Richard Gere Shares ‘Pretty Woman’ Anecdotes with Julia Roberts

Richard Gere celebrated his birthday in style, engaging with enthusiastic fans at a masterclass hosted by Cartier at the Venice Film Festival. During the session, he divulged some fascinating behind-the-scenes insights about his iconic film, “Pretty Woman,” directed by Garry Marshall.

In response to a clip showcasing his steamy piano scene with Julia Roberts, Gere laughed and blushed, commenting on their undeniable on-screen chemistry. “No chemistry,” he chuckled. “I mean, this actor and this actress obviously had no chemistry between them… I haven’t seen that in a long time, too. It was a sexy, sexy scene.”

Gere shared that the memorable scene was improvised. “This was never in the script… We didn’t know how we would use it later. It ended up being integral to the film.” He jokingly remarked that he was “playing a character that was almost criminally underwritten. It was basically a suit and a good haircut.” The idea for the scene arose after the director asked him to envision what his character would do during his time at the hotel.

“We just basically improvised this scene. I just started playing something moody that was about this character’s interior life,” he explained. The scene ultimately added depth to the plot, allowing Roberts’ character to see Gere’s character in a new light. “There was a mysterious yearning and maybe a damaged quality to this guy that she didn’t know,” he said.

Honored at the AmfAR with the Award of Inspiration, Gere discussed various aspects of filmmaking, including acting, screenwriting, lighting, dubbing, and musical composition during the masterclass.

This year marked a significant comeback for Gere with Paul Schrader’s “Oh, Canada,” which vied for the prestigious Palme d’Or at Cannes. The film reunites Gere with Schrader for the first time since the 1980’s “American Gigolo.” In “Oh, Canada,” Gere portrays a terminally ill writer and filmmaker who, during a final interview, candidly shares the unadulterated truths of his life.

Looking ahead, Gere is set to star alongside Michael Fassbender in “The Agency,” the U.S. remake of the French spy thriller “Le Bureau des Legendes.” Additionally, he revealed he’s collaborating on a project with his son, who attended the masterclass with him.

“It’s a father and son story getting to know each other and to know each other,” he elaborated. “And I’m the father of that young, really cute boy… Now I’m the father!”

Gere’s recent activities and revelations at the Venice Film Festival have certainly thrilled his fans, marking a memorable birthday celebration for the esteemed actor.