'Pretty Woman' star Richard Gere initially turned down famous role saying it was 'not for me'

foxnews.com:

Richard Gere almost did not take the role in the iconic film "Pretty Woman." Gere, 75, who played opposite Julia Roberts in the romantic comedy, shared why he did not connect with the script at first.

Initially, Gere admitted he "didn’t understand" his role as the suave and rich businessman Edward Lewis. "There was no character," Gere explained on "The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter" podcast. "I read this thing, and I said, ‘It's not for me.’" Gere looked at his "Pretty Woman" character at the time as "just a suit." "The Agency" actor added that he was "uncomfortable" meeting with director Garry Marshall since he made up his mind and did not want to be a part of the movie.

However, he switched gears after their meeting. "We start talking about the script and I said, ‘Look, I just don't see a character,’" he began to explain.

After Gere initially turned down the part, Marshall convinced him, saying, "Let’s you and me find it," Gere recalled. Roberts, who played the famous role of prostitute Vivian Ward, was already cast in "Pretty Woman." Marshall set up a meeting between the two for Gere to give his impression of Roberts. "I said, ‘She's adorable.