Julia Roberts shines as Vivian Ward, the working woman with a heart of gold who transforms from street chic to a glamorous life. Born in Smyrna, Georgia, to a pair of performers who established the only integrated theater school in the Atlanta area, Roberts' upbringing was deeply intertwined with notable figures, including Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King. In fact, she revealed in 2022 that the Kings helped cover her hospital bill at birth. Her journey into acting began with her breakout role in the romantic dramedy Mystic Pizza (1988), followed by the classic film Steel Magnolias (1989), which earned her first Academy Award nomination.
Roberts recalled a near-miss with Pretty Woman during an interview with Entertainment Weekly in 1991. "When Disney took over the film, they expressed doubts about my ability to be dressed up," she shared. However, after proving them wrong, Pretty Woman catapulted Roberts to global stardom and secured her a second Oscar nomination. She continued her box office success with films like Hook (1991), Sleeping with the Enemy (1991), and The Pelican Brief (1993), leading to a string of rom-com hits, including My Best Friend's Wedding (1997), Notting Hill (1999), and a reunion with Richard Gere in Runaway Bride (1999).
Dubbed America's Sweetheart, Roberts has won PEOPLE's title of World's Most Beautiful Woman five times. She added an Oscar to her accolades for her role in Erin Brockovich (2000) and received another nomination for August: Osage County (2013). Along with her four Academy Award nominations, she has won three Golden Globes and received two Emmy nominations. In recent years, Roberts has returned to romantic comedies with George Clooney in Ticket to Paradise (2022) and starred in the Netflix thriller Leave the World Behind (2023), with her future projects including Luca Guadagnino's upcoming film After the Hunt.
Throughout her career, Roberts has been involved in several high-profile relationships with actors like Kiefer Sutherland, Jason Patric, and Benjamin Bratt. She was married to country singer Lyle Lovett from 1993 to 1995 and has been happily married to cinematographer Daniel Moder since 2002, with whom she shares three children.
Richard Gere portrays Edward Lewis, a cold yet charming businessman who unexpectedly falls for Vivian. Reflecting on his role in Pretty Woman, Gere expressed to Entertainment Weekly in 2012, "You couldn't meet this girl and not fall in love with her." His chemistry with Roberts was undeniable, leading to a successful partnership under director Garry Marshall.
Before Pretty Woman, Gere gained fame for his performances in films like Looking for Mr. Goodbar (1977) and An Officer and a Gentleman (1982). After the success of Pretty Woman, he enjoyed a resurgence in the 1990s, earning the title of PEOPLE's Sexiest Man Alive in 1999. Gere continued to collaborate with Roberts in Runaway Bride (1999) and starred in thrillers such as Final Analysis (1992) and Unfaithful (2002).
In 2002, he showcased his musical talents in Chicago, winning a Golden Globe for his performance. More recently, in 2023, Gere reunited with Roberts' niece, Emma Roberts, in the romantic comedy Maybe I Do and took on a rare television role in the Paramount+ series The Agency.
Jason Alexander brings the character of Philip Stuckey to life, a sleazy lawyer attempting to drive a wedge between Edward and Vivian. Alexander noted in a 2020 interview with PEOPLE that there seemed to be a mutual attraction between Roberts and Gere, a sentiment he shared himself. Prior to Pretty Woman, Alexander had a successful theater career and gained fame on the iconic sitcom Seinfeld as George Costanza.
Despite being nominated for eight consecutive Emmys, Alexander has yet to win. He later returned to romantic comedies with a role in Shallow Hal (2001) and showcased his musical talents in the Disney animated film The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996). In 2023, he directed the Broadway screwball comedy The Cottage, which received positive reviews.
Alexander has been married to Daena Title since 1982 and they have two children, Gabriel and Noah.
Laura San Giacomo stars as Kit De Luca, Vivian's street-smart roommate and fellow sex worker. Recalling her experience filming Pretty Woman, San Giacomo mentioned to PEOPLE in 2020 how they often filmed in fuzzy slippers due to the discomfort of high heels. She first collaborated with Garry Marshall in a Los Angeles production of Wrong Turn at Lungfish before gaining recognition in Sex, Lies, and Videotape (1989), which earned her a Golden Globe nomination.
Following Pretty Woman, San Giacomo appeared in films like Quigley Down Under (1990) and the miniseries The Stand. She became widely known for her role as photographer Maya Gallo in the NBC sitcom Just Shoot Me, earning another Golden Globe nomination. San Giacomo has also made guest appearances on various shows, including NCIS and The Santa Clauses.
Héctor Elizondo plays Barney, the compassionate manager of the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel who acts as Vivian's fairy godfather. Despite having limited screen time, Elizondo's performance garnered a Golden Globe nomination. His career began in the early '60s, and he has appeared in numerous films and television series, including Chicago Hope and Monk.
Elizondo has frequently collaborated with Garry Marshall, appearing in several of his films. He reflected on the film's premise in an interview, expressing his initial skepticism about its darker elements but was ultimately pleased with how it turned out. In 2023, he reprised his role in Mr. Monk's Last Case: A Monk Movie.
Ralph Bellamy portrayed James Morse, the owner of a troubled shipbuilding company that Edward wishes to acquire. Bellamy had a long and successful career in Hollywood, beginning in the 1930s and spanning nearly six decades. He received an Academy Award nomination for The Awful Truth (1937) and starred in classics like His Girl Friday (1940) and Trading Places (1983).
A passionate advocate for actors' rights, Bellamy was a founding member of the Screen Actors Guild, and he received an Honorary Oscar in 1987 for his contributions to the film industry. His final onscreen role was in Pretty Woman, and he passed away in 1991 at the age of 87.
Amy Yasbeck plays Elizabeth Stuckey, Philip's unsatisfied wife. Before Pretty Woman, Yasbeck had primarily worked in television and appeared in various series and TV movies. She expressed her excitement about working with Garry Marshall and the cast, noting the fun atmosphere on set.
Yasbeck's notable roles post-Pretty Woman include films like Problem Child (1990) and the sitcom Wings. After the tragic passing of her husband, John Ritter, in 2003, she dedicated her efforts to raising awareness about aortic health through the John Ritter Foundation.
Alex Hyde-White plays David Morse, the grandson of businessman John Morse. He made his screen debut in the original Battlestar Galactica series and went on to have supporting roles in various films throughout the '80s. Following Pretty Woman, Hyde-White appeared in the unreleased Fantastic Four movie and later joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe with a guest appearance in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (2015).
Hyde-White has also directed documentaries, including Three Days (of Hamlet) (2012). He has been married twice and has two sons from his second marriage.
Dey Young features in a memorable role as the snobby saleswoman who mistakenly refuses service to Vivian during her shopping spree. Young's career began in the late '70s, and she has appeared in various films and television shows over the years. Reflecting on her experience with Garry Marshall, she expressed how enjoyable the set was, crediting Roberts' magnetic presence for the positive atmosphere.
In addition to her film work, Young has appeared on Melrose Place and made guest appearances on shows like Bones and This Is Us. An accomplished sculptor, she has exhibited her work at galleries across the country. Young was married to producer David Ladd for many years, and they have one daughter together.
