In essence, I owe my career to Garry Marshall. There was no known reason for him to hire me for 'Pretty Woman.'

In essence, I owe my career to Garry Marshall. There was no known reason for him to hire me for 'Pretty Woman.'

Julia Roberts, one of the most iconic and beloved actresses of our time, owes a significant portion of her successful career to the late Garry Marshall. Marshall, a legendary director and producer, took a chance on Roberts when he cast her in the lead role of Vivian Ward in the 1990 romantic comedy "Pretty Woman." At the time, Roberts was a relatively unknown actress with only a few minor film credits to her name. There was no obvious reason for Marshall to choose her for such a high-profile role, but he saw something special in her that others may have overlooked.

Roberts' performance in "Pretty Woman" was nothing short of extraordinary. Her natural charm, charisma, and undeniable talent shone through in every scene, captivating audiences around the world and solidifying her status as a Hollywood superstar. The film was a massive box office success, grossing over $460 million worldwide and earning Roberts her first Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. It was a career-defining moment for Roberts, launching her into superstardom and paving the way for a string of successful films in the years to come.

In the years following "Pretty Woman," Roberts continued to collaborate with Marshall on several other projects, including the hit romantic comedy "Runaway Bride" in 1999. Marshall's belief in Roberts' talent and his willingness to take a chance on her early in her career played a crucial role in shaping her trajectory as an actress. Without his support and mentorship, Roberts may not have had the opportunity to showcase her talents on such a grand scale and achieve the level of success that she has enjoyed throughout her career.