<Tr> <Th> Budget </Th> <Td> $14 million </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> Box office </Th> <Td> $463.4 million </Td> </Tr> <P> Pretty Woman is a 1990 American romantic comedy film directed by Garry Marshall from a screenplay by J.F. Lawton . The film stars Richard Gere and Julia Roberts, and features Hector Elizondo, Ralph Bellamy (in his final performance), Laura San Giacomo, and Jason Alexander in supporting roles . The film's story centers on down - on - her - luck Hollywood prostitute Vivian Ward, who is hired by Edward Lewis, a wealthy businessman, to be his escort for several business and social functions, and their developing relationship over the course of her week - long stay with him . </P> <P> Originally intended to be a dark cautionary tale about class and sex work in Los Angeles, the film was reconceived as a romantic comedy with a large budget . It was widely successful at the box office and was the third highest - grossing film of 1990 . The film saw the highest number of ticket sales in the U.S. ever for a romantic comedy, with Box Office Mojo listing it as the #1 romantic comedy by the highest estimated domestic tickets sold at 42,176,400, slightly ahead of My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002) at 41,419,500 tickets . The film received positive reviews, with Roberts's performance being praised, for which she received a Golden Globe Award and a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress . In addition, screenwriter J.F. Lawton was nominated for a Writers Guild Award and a BAFTA Award . </P>

Who played the female lead in pretty woman