Thirty-five years after its debut, the iconic 1990 romantic comedy Pretty Woman remains one of Hollywood’s most beloved films, a true Cinderella story that transformed its stars into global legends. As 2025 marks the monumental 35th anniversary of the movie's release, curiosity about the cast—from Oscar-winner Julia Roberts to the unforgettable supporting players—is higher than ever, especially regarding their newest projects and career trajectories in 2024 and 2025.
The film, directed by the late, great Garry Marshall, was a cultural phenomenon, redefining the romantic comedy genre. While the story of Vivian Ward and Edward Lewis is timeless, the careers of the actors who brought them to life are anything but static, with the ensemble continuing to take on challenging new roles in film, television, and on stage, proving their enduring star power decades later.
The Pretty Woman Cast: Full Biography & Latest Projects (2024-2025)
The ensemble cast of Pretty Woman is a veritable who's who of Hollywood talent. Here is a look at the main actors and their most current professional endeavors.
- Julia Roberts (Vivian Ward)
- Role in Film: The spirited and charming Hollywood sex worker who is hired by Edward Lewis.
- Full Name: Julia Fiona Roberts
- Born: October 28, 1967 (Smyrna, Georgia, USA)
- Key Career Highlights: Oscar win for Erin Brockovich, Golden Globe wins for Pretty Woman, Steel Magnolias, and Erin Brockovich. Star of Notting Hill, Ocean's Eleven, and Ticket to Paradise.
- Latest Projects (2025): Roberts is set to star in the 2025 psychological thriller film After the Hunt, directed by Luca Guadagnino. She is also attached to the murder mystery adaptation Kill Your Darlings.
- Richard Gere (Edward Lewis)
- Role in Film: The ruthless but ultimately romantic corporate raider from New York who hires Vivian.
- Full Name: Richard Tiffany Gere
- Born: August 31, 1949 (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA)
- Key Career Highlights: Golden Globe winner for Chicago. Star of American Gigolo, An Officer and a Gentleman, and Primal Fear.
- Latest Projects (2024): Gere continues his prolific career, starring in two major 2024 films: the drama Oh, Canada, where he plays an aging, fiery filmmaker, and the captivating thriller Longing, an English-language remake of the Israeli film.
- Héctor Elizondo (Barnard "Barney" Thompson)
- Role in Film: The kind-hearted and discreet Beverly Wilshire Hotel manager who becomes Vivian's confidante.
- Full Name: Héctor Elizondo
- Born: December 22, 1936 (New York City, New York, USA)
- Key Career Highlights: Emmy winner for Chicago Hope. Known for his collaborations with director Garry Marshall, appearing in 18 of his films.
- Latest Updates: While specific new 2024/2025 roles are quiet, Elizondo's legacy is secure. He is famously the only actor to appear in every single film directed by Garry Marshall. He is an esteemed character actor whose work continues to be celebrated.
- Laura San Giacomo (Kit De Luca)
- Role in Film: Vivian’s pragmatic, street-smart, and loyal best friend and roommate.
- Full Name: Laura San Giacomo
- Born: November 14, 1962 (West Orange, New Jersey, USA)
- Key Career Highlights: Golden Globe nominee for Pretty Woman and Sex, Lies, and Videotape. Star of the long-running series Just Shoot Me!
- Latest Projects (2024-2025): San Giacomo has a strong presence in current television, with an appearance in NCIS S22 in 2024. She is also attached to the upcoming 2025 movie One Last Sin.
- Jason Alexander (Philip Stuckey)
- Role in Film: Edward Lewis’s arrogant, greedy, and manipulative lawyer.
- Full Name: Jason Scott Greenspan (Jason Alexander)
- Born: September 23, 1959 (Newark, New Jersey, USA)
- Key Career Highlights: Emmy-winning star of Seinfeld (as George Costanza). Tony Award winner for Jerome Robbins' Broadway.
- Latest Projects (2024-2025): Alexander has returned to his stage roots. In 2024, he starred in the play Judgement Day in Chicago and is set to play the iconic role of Tevye in a new production of Fiddler on the Roof at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts.
The Shocking Original Ending & Garry Marshall’s Influence
One of the most fascinating pieces of trivia that continues to generate buzz, especially around the 35th anniversary, is the film's drastically different original script. The initial version of Pretty Woman, titled $3,000, was far darker and less of a fairy tale.
The Dark Original Ending: The original script did not feature the iconic fire escape scene or the happy ending. Instead, Edward Lewis would have simply dropped Vivian off back in the alley where they met, handing her the promised $3,000 and driving away. Vivian’s character arc was also grimmer, with the character of Kit De Luca (Laura San Giacomo) having a much more tragic fate.
The Director’s Intervention: It was the genius of director Garry Marshall that steered the film toward the romantic comedy classic we know today. Marshall, known for his feel-good films, insisted on a more optimistic, uplifting ending. Julia Roberts herself has recounted how Marshall’s arrival on the project transformed it from a grim drama into a story of hope, famously telling the original studio executives that they were not going to animate the dark ending. His decision is widely credited for the film’s massive success and enduring legacy in popular culture.
The Enduring Legacy: From Beverly Wilshire to Broadway (2025)
More than three decades later, the film’s topical authority is stronger than ever, fueled by anniversary celebrations and the continued success of its stage adaptation. The themes of transformation, class difference, and true love’s triumph resonate with new generations of viewers.
The 35th Anniversary Celebrations
As 2025 approaches, events are being planned to mark the 35-year milestone of the 1990 film. Celebrations include special outdoor screenings at locations near the iconic Beverly Wilshire Hotel, the real-life setting for Edward Lewis's penthouse and the backdrop for Vivian Ward’s transformation. These events serve as a nostalgic reminder of the film’s cultural impact and the timeless chemistry between Roberts and Gere.
Pretty Woman: The Musical
The film’s legacy has been cemented by its adaptation into a successful stage production, Pretty Woman: The Musical. The musical features a book by Garry Marshall and J.F. Lawton (the film's screenwriter) and a score by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance. The show continues to tour globally, keeping the story fresh for live audiences.
The 2025 North American Tour: The North American tour cast for the 2025 season has been announced, with Eva Gary as Vivian Ward and Jack Rasmussen as Edward Lewis, continuing the film's tradition of launching new stars. The character of Kit De Luca is played by Tamara Daly, and the role inspired by Héctor Elizondo’s Barney Thompson, known as "Happy Man/Mr. Thompson," is played by Max Cervantes.
The enduring success of the musical, coupled with the continued high-profile careers of its original stars, ensures that the world of Pretty Woman—from the fashion of Vivian Ward's style to the unforgettable soundtrack featuring Roy Orbison’s classic—will remain a powerful cultural entity for years to come. The upcoming projects of Julia Roberts, Richard Gere, Laura San Giacomo, and Jason Alexander are a testament to the film's profound impact on their careers, forever linking them to this quintessential romantic comedy classic.
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