At 75, Richard Gere finally breaks his silence on his relationship with Julia Roberts, revealing that the legendary Pretty Woman chemistry that captured millions wasn’t romance but a deep friendship built on trust, respect, and laughter — a truth that’s both touching and bittersweet after decades of fan speculation.

It’s been 35 years since Pretty Woman lit up theaters and cemented Richard Gere and Julia Roberts as one of Hollywood’s most iconic on-screen duos.

The 1990 romantic comedy was more than just a movie — it was a cultural moment.

Fans fell in love with Edward Lewis and Vivian Ward, the unlikely pair whose charm, wit, and undeniable chemistry made audiences believe that maybe, just maybe, the romance was real off-screen too.

But decades later, Richard Gere, now 75, has broken his silence about what really happened behind the scenes — and what he reveals about Julia Roberts is nothing short of surprising.

In a rare interview at a recent film retrospective held in Los Angeles this September, Gere reflected on the legacy of Pretty Woman and his complicated feelings toward the phenomenon it created.

“People still ask me if Julia and I ever fell in love,” he said with a soft laugh.

“And I get it — what you saw on screen felt real because, in a way, it was.

But not in the way people think.”

According to Gere, their chemistry wasn’t about romantic attraction but mutual respect, admiration, and a deep trust that built up over time.

“Julia was 21 when we shot Pretty Woman.

She was full of energy, light, and mischief — and I was just trying to keep up,” he recalled.

“She made everything easy.

I think that’s what people saw — not two people in love, but two people enjoying the moment, connecting through laughter and curiosity.”

Yet Gere admits that the movie wasn’t an easy one to make.

The script had gone through several rewrites, transforming from a dark, gritty story into the fairy tale millions adore today.

“It started as something else entirely,” Gere said.

“There were moments Julia and I both wondered what kind of movie we were actually making.

” Director Garry Marshall, whom Gere calls “the glue that held everything together,” famously encouraged them to improvise, leading to some of the film’s most memorable moments — including the now-legendary jewelry box “snap” scene, which Julia’s laughter made unforgettable.

But while the film launched Roberts into superstardom, Gere admits he struggled with the sudden wave of public obsession surrounding their supposed romance.

“I’d go to interviews, and instead of talking about the craft, everyone wanted to know if Julia and I were secretly together,” he said.

“We weren’t.

We cared about each other deeply, but it was never like that.

She became like a kid sister to me.”

Still, rumors persisted for years, especially after Gere and Roberts reunited for the 1999 romantic hit Runaway Bride.

Once again, their chemistry sparked speculation that something more was happening behind the camera.

Gere smiled at the memory, saying, “When we reunited, it was like no time had passed.

That’s the magic of Julia — she makes everyone feel like they’ve known her forever.”

Julia Roberts herself has spoken warmly about Gere over the years, once calling him “the best co-star a girl could ever have.

” In a 2012 interview, she admitted that Gere’s quiet strength and kindness helped her navigate the early chaos of fame.

“Richard was my anchor,” she said.

“He made me feel safe when everything else was spinning.”

Now, as Gere reflects on both their careers, he says their friendship has endured in ways fame can’t touch.

“We don’t see each other often, but when we do, there’s always that sense of familiarity,” he said.

“It’s like a shared secret — we both know what that time meant.”

When asked if he would ever work with Roberts again, Gere smiled.

“In a heartbeat,” he said.

“We had lightning in a bottle — and you never forget that.”

For fans, this candid glimpse into one of Hollywood’s most beloved partnerships feels like closure to a story that blurred the line between fiction and reality for decades.

And while the fairytale romance of Edward and Vivian will forever belong to the silver screen, Richard Gere’s words remind us of something even more enduring — the rare, genuine bond of friendship that outlasts fame, rumors, and time.