Richard Gere Reveals This Iconic 'Pretty Woman' Scene Was Pure Improvisation

Richard Gere, who recently celebrated his 75th birthday, took the stage at the Venice Film Festival to reflect on his illustrious career, but it was his recollection of a famous scene from Pretty Woman that captivated the audience. The 1990 romantic comedy, in which Gere starred as the wealthy businessman Edward Lewis opposite Julia Roberts’ Vivian Ward, remains one of his most beloved films.

Yet, as Gere revealed, one of the movie’s most iconic moments was never part of the original plan—it was pure improvisation.

During the masterclass, as the piano scene from Pretty Woman played on screen, Gere shared the surprising backstory behind it. In the scene, Edward sits down at a grand piano late at night in a hotel, playing a moody piece before lifting Vivian onto the piano for a passionate embrace.

Gere humorously commented on the undeniable chemistry between him and Roberts, but then delved into the scene's impromptu origins.

Gere explained that the entire moment came about during a conversation with the film’s director, Garry Marshall. Marshall had asked Gere what he typically did when staying in hotels late at night, to which Gere responded that he often found a piano and played to unwind.

Marshall, always quick to seize a creative opportunity, suggested they incorporate this into the film. "Play something moody," Marshall told Gere, who then improvised the piece, which became a pivotal moment in the movie.

The unscripted nature of the scene added an unexpected layer of depth to Edward's character.

Gere reflected on how this spontaneous moment allowed Vivian—and the audience—to see a different side of Edward, revealing his vulnerability and hinting at a more complex, perhaps damaged, interior life. This improvisation not only advanced the romance between the characters but also became one of the most memorable scenes in the film.

Interestingly, Gere admitted that much of Edward’s character was initially “criminally underwritten,” describing him as little more than “a suit and a good haircut.” The improvised piano scene, however, gave the role substance, providing a glimpse into Edward’s inner world that wasn’t originally in the script.

Buena Vista Pictures | Courtesy Everett Collection

Reflecting on the scene, Gere noted how such unplanned moments can sometimes define a film. What started as a simple, spur-of-the-moment idea between takes ended up being integral to the story, shaping the characters and the audience’s perception of their relationship.

These unexpected moments often carry a rawness and authenticity that scripted scenes sometimes lack, making them resonate more deeply with viewers.

Despite his earlier criticisms of Pretty Woman—once calling it his “least favorite thing”—Gere now acknowledges the film’s unexpected magic, much of which came from these improvised, off-the-cuff moments.

"We were having fun making this little tiny movie," Gere said, recalling the camaraderie on set. He emphasized how the spontaneity on set allowed the actors to explore their characters in real time, contributing to the film's lasting appeal.

"We didn’t know if anyone would ever see this little tiny movie. No one would ever pay attention to this little tiny movie."

But as history shows, that "little tiny movie" became a cultural phenomenon, and the improvised piano scene is just one example of how spontaneous creativity can lead to cinematic gold, often capturing lightning in a bottle in ways that even the most meticulously planned scenes cannot.

Dr. Mark McGowan, a film and media studies expert at the University of Southern California, highlights the power of improvisation in cinema. He explains that unscripted moments often create emotional authenticity, enhancing audience connection. In the case of Richard Gere's improvisation in Pretty Woman, this spontaneity not only showcased his talent but also allowed for a more genuine interaction between characters.

McGowan advises filmmakers to foster a collaborative environment where actors feel comfortable exploring their instincts. This approach can lead to unexpected yet impactful performances that resonate deeply with viewers.

Hollywood has long relied on improvisation as a tool for crafting memorable scenes. Dr. Linda H. Hill, a professor at Harvard Business School, notes that improvisation isn't just for actors; it’s a crucial skill in leadership and team dynamics as well. In her research on organizational behavior, she emphasizes that creating a culture of openness allows teams to adapt more effectively to change, much like how improvisation enriches dialogue in films.

Hill suggests that businesses can benefit from improvisational techniques by encouraging brainstorming sessions that embrace spontaneity. This can lead to innovative solutions and more cohesive teams.

Richard Gere's recollection of improvisation in Pretty Woman serves as a reminder of the magic that spontaneity can bring to storytelling. Experts like Dr. Mark McGowan and Dr. Linda H. Hill highlight how this technique not only enhances cinematic moments but can also foster creativity and collaboration in professional environments. By embracing improvisation, whether in film or the workplace, individuals can unlock deeper connections and innovative ideas. Ultimately, the blend of spontaneity with structured frameworks can lead to profound and memorable experiences.