Richard Gere almost turned down the role in 'Pretty Woman,' saying he 'didn't understand' the role

Richard Gere almost never took the role of the landmark film “Pretty Woman.”

Gere, 75, who starred opposite Julia Roberts in the romantic comedy, shared why she didn't connect with the script at first.

At first, Gere admitted that he “didn't understand” his role as the rich and wealthy businessman Edward Lewis.

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“There was no character,” Gere explained on the “Hollywood Reporter's Awards Chatter” podcast. “I read this thing, and I said, 'It's not for me.'

Gere considered her “Pretty Woman” character at the time “just a suit.”

“The Agency” actress added that she was “uncomfortable” meeting director Garry Marshall as she made a decision and did not want to be part of the film.

Julia Roberts and Richard Gere in “Pretty Woman,” the movie that made her a star. (AP Photos)

However, he changed gears after their meeting.

“We started talking about the script and I said, 'Look, I just don't see the character,'” he began to explain.

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After Gere initially turned down the part, Marshall convinced him, saying, “You and I will find out,” Gere recalled.

Richard Gere said that he initially “didn't understand” his role as Edward Lewis, seeing the character as “just a suit.” (Buena Vista/Getty Images)

Roberts, who played the famous prostitute Vivian Ward, was already cast in “Pretty Woman.” Marshall set up a meeting between the two so Gere could give his opinion on Roberts.

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“I said, 'You're lovely. You're beautiful.' And while I'm talking to him, he takes a Post-It out of my desk, and he writes something on it and he moves it across the table to me, and he says, 'Please say yes.' So how could you say no to that?” Gere said.

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“We ended up … really trying to find a meaningful character within the building and … the essence of what it was,” he said.

“To do it from the heart, to make it lovable, to make it fun, to make it lovable… we all loved each other. A lot of trust, we had a good time, and we didn't know it was going to be what it was.”

Richard Gere shared that he is “proud” of “Pretty Woman” and “the work process we did to create that movie.” (Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)

The 1990's classic has continued to be a fan favorite since its release. Roberts received her second Academy Award nomination for her role as Vivian. Gere and Roberts reunited on screen for the 1999 film “Runaway Bride.”

Gere shared that his role in “Pretty Woman” was one of his projects that he has informed us about for years.

“I'm proud of that film and I'm proud of the work process we did to create that film,” Gere said. “And I'm not only proud, I'm grateful for that film because it allowed me to do many other things.”

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