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The Shocking Truth: How Old Was Julia Roberts In Pretty Woman And 5 Secrets That Prove Her Age Was Just A Number

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The enduring question of "How old was Julia Roberts in *Pretty Woman*?" continues to fascinate fans and movie buffs alike, even as of December 22, 2025. The answer is a testament to her undeniable star power and raw talent, which allowed her to carry a blockbuster romantic comedy at an incredibly young age. The cultural phenomenon that redefined the genre was released in 1990, catapulting the actress into a global icon overnight, but her age at the time of filming is often misremembered, adding an extra layer of intrigue to her breakout role.

Julia Roberts was just 22 years old when *Pretty Woman* hit theaters, though she was even younger—only 20, turning 21—when cameras began rolling on the set of the film, which was originally titled '$3000'. This astonishing fact underscores the immense pressure and talent required to deliver the performance of Vivian Ward, a role that earned her a second consecutive Academy Award nomination and solidified her status as Hollywood's new "America's Sweetheart."

Julia Roberts: A Brief Biography and Filmography

Julia Fiona Roberts is one of the most bankable stars in Hollywood history, known for her magnetic smile and leading roles in films across various genres. Her performance in *Pretty Woman* is often cited as the moment she became a global superstar.

  • Full Name: Julia Fiona Roberts
  • Born: October 28, 1967
  • Birthplace: Smyrna, Georgia, U.S.
  • Age at *Pretty Woman* Release (March 23, 1990): 22 years old
  • Key Early Films (Pre-*Pretty Woman*): *Mystic Pizza* (1988), *Steel Magnolias* (1989) (Oscar nomination)
  • Key Later Films: *Sleeping with the Enemy* (1991), *The Pelican Brief* (1993), *My Best Friend's Wedding* (1997), *Notting Hill* (1999), *Erin Brockovich* (2000) (Academy Award win), *Ocean's Eleven* (2001)
  • Co-stars in *Pretty Woman*: Richard Gere (Edward Lewis), Héctor Elizondo (Barney Thompson), Laura San Giacomo (Kit De Luca)

The Age Gap and On-Set Dynamic with Richard Gere

The age difference between the film's two leads, Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, was a significant factor that added to the on-screen chemistry and the narrative's dynamic. Gere, who played the wealthy corporate raider Edward Lewis, was 40 years old at the time of the film's release, making him 18 years Roberts' senior.

A Star Was Born: The Pressure on a Young Lead

Roberts' youth brought a fresh, vibrant energy to the character of Vivian Ward, a role that required both vulnerability and street smarts. The contrast between her youthful exuberance and Gere's seasoned, reserved demeanor was central to the film's romantic appeal.

Director Garry Marshall, a key figure in the film's success, famously championed Roberts for the role after seeing her performance in *Steel Magnolias*. Her casting was a crucial decision, as many other established actresses were considered. Roberts' youth, combined with her already-proven dramatic chops, convinced Marshall she was the perfect fit for the fairy-tale transformation story.

The role of Vivian Ward required a complex portrayal, transitioning from a streetwise escort to an elegant companion. Roberts' ability to handle this transformation at such a young age is a testament to her innate acting ability, which Hollywood quickly recognized.

5 Shocking Secrets That Prove Her Young Age Was Just a Number

While the question of "how old was Julia Roberts" provides a specific number, the true depth of her performance and the film's legacy lies in the incredible behind-the-scenes facts that prove her star power was undeniable, even in her early twenties.

1. The Original Ending Was "Seriously Dark"

The biggest secret of *Pretty Woman* is its drastically different, much darker original script, titled '$3000'. Julia Roberts herself has confirmed that the initial ending saw a much bleaker fate for Vivian Ward.

Instead of the iconic romantic climax where Edward Lewis climbs the fire escape to save her, the original story ended with Edward tossing Vivian out of his car on the street, throwing the money on top of her, and her character dying from an overdose. This cautionary tale about sex work was completely rewritten into the romantic comedy classic we know today, a change that saved the film and Roberts' career trajectory.

2. Richard Gere Needed to Be Convinced to Join

Despite the undeniable chemistry, Richard Gere was hesitant to take the role of Edward Lewis. It was actually Roberts, at her young age, who convinced him. According to the story, during a meeting, Roberts slid a Post-it note to Gere that simply read: "Please say yes." This spontaneous, charming gesture from the young actress reportedly sealed the deal, demonstrating her persuasive and magnetic star quality.

3. The Iconic Jewelry Box Snap Was Unscripted

One of the most memorable and charming moments in the film is the scene where Edward Lewis snaps the jewelry box shut on Vivian's hand, eliciting her genuine, infectious laugh. This moment was completely improvised by Richard Gere and director Garry Marshall to capture a real, spontaneous reaction from Roberts. Her authentic, joyful reaction became a cornerstone of the film's charm and a defining image of the movie.

4. The Red Coat Was a $30 Street Find

Vivian Ward's initial wardrobe, particularly the famous red coat she wears early in the film, was not a high-fashion designer piece. The coat was reportedly purchased from a street vendor for just $30, a cost-effective choice that perfectly captured the character's early, gritty aesthetic before her Beverly Hills makeover.

5. Julia Roberts Has a Modern Sequel Idea

In recent years, Julia Roberts has offered her own updated take on the characters' fates, adding a fresh layer to the film's legacy. She joked in an interview that she believes Edward Lewis is now dead and that her character, Vivian Ward, "now runs his business." This modern, empowering interpretation suggests Vivian's journey continued far beyond the fire escape, a testament to the character's strength and Roberts' enduring connection to the role.

The fact that Julia Roberts was only 22 when she became a global phenomenon with *Pretty Woman* is a remarkable piece of Hollywood history. Her youthful energy, combined with the film's drastic shift from a dark drama to a feel-good romantic comedy, cemented its place in pop culture. The film remains a touchstone for the romantic comedy genre, a legacy largely built on the magnetic, once-in-a-generation performance of its young, charismatic star.

how old was julia roberts in pretty woman
how old was julia roberts in pretty woman

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