Julia Roberts, renowned for her successful film career, invested significant effort into her portrayal of Vivian Ward in Garry Marshall's 1990 classic.
To truly grasp the essence of her character, Roberts, then just 20 years old, chose an unconventional approach—accompanying real-life prostitutes. Barbara Marshall, the late director's wife, recently confirmed this behind-the-scenes revelation to Page Six.
When Garry Marshall, the acclaimed filmmaker, selected Roberts to embody a street-savvy woman entangled in a love story with a businessman (Richard Gere), Barbara was working at a free clinic in Los Angeles. The clinic provided assistance to various patients, including women involved in prostitution. Barbara shared, “He asked me if Julia could come and talk to some of the patients.” At that juncture, Roberts had acted in "Mystic Pizza," but her breakthrough film, "Steel Magnolias," was yet to be released, and she hadn't achieved widespread recognition.
Barbara, acting as a bridge between Roberts and real-life experiences, enlisted two regular clinic attendees, compensating them $35 each for their interaction with Julia. Reflecting on the moment, Barbara recalled, “I went back to work, and about 20 minutes later, Julia shouted from the end of the hall, 'Bye, Barbara. We go for a walk. We'll come back later.'” Concerned, Barbara promptly contacted Garry, expressing her worry that Roberts had ventured to Hollywood Boulevard. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the famed avenue had succumbed to challenges like drug use, prostitution, and homelessness.
Fortunately, Roberts returned unharmed after a few hours. Barbara, who has been married to Garry for 50 years, noted, “She is a strong woman who can take care of herself on and off the camera.” Garry Marshall, who passed away in 2016 at the age of 81, left an enduring legacy, and Barbara is currently writing his memoirs.
"Pretty Woman," the film that catapulted Julia Roberts to stardom and solidified Richard Gere's leading man status, achieved immense success. Grossing $178 million in the United States and a staggering $463 million worldwide, the movie became a cultural phenomenon. In Spain, where it is considered a ratings hit, the film is an annual Valentine's Day television tradition, despite its initial budget of $14 million.
