Richard Gere, at first, was not even slightly convinced about playing the bland role of Edward Lewis. It took a little while before Julia Roberts would eventually convince him, but another factor may have come into play, aside from his chemistry with Roberts, that also prompted him to take the job.
Gere regretted not taking the role of Gordon Gekko three years prior, whose character profile was similar to Lewis’. Michael Douglas was subsequently picked for Gekko’s character in the movie “Wall Street” (1987) and won an Academy Award for it. This might have silently haunted Gere for years, thinking the role and the award could have been his.
The Bubble Bath Scene
The shooting of the film was so much fun, especially for Roberts. In a memorable scene where Vivian was conversing with Edward while she was in the bathtub, she became ecstatic upon learning that she’d be making so much money from their deal. She was so happy that she dipped underwater.
Meanwhile, Richard Gere pulled a prank on her and the production crew by disappearing from the set before she could arise back out of the water, which she found amusing.
Fist Fight
Richard Gere appeared to have gotten carried away when his character fought with his own lawyer, Philip Stuckey after the latter slapped Vivian. They got entangled after it, and Gere clipped him, accidentally breaking a crown off his tooth.
All was good, but it makes one wonder if he had been set off subconsciously, watching such a beautiful face being slapped, albeit part of an act.
A Quick Cameo
"Pretty Woman’s" director, Garry Marshall, slips into a cameo role in the film that must have been unnoticed by many. Edward Lewis decides to stop by the sidewalk and ask someone for directions. He happens to find a homeless man (played by Marshall), who was rummaging through some trash nearby and asked him how to get to his hotel.
The three would reunite in the film "Runaway Bride." Do you remember?
Family Talent
Garry Marshall's daughter wasn't the only Marshall family member to get a chance in the spotlight. In fact, the director's son directed one of the film's most memorable scenes, the polo match.
That whole sequence, from the moment Roberts and Gere arrive, to when she's talking to the jockey (who turns out to be Edward's business rival) and even being politely insulted by Edward's business associate, played by Jason Alexander. The entire thing was directed by Marshall's son.