Thirty-five years later, the magic of *Pretty Woman* remains undeniable, and as of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the original cast is more active than ever. The film, which premiered in March 1990, is celebrating its 35th anniversary, prompting a fresh look at the stars who brought the modern-day Cinderella story of Vivian Ward and Edward Lewis to life. This deep dive reveals the latest projects, career evolutions, and surprising reunions of the core cast, from Oscar winners to beloved character actors.
The enduring appeal of the romantic comedy, directed by the late Garry Marshall, has secured its place as a cultural touchstone. With the 35th anniversary celebrations already kicking off, including a planned D23 x SFC screening in August 2025, fans are eager to know what the ensemble cast is up to today, and the updates are significant and current.
The Main Cast: Biography, Latest Projects, and 35th Anniversary Reflections
The core duo and the essential supporting players created one of the most memorable on-screen ensembles in Hollywood history. Their careers have continued to flourish, with many taking on new and exciting roles in 2024 and 2025.
Julia Roberts as Vivian Ward
- Full Name: Julia Fiona Roberts
- Born: October 28, 1967 (Age 57 in 2025)
- Role in *Pretty Woman*: Vivian Ward, the spirited and unforgettable Hollywood escort hired by a wealthy businessman.
- Career Highlights: *Erin Brockovich* (Academy Award win), *Mystic Pizza*, *Notting Hill*, *Ocean's Eleven*, *Ticket to Paradise*.
- Current Status (2025): One of the world's most recognizable and highest-paid actresses, maintaining a balance of film and television work.
Julia Roberts, who became an international superstar with her Golden Globe-winning role as Vivian, continues to dominate the screen. Her career remains red-hot with major upcoming projects.
Latest News & Projects: Roberts is set to star in the highly anticipated thriller *After the Hunt*, directed by Luca Guadagnino, which is scheduled for release on Prime Video on November 20, 2025. She was also recently reported to be filming another new movie, *Panic Carefully*, in London in early 2025, demonstrating her continued commitment to diverse and high-profile roles.
Richard Gere as Edward Lewis
- Full Name: Richard Tiffany Gere
- Born: August 31, 1949 (Age 75 in 2025)
- Role in *Pretty Woman*: Edward Lewis, the cold-hearted corporate raider who finds unexpected love.
- Career Highlights: *American Gigolo*, *An Officer and a Gentleman*, *Chicago* (Golden Globe win), *Primal Fear*.
- Current Status (2025): Active in both film and humanitarian work, particularly focused on Tibet.
Richard Gere's portrayal of the reserved Edward Lewis was the perfect foil for Roberts' energy. Interestingly, Gere initially had to be convinced to take the role, a now-famous piece of behind-the-scenes trivia that highlights the film's unexpected success.
Latest News & Projects: Gere remains an active actor, with recent and upcoming films including the drama *Longing* (2024) and the highly anticipated film *Oh, Canada* (2024/2025), which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. He has also been reflecting on the cultural impact of *Pretty Woman* as the 35th anniversary approaches, admitting he doesn't recall many details of the movie, unlike the passionate fans.
Hector Elizondo as Barnard Thompson
- Full Name: Héctor Elizondo
- Born: December 22, 1936 (Age 88 in 2025)
- Role in *Pretty Woman*: Barnard Thompson, the kind-hearted and professional hotel manager who becomes Vivian's mentor.
- Career Highlights: *Chicago Hope* (Emmy Award win), *The Princess Diaries* franchise, and a long-standing collaborator with director Garry Marshall (appearing in all 18 of Marshall's films).
- Current Status (2025): Continuing to work in film and television, maintaining his reputation as a beloved character actor.
Elizondo’s role as the Beverly Wilshire Hotel manager, Barnard Thompson, is often cited as the heart of *Pretty Woman*. His paternal guidance of Vivian is a key element of the film's charm. His professional relationship with director Garry Marshall is legendary in Hollywood, a testament to his topical authority in Marshall's filmography.
Latest News & Projects: Elizondo continues his work on the small screen, having recently reprised his beloved role as Dr. Neven Bell in the Peacock original movie *Mr. Monk's Last Case: A Monk Movie*, which was released in late 2023, keeping his work fresh and relevant to a new generation of viewers.
Where Are They Now? The Essential Supporting Players
The supporting cast of *Pretty Woman* added crucial comic relief and dramatic tension, and their careers have been just as diverse and interesting in the decades since the film's release.
Laura San Giacomo as Kit De Luca
Laura San Giacomo played Kit De Luca, Vivian's sassy and loyal best friend and roommate. Kit's grounded presence provided a stark contrast to the high-society world Vivian entered. San Giacomo was already critically acclaimed for her role in *Sex, Lies, and Videotape* before *Pretty Woman*.
Career Trajectory: Following the film, San Giacomo had a memorable run on the TV series *Just Shoot Me!* and later appeared in the crime drama series *NCIS*. Her body of work remains a staple of '90s and early 2000s cinema and television, and she continues to be a focus of "Where Are They Now?" features, cementing her legacy in the rom-com genre.
Jason Alexander as Philip Stuckey
Jason Alexander took on the role of the film's primary antagonist, Philip Stuckey, Edward's ruthless and morally bankrupt lawyer. Alexander filmed *Pretty Woman* while simultaneously working on the television show that would define his career: *Seinfeld*.
Career Trajectory: Best known globally as George Costanza on *Seinfeld*, Alexander has maintained a prolific career in television, film, and theater. In recent years, he has continued his work on stage and screen, including various guest roles on television and performances with symphony orchestras across the country, showcasing his comedic flair and versatility.
Lesser-Known Entities and Enduring Legacies
The film's depth is also found in its smaller, but pivotal, roles. The casting decisions by director Garry Marshall created a rich tapestry of characters that elevated the story beyond a simple fairy tale.
- Ralph Bellamy (James Morse): Bellamy played James Morse, the owner of the shipbuilding company Edward was trying to acquire. This was the final film role for the legendary actor, who passed away in 1991, leaving an emotional legacy in the movie.
- Alex Hyde-White (David Morse): Hyde-White played David Morse, James Morse's son and the heir to the company. His career has continued steadily in Hollywood, including appearances in TV shows like *Dexter* and *The Mentalist*, and he has a significant career in voice-over and audiobook narration.
- Larry Miller (Mr. Hollister): Miller played the shop manager who initially refuses to serve Vivian. Another frequent collaborator of Garry Marshall, Miller's unforgettable scene is one of the movie's most quoted moments and a crucial part of Vivian's transformation arc.
- The Director: Garry Marshall: Though he passed away in 2016, Marshall's influence lives on. His vision for the film, his signature cameo (as a sanitation worker), and his commitment to using the same cast members (like Elizondo and Miller) created a family atmosphere that is often credited for the film's success.
The Pretty Woman Phenomenon: From Film to Stage in 2025
The cultural impact of *Pretty Woman* has extended far beyond the original 1990 film, proving its story is timeless. The film's 35th anniversary in 2025 is being marked not just by retrospectives of the original cast, but by the ongoing success of the stage adaptation.
The *Pretty Woman: The Musical* has become a global phenomenon, with various touring companies keeping the story alive for a new generation. The North American tour, for example, continues to announce cast members for its 2025 season, demonstrating the enduring commercial viability of the story. Similarly, international productions, such as the Australian one, are regularly casting new leads like Ben Hall as Edward Lewis, ensuring the romantic chemistry and iconic moments are continually recreated on stages worldwide.
The constant buzz around the musical, the anniversary events, and the continued professional success of the original cast members—especially Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, who are actively releasing new films in 2025—all contribute to the film's powerful topical authority. *Pretty Woman* is not just a nostalgic memory; it remains a vibrant, current topic in pop culture, proving that the magic of a good love story, and a great cast, truly is everlasting.
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