Pretty Woman's Dark Secrets: 7 Shocking Facts Julia Roberts Revealed 35 Years Later

The enduring magic of Pretty Woman, the 1990 romantic comedy that launched Julia Roberts into the stratosphere of Hollywood royalty, continues to captivate audiences worldwide, especially as the film approaches its 35th Anniversary in 2025. This modern-day Cinderella story, co-starring Richard Gere, has proven its staying power by becoming a surprising streaming success decades later, cementing its status as a cultural phenomenon that transcends generations. As of this current date in late 2025, new behind-the-scenes revelations and shocking character updates from the star herself are fueling a fresh wave of interest in the classic film.

Recent retrospective interviews and discussions surrounding the film’s legacy have unveiled little-known facts about its dark origins and the surprising, definitive fate of its beloved characters, Vivian Ward and Edward Lewis. From the harsh, original script that was nearly unrecognisable to the surprising condition Julia Roberts had for taking the role, the true story of Pretty Woman is far more complex than its fairy-tale ending suggests. These seven facts offer a deep dive into the secrets that shaped one of the most iconic romantic comedies of all time.

Julia Roberts: The Biography of Hollywood's "Pretty Woman"

Julia Fiona Roberts, born on October 28, 1967, in Smyrna, Georgia, is an Academy Award-winning American actress and producer known globally for her infectious smile and leading roles across various film genres. Her journey from a relatively unknown actress to one of the highest-paid and most bankable stars in the world is a Hollywood legend in itself.

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• Full Name: Julia Fiona Roberts
• Born: October 28, 1967 (Age 58 as of late 2025)
• Birth Place: Smyrna, Georgia, U.S.
• Spouses: Lyle Lovett (m. 1993; div. 1995), Daniel Moder (m. 2002)
• Children: Three (Twins Phinnaeus and Hazel, and Henry)
• Breakthrough Role: *Mystic Pizza* (1988) and *Steel Magnolias* (1989), which earned her a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination.
• Iconic Role: Vivian Ward in *Pretty Woman* (1990).
• Major Awards: Academy Award for Best Actress (*Erin Brockovich*, 2000), three Golden Globe Awards, and a BAFTA nomination.
• Recent Work (2024-2025): Roberts continues to take on diverse roles, including her recent work in dramatic thrillers, maintaining her status as a top-tier Hollywood talent.

The Shocking Fate of Vivian and Edward: A Post-35th Anniversary Update

One of the most talked-about revelations in recent years came directly from Julia Roberts herself, offering a surprisingly dark and definitive update on the characters' lives after the famous fire-escape kiss. The enduring question—did Vivian and Edward live happily ever after?—was finally answered, albeit unexpectedly.

Roberts Confirms Edward Lewis is Dead

In a candid interview, Roberts revealed her personal belief about the fate of the two lovers. She stated that she believes Edward Lewis, the emotionally-stunted corporate raider played by Richard Gere, is now deceased.

This perspective shatters the romantic illusion of the ending, suggesting that their fairy tale had a tragic twist off-screen.

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Vivian Ward Now Runs Edward's Empire

The twist doesn't end with Edward's death. According to Roberts’ vision, Vivian Ward, the former Hollywood prostitute, has not only survived but thrived. Roberts stated that her character "now runs his business."

This interpretation transforms Vivian from a damsel rescued by a prince into a powerful, self-made businesswoman who inherited and expanded an empire, offering a powerful modern update to the film's gender dynamics. The idea of Vivian, who once navigated the streets of Beverly Hills, now running a Wall Street-level firm is a fascinating piece of character development.

Behind-the-Scenes Secrets: The Dark Road to a Romantic Comedy

The version of Pretty Woman directed by Garry Marshall that audiences know and love is a lighthearted romantic fantasy. However, the original screenplay was a much grimmer, more serious drama about prostitution in Los Angeles, which required a complete overhaul to become the iconic film it is today. These secrets highlight the film's difficult production journey.

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1. The Original Ending Was Bleak and Depressing

The film was initially titled 3,000, referring to the price Vivian charged Edward for her services. In the original, much darker script, Vivian and Edward did not end up together.

The final scene was intended to be a grim farewell where Edward drops Vivian off at a bus stop, not the iconic limo-and-fire-escape rescue. The original script also included a scene where Vivian’s friend, Kit De Luca, is found dead from an overdose, underscoring the harsh realities of their profession.

2. Julia Roberts’ One Condition for Taking the Role

Roberts, who was only 23 when the film was made, was hesitant to take on the role due to the original script’s bleak tone. Her agreement to play Vivian came with one major condition: the film had to be directed by Garry Marshall.

Marshall's vision was to transform the gritty drama into a light, modern fairy tale, a shift that ultimately saved the movie and created the version we cherish today. Roberts insisted on Marshall's involvement to ensure the tone was changed from a tragedy to a romantic comedy.

3. Richard Gere Had to Be Convinced by Roberts

Richard Gere initially turned down the role of Edward Lewis multiple times. It was Julia Roberts who personally convinced him to sign on.

During a phone call with Gere, Roberts famously slid a Post-it note across the table to Marshall, which simply read: "Please say yes." Gere, seeing her plea, finally agreed to the role, a moment that became a piece of Hollywood lore.

4. The Casting Process Was a Hollywood Who's Who

Before Julia Roberts was cast, the role of Vivian Ward was offered to, and turned down by, a long list of prominent actresses, including Jennifer Connelly and Sandra Bullock. Uma Thurman also reportedly auditioned for the role.

This revolving door of potential stars highlights the risk the studio felt about the material before Roberts’ undeniable charisma secured the part and, eventually, an Academy Award nomination for her performance.

5. The Famous Poster Image is a Lie

The iconic movie poster, which features Julia Roberts and Richard Gere standing back-to-back, is a composite image.

Roberts' head was placed on the body of a body double for the poster image, and Richard Gere's hair was digitally altered to appear darker.

The Enduring Topical Authority of a Modern Fairy Tale

Despite being 35 years old, the cultural impact of Pretty Woman is undeniable. The movie is still a powerhouse, with *Pretty Woman: The Musical* continuing to tour globally, including a run in the 2024/2025 Broadway season.

A Controversial but Beloved Legacy

The film’s influence is seen in its fashion—the polka-dot dress, the iconic knee-high boots, and the red opera gown—which have all become timeless pop culture references. The themes of wealth, class, and the "prostitute with a heart of gold" narrative have been both celebrated as a fantasy and critiqued through a modern lens.

Julia Roberts herself has acknowledged that the film’s premise—the romantic tale of a sex worker and a New York millionaire—would likely face significant challenges if pitched in today's more socially conscious Hollywood environment. Yet, its status as a revolutionary romantic comedy is often attributed to its willingness to embrace the fantasy, making it a beloved piece of cinema history that continues to inspire new generations.