Speaking on The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast, Gere, 75, said, "I’m so proud and thankful for that movie because it opened so many doors for me." However, he admitted he almost turned it down, saying, "There wasn’t a character. I read the script and thought, 'It’s not for me.' "
Gere’s first impression of Edward Lewis, the wealthy businessman he portrayed, was that he lacked depth. Gere described his first impression of his character as being "just a suit." Even meeting with director Garry Marshall left him feeling uneasy. "Look, I just don't see a character," said Gere while discussing the script of the upcoming film. But Marshall encouraged him to collaborate, saying, "Let’s you and me find it."
Marshall also arranged for Gere to meet Julia Roberts, who had already been cast as Vivian Ward. During their meeting, Roberts wrote him a note on a Post-It reading, "Please say yes." Gere recalled, "How could you say no to that?"
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Together, the team worked to give Edward more heart, creating a character that was "charming, fun, sexy, and heartfelt." Gere reflected, "We had no idea the film would become what it did, but we trusted each other and had a wonderful time." The 1990 rom-com became a cultural phenomenon, earning Roberts her second Oscar nomination and cementing its place as a genre classic. Gere and Roberts later reunited with Marshall for the 1999 hit 'Runaway Bride.'
