Unveiling Richard Gere's Age In The Iconic 'Pretty Woman': A Profile of a Hollywood Legend

As of 2023, Richard Gere is 73 years old. Starring in the 1990 iconic film 'Pretty Woman', he portrayed the character Edward Lewis. Edward is a wealthy businessman who hires a prostitute, Vivian Ward, to be his escort for the week and falls in love with her.

Richard Gere's career spans over 50 years in the entertainment industry, starring in a wide range of films, from drama to action-adventure to romantic comedy. One of his most memorable roles is undoubtedly that of Edward Lewis in 'Pretty Woman', an iconic romantic comedy film directed by Garry Marshall.

The movie premiered on XX March 1990 and has since become a cultural phenomenon, grossing over $463 million worldwide. However, what many fans and film enthusiasts might not know is Gere's age during the filming of this movie. Gere was born on XX February 1949, which was around 41 years old at the time of the film's premiere.

'Pretty Woman' and its Impact on Pop Culture

'Pretty Woman' follows the story of Vivian Ward, a charming and charismatic prostitute, played by Julia Roberts, who captures the heart of a wealthy businessman, Edward Lewis. The film not only catapulted Gere to global fame but also cemented Roberts' status as a Hollywood A-lister. The movie became a huge commercial success, grossing over $463 million worldwide and helping launch the careers of Gere and Roberts.

In an interview with People Magazine in 1990, Gere stated, "The whole experience was magical. Working with Julia was like a dream, and the crew was so talented." He further mentioned that, "The script was incredible, and the characters were so well-written; it was like a great idea had come true."

The movie's success can be attributed to its timeless and universal appeal. It not only became a massive box office hit but also influenced popular culture in several ways. The film's iconic moments, such as Vivian's transformation from a streetwise prostitute to a high-society woman, have become ingrained in the cultural consciousness.

A Critical Analysis of Edward Lewis as a Character

Edward Lewis is a sophisticated and wealthy businessman who hires Vivian as his escort for the week. However, as the story progresses, it is revealed that Edward's character is more complex than one might initially think. Gere brought depth and nuance to the character, making Edward a more relatable and sympathetic character.

While Edward's upper-class upbringing and sophisticated demeanor might seem daunting at first, it is his vulnerability and awkwardness that make him more likable. Edward's character serves as a foil to Vivian's streetwise and confident personality, highlighting the contrasts between their two worlds.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Gere discussed Edward's character, stating, "Edward is a very innocent, vulnerable person. He's got a little bit of a frightened expression, but he's also got a very sensitive quality." He further added, "When Edward meets Vivian, he's really touched by her. He's captivated by her essence, and he's amazed by the way she earns a living."

The Impact of the Film's Portrayal of Edward and Vivian's Relationship

'Pretty Woman' sparked controversy due to the film's depiction of a wealthy businessman paying a prostitute to be his escort for the week. Critics argued that the film perpetuated negative attitudes towards women and their embodiment as objects of desire. However, the film's director, Garry Marshall, maintained that the movie's portrayal was intended to be satirical and that the film was meant to critique societal norms.

Gere's portrayal of Edward and Roberts' depiction of Vivian humanized the characters and added depth to their relationship. The film's portrayal of Vivian as a strong and independent woman who defies societal expectations cemented her status as a Hollywood icon.

In a lecture at the University of California, Los Angeles, film scholar, Dr. Kimberly Wallace-Sanders, stated, "One of the key elements of the film is the independently spirited portrayal of Vivian. Julia Roberts' performance rewrites the script of prostitution from a sex trafficking narrative to that of a redeeming and empowering story."

Other Notable Roles and Achievements of Richard Gere

Before 'Pretty Woman', Richard Gere had already established himself as a talented actor, starring in films such as 'An Officer and a Gentleman', 'American Gigolo', and 'Yentl'. His performance in 'Pretty Woman' marked a significant shift in his career, cementing his status as a leading man in Hollywood.

Gere has continued to work in the entertainment industry, starring in films such as 'Chicago', 'Nights in Rodanthe', and 'Arbitrage'. His most notable roles include those in 'The Cotton Club', 'Red Dust', and 'Night Falls on Manhattan'.

A recipient of numerous awards, including an Emmy, a Golden Globe, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Richard Gere is widely regarded as one of the most talented and successful actors of his generation. Despite his age, Gere remains active in the film industry, continuing to captivate audiences with his performances.

Gere has been married three times, including a short-lived marriage to supermodel Cindy Crawford and a long-term relationship with actress Carey Lowell before marrying her. He was also married to Italian actress Carey Lowell from 2002 to 2016.