantic comedy genre.
The film’s success
The success of the film Pretty Woman was a major factor in shaping the public’s perception of Richard Gere’s age and his casting in the film. The film’s commercial and critical success helped to legitimize Gere as a leading man in Hollywood and dispel any doubts about his ability to play a romantic lead despite his age.
Prior to the release of Pretty Woman, there was a perception in Hollywood that older actors were not as bankable as younger actors. However, the film’s success proved that older actors could still be successful in leading roles. Gere’s performance in the film was praised by critics and audiences alike, and he was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor.
The success of Pretty Woman also helped to redefine the romantic comedy genre. The film’s blend of humor, romance, and social commentary resonated with audiences around the world. Gere’s performance as Edward Lewis helped to create a new archetype of the romantic leading man: a wealthy and successful businessman who is also kind, compassionate, and vulnerable.
In conclusion, the success of Pretty Woman was a watershed moment in Richard Gere’s career. It not only showcased his talent as an actor but also helped to challenge ageism in Hollywood and redefine the romantic comedy genre.
Richard Gere’s career
Richard Gere’s age played a significant role in his career, particularly in relation to his casting in the film “Pretty Woman.” Here are some key ways in which his age impacted his career:
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Age as a Factor in Casting
Gere’s age was a major factor in his casting in “Pretty Woman.” At 40 years old, he was considered to be too old for the role by some. However, director Garry Marshall felt that Gere’s age and experience would add depth to the character.
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Age and Career Trajectory
Gere’s age also impacted his career trajectory. Prior to “Pretty Woman,” he had primarily played leading roles in romantic comedies. However, after the success of “Pretty Woman,” he began to take on more dramatic roles, including roles in films such as “Primal Fear” (1996) and “Chicago” (2002).
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Ageism in Hollywood
Gere’s age also played a role in his experience of ageism in Hollywood. Despite his success in “Pretty Woman,” he faced criticism from some who felt that he was too old to be a leading man. This criticism highlights the ageism that is still prevalent in Hollywood.
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Age and Legacy
Gere’s age is also a factor in his legacy as an actor. He is one of the few actors who has been able to maintain a successful career in Hollywood for over four decades. His longevity is a testament to his talent and his ability to adapt to the changing landscape of the film industry.
In conclusion, Richard Gere’s age has played a significant role in his career, both positively and negatively. It has impacted his casting, his career trajectory, and his experience of ageism in Hollywood. However, Gere has overcome these challenges and has become one of the most successful and respected actors in Hollywood.
The film’s cultural impact
The film “Pretty Woman” had a profound cultural impact, influencing fashion, gender roles, and the perception of age in romantic relationships. Richard Gere’s age played a significant role in shaping these cultural shifts.
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Fashion
The film’s iconic fashion moments, such as Vivian’s transformation from a streetwalker to a sophisticated businesswoman, had a major impact on fashion trends of the early 1990s. Gere’s character, Edward Lewis, also sported a stylish wardrobe that influenced men’s fashion of the era.
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Gender roles
“Pretty Woman” challenged traditional gender roles by portraying a strong and independent female character in Vivian. The film also showed that women could be both beautiful and intelligent, challenging the stereotype of the dumb blonde.
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Age in romantic relationships
Gere’s age in the film challenged the traditional Hollywood view that older men should not be romantically involved with younger women. The film’s success showed that audiences were willing to embrace older actors in romantic lead roles.
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Redefining the romantic comedy genre
“Pretty Woman” redefined the romantic comedy genre by blending elements of drama, comedy, and social commentary. The film’s success showed that romantic comedies could be more than just light-hearted entertainment and could also address serious issues.
In conclusion, the film’s cultural impact was multifaceted, touching on fashion, gender roles, and the perception of age in romantic relationships. Richard Gere’s age played a significant role in shaping these cultural shifts, challenging traditional norms and redefining the romantic comedy genre.
The film’s legacy
The film “Pretty Woman” has left a lasting legacy in popular culture, influencing fashion, gender roles, and the perception of age in romantic relationships. Richard Gere’s age played a significant role in shaping this legacy.
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Fashion
The film’s iconic fashion moments, such as Vivian’s transformation from a streetwalker to a sophisticated businesswoman, had a major impact on fashion trends of the early 1990s. Gere’s character, Edward Lewis, also sported a stylish wardrobe that influenced men’s fashion of the era. The film’s legacy in fashion continues to inspire designers and fashion enthusiasts today.
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Gender roles
“Pretty Woman” challenged traditional gender roles by portraying a strong and independent female character in Vivian. The film also showed that women could be both beautiful and intelligent, challenging the stereotype of the dumb blonde. This legacy has had a lasting impact on the portrayal of women in film and television, and has helped to empower women in real life.
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Age in romantic relationships
Gere’s age in the film challenged the traditional Hollywood view that older men should not be romantically involved with younger women. The film’s success showed that audiences were willing to embrace older actors in romantic lead roles. This legacy has opened the door for older actors to play romantic leads in other films and television shows, and has helped to challenge ageism in Hollywood.
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Redefining the romantic comedy genre
“Pretty Woman” redefined the romantic comedy genre by blending elements of drama, comedy, and social commentary. The film’s success showed that romantic comedies could be more than just light-hearted entertainment and could also address serious issues. This legacy has inspired other filmmakers to create romantic comedies that are both entertaining and thought-provoking.
In conclusion, the film “Pretty Woman” has left a lasting legacy in popular culture, influencing fashion, gender roles, and the perception of age in romantic relationships. Richard Gere’s age played a significant role in shaping this legacy, and his performance in the film continues to inspire audiences today.
FAQs about Richard Gere’s Age in “Pretty Woman”
The question “how old was Richard Gere in Pretty Woman” has sparked interest and raised various questions. Here are some frequently asked questions and their respective answers:
Question 1: How old was Richard Gere when he starred in “Pretty Woman”?
Richard Gere was 40 years old when he played the role of Edward Lewis in the romantic comedy film “Pretty Woman” (1990).
Question 2: Why was Richard Gere’s age a factor in his casting?
Director Garry Marshall specifically sought an actor who possessed a certain level of maturity and sophistication to portray the character of Edward Lewis. Gere’s age and experience as an actor were deemed suitable for the role, adding depth and credibility to the character.
Question 3: Was there any controversy surrounding Richard Gere’s age in the film?
Initially, there were concerns among some critics and audiences that Gere was too old to play the romantic lead opposite Julia Roberts, who was 23 at the time. However, Gere’s performance ultimately silenced the naysayers, earning critical acclaim and resonating with audiences worldwide.
Question 4: How did Richard Gere’s age impact his portrayal of Edward Lewis?
Gere’s age brought a sense of maturity and worldliness to the character of Edward Lewis. He effectively conveyed the character’s intelligence, vulnerability, and emotional depth, creating a believable and nuanced performance.
Question 5: Did Richard Gere’s age affect the film’s success?
Despite initial concerns, Richard Gere’s age did not hinder the film’s success. “Pretty Woman” became a global box office hit, grossing over $463 million worldwide. The film’s success solidified Gere’s status as a leading man and helped challenge ageism in Hollywood.
Question 6: What is the significance of Richard Gere’s age in the film’s cultural impact?
Gere’s age in “Pretty Woman” challenged traditional Hollywood norms and contributed to the film’s cultural impact. It helped redefine the perception of age in romantic relationships and paved the way for older actors to take on leading roles in romantic comedies.
In conclusion, Richard Gere’s age played a significant role in his casting and portrayal of Edward Lewis in “Pretty Woman.” It added depth to the character, challenged ageism in the film industry, and contributed to the film’s enduring cultural impact.
Transition to the next article section:
Now that we have explored Richard Gere’s age in “Pretty Woman,” let’s delve into other aspects of the film’s production and legacy…
Tips Related to “How Old Was Richard Gere in Pretty Woman”
The question “how old was Richard Gere in Pretty Woman” highlights interesting aspects of the film’s production and cultural impact. Here are some informative tips to consider:
Tip 1: Age and Character Development
Richard Gere’s age brought depth to the character of Edward Lewis. It allowed him to portray the character’s maturity, sophistication, and emotional complexity, making the character relatable and believable.
Tip 2: Challenging Age Norms
Gere’s age in the film challenged traditional Hollywood norms regarding age differences in romantic relationships. It demonstrated that older actors could successfully play romantic leads opposite younger actresses, paving the way for greater diversity and representation on screen.
Tip 3: Age and Box Office Success
Despite initial concerns, Gere’s age did not hinder the film’s commercial success. “Pretty Woman” became a global box office hit, proving that audiences were receptive to older actors in leading romantic roles.
Tip 4: Age and Critical Acclaim
Gere’s performance in “Pretty Woman” received critical acclaim, with many praising his nuanced and believable portrayal of Edward Lewis. This critical recognition underscored the fact that age does not diminish an actor’s talent or ability to captivate audiences.
Tip 5: Age and Cultural Impact
The film’s success and Gere’s age contributed to its cultural impact. “Pretty Woman” helped redefine the perception of age in romantic relationships and encouraged a more inclusive representation of age in popular culture.
Summary:
Richard Gere’s age played a significant role in his portrayal of Edward Lewis in “Pretty Woman,” adding depth to the character, challenging age norms, and contributing to the film’s commercial and critical success. The film’s cultural impact also benefited from Gere’s age, as it promoted a more inclusive representation of age in romantic relationships.
Conclusion
The exploration of “how old was Richard Gere in Pretty Woman” has revealed the significant role that his age played in the film’s production and cultural impact. Gere’s age brought depth and believability to the character of Edward Lewis, challenging traditional Hollywood norms and showcasing the talent of older actors in romantic lead roles.
The film’s success and Gere’s performance contributed to a more inclusive representation of age in romantic relationships, both on screen and in popular culture. This cultural shift encouraged a broader perspective on age differences and paved the way for greater diversity in casting. Richard Gere’s age in “Pretty Woman” serves as a reminder that age is not a limiting factor in storytelling or in the appreciation of talent.
