Richard Gere
Richard Gere was director Garry Marshall's first choice to play Edward Lewis, and even had his own doubts about taking on the part. In retrospect, Gere has gone on record as saying that he thinks of Pretty Woman as a "silly rom com," even accusing it of glorifying venture capitalists. He told one journalist: "It made those guys seem dashing, which was wrong."
Gere began working as an actor in the 1970s, with roles in films like Looking for Mr. Goodbar, Days of Heaven, and American Gigolo in 1980, a role which turned him into a sex symbol. Later he went on to play leading roles in An Officer and a Gentleman, The Cotton Club, Pretty Woman, Primal Fear, Runaway Bride, I'm Not There, and Chicago. In addition to his work as an actor, he is a noted humanitarian.
Julia Roberts
Julia Roberts was only 21 when she was offered the part of Vivian Ward in Pretty Woman. Having appeared in Mystic Pizza and Steel Magnolias previously, Roberts proved her star appeal with this film. She received a Golden Globe and an Academy Award nomination for her performance in Steel Magnolias. The role in Pretty Woman had been turned down by countless actresses, including Meg Ryan, Michelle Pfeiffer, Molly Ringwald, Daryl Hannah, Karen Allen, and Jennifer Jason Leigh.
Roberts would go on to become one of Hollywood's most famous and well-liked actresses. She would go on to star in Sleeping with the Enemy, Hook, The Pelican Brief, My Best Friend's Wedding, Stepmom, Runaway Bride, Notting Hill, Closer, Mona Lisa Smile, Erin Brockovich, the Oceans Eleven franchise, and August: Osage County. She won the Academy Award for her performance as the titular real-life environmental activist in Erin Brockovich.
Laura San Giacomo
Laura San Giacomo is a television and film actress. She has appeared on television in Just Shoot Me and Saving Grace. Her most notable film roles are her role as Kit in Pretty Woman and Cynthia in Sex, Lies, and Videotape, for which she received a Golden Globe nomination.
Hector Elizondo
Hector Elizondo was a frequent collaborator of Garry Marshall's, appearing in all 18 of his films. Elizondo received a Golden Globe nomination for his role in Pretty Woman.
In addition to his role as Barnard Thompson, Elizondo was nominated for five Emmys for his television acting, in such shows as Chicago Hope and Last Man Standing.
Ralph Bellamy
Bellamy was a notable stage, film, and television actor. He appeared in a number of early Hollywood films, including His Girl Friday and The Awful Truth, for which he was nominated for an Academy Award.
Alex Hyde White
White is one of the last Hollywood contract players, and has appeared in dozens of films and television shows, including The Seekers, Catch Me If You Can, Gods and Generals, and the television show Dexter.
Jason Alexander
Jason Alexander is perhaps best known for his iconic role as the neurotic and harried George Constanza on the successful TV sitcom, Seinfeld, for which he was nominated for 6 Emmy Awards and 4 Golden Globes.
Alexander is a multitalented actor, having appeared in plays, musicals, television and movies. He started off as a theater actor, appearing in New York in plays such as Merrily We Roll Along and The Rink. He has also appeared in a number of films, including Shallow Hal, Love! Valour! Compassion!, and the animated version of The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
