'Pretty Woman' 25 Years Later: Hector Elizondo Reminisces With Julia Roberts, Richard Gere, Laura San Giacomo & Garry Marshall on the Timeless Classic
It's been 25 years since Julia Roberts stole Richard Gere's (Edward Lewis) heart with her role as Vivian Ward in "Pretty Woman."
Yet the captivating actress, along with the rest of cast, continues to steal the hearts of America, as well as the world.
On Tuesday, "TODAY's" Matt Lauer sat down with the cast, including Roberts, Gere, Hector Elizondo, Laura San Giacomo and Director Garry Marshall, who reunited for the first time since 1990.
"Hector looks the same. He's been refrigerated for 25 years!" Julia Roberts pointed out during the long-awaited reunion.
Elizondo, who is of Basque and Puerto Rican descent, is most known for his Golden Globe-nominated role as the lovable hotel manager Barney Thompson, who also became Lewis' confidant. He also provided guidance to Vivian (Roberts) who was in desperate need to learn how to dress, learn etiquette and how to act like a lady.
In the modern-day Cinderella story, in which a wealthy businessman falls in love with a prostitute, Elizondo and Gere had many memorable exchanges, but one that stood out from the rest:
Edward Lewis: "I think we both know she's not my niece. "
Barney: "Of course."
Edward Lewis: "And the reason I know that is that I'm an only child."
While Elizondo might be most recognized for starring in the timeless classic, he has also had a successful and prolific career not only in film, but theatre, television and radio that has spanned over 50 years.
The celebrated actor, who also spoke with Latin Post in an exclusive interview a few months ago, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Hispanic Organization of Latin Actors in New York. He is also a member of the distinguished L.A. Theatre Works for National Public Radio.
A favorite of director Marshall, Elizondo also starred in "Steambath," which won him an Obie Award.
Recently, Elizondo lent his voice to the beautifully-animated film "The Book of Life," directed by Jorge Gutierrez and produced by Oscar winner Guillermo del Toro.
With long careers behind them, does the cast of "Pretty Woman" feel like it's been 25 years?
"It doesn't to me," Roberts said.
"To me it seems like it's been 5 minutes," Elizondo added.
"For me it seems like it's been 45 years," Gere said. "Honesty, it feels like a long time ago we did that. I was saying, but that was two marriages ago for me. A lot of things happened."
"Pretty Woman" wasn't intended to be a romantic comedy, however.
It was scripted as a dark tale called "3,000" -- a reference to the price Roberts' character was to be paid, TODAY pointed out.
"Richard's character threw my character out of the car, threw the money on top of her and drove away and the credits rolled," Roberts said of the intended ending. (Also in "3,000" Roberts was to play a drug addict, a stark contrast to Vivian Ward, who makes a point not to do drugs.)
Yet everything changed when Marshall came on board and Disney bought the movie -- a move that almost cost Roberts the part.
While Roberts essentially lost and re-gained the role (which included convincing Gere through a Post-it note), there was no denying her charm and the chemistry between her and Gere.
"She had that smile," Marshall added.
Roberts and Gere, who still have that great energy, recalled their favorite scenes.
"Driving around in the car (the Lotus) in Hollywood was hilarious," Roberts said.
"Well, it was basically any scene where Julia was walking -- which was fun for all of us," Gere laughed as he recalled her infamous outfit -- the tight, short dress and really long boots. "In that outfit. Yeah, it was all about legs."
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