Julia Roberts Almost Lost ‘Pretty Woman’ to This 80s Icon

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Julia Roberts Owes Her Stardom to Molly Ringwald – Who Said No to ‘Pretty Woman’

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5 Things You Need to Know Before Reading

Which role? Molly Ringwald was up for the part of Vivian Ward in “Pretty Woman” – the role that made Julia Roberts a superstar.
What was the original title? Ringwald saw an early draft of the script called “$3000” before it became “Pretty Woman.”
Why did she turn it down? She told The Guardian in 2023: “I didn’t really like the story. Even then, I felt like there was something icky about it.”
Did she regret it? No. She said, “Julia Roberts is what makes the movie. It was her part.”
What other iconic roles did she miss? She was also turned down for “Working Girl” and “The Silence of the Lambs.”

The “Pretty in Pink” star almost took Julia Roberts’ most iconic role – Vivian Ward in “Pretty Woman.” But Molly Ringwald, the quintessential ’80s Brat Pack icon, ultimately passed on the part that would define Roberts as “America’s Sweetheart” and earn her a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination.

What Ringwald Said About Turning Down ‘Pretty Woman’ Julia Roberts

During a 2012 Reddit AMA, Ringwald revealed that she had seen an early draft of the script. “I think I saw an early draft, and it was called $3000. I don’t specifically remember turning it down,” she admitted. “The script was okay, but I gotta say, Julia Roberts is what makes the movie. It was her part.”

She added, “Every actor hopes for a part that lets them shine like that. Roberts made the part of Vivian, a sex worker, her own, opposite Richard Gere.”

Why Ringwald Passed on the Iconic Role

Years later, Ringwald explained what turned her off from the Garry Marshall rom-com. She told The Guardian in 2023, “Julia Roberts was wonderful in it, but I didn’t really like the story. Even then, I felt like there was something icky about it.”

Her decision also reflected her desire to escape the “girl-next-door” image that followed her throughout the 1980s. “I needed to escape all that scrutiny. I simply wasn’t cut out for it,” she explained. Furthermore, she added, “I didn’t really feel like darker roles ever came my way. I wanted certain roles, but I never got them.” Consequently, she chose to step back from the spotlight rather than continue fighting for parts that never materialized. Ultimately, she prioritized her own well-being over chasing Hollywood’s narrow expectations.

Other Iconic Roles Ringwald Missed

Illustration of Molly Ringwald as Andie Walsh in a pink dress with character details and style notes from Pretty in Pink movie — An illustrated character and style guide for Pretty in Pink featuring Molly Ringwald as Andie Walsh.

The industry also passed on Ringwald for two other legendary roles. Producers rejected her for the lead in the 1988 romantic dramedy “Working Girl.” Additionally, they passed over her for the role of Clarice Starling in the 1991 psychological horror thriller “The Silence of the Lambs.” Instead, that iconic part famously went to Jodie Foster. Consequently, Ringwald missed out on two more career-defining opportunities that could have reshaped her Hollywood trajectory. Ultimately, these rejections further reinforced her desire to step away from the relentless pressure of the film industry.

Where is Julia Roberts Now?

Both actresses have continued successful careers in Hollywood. Ringwald has captivated audiences in recent TV shows, including “Riverdale,” “Feud,” and “Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.” Roberts has dazzled in films such as “After the Hunt,” “Leave the World Behind,” “Ticket to Paradise,” and “Wonder.”

As for “Pretty Woman,” the beloved rom-com celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2025 – a testament to the movie that could have starred Ringwald but instead launched Roberts into superstardom.

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Parade: This ‘Pretty in Pink’ Star Almost Took Julia Roberts’ Most Iconic Role

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