From New York Theater to Hollywood Stardom
Born April 18, 1956, in Biloxi, Mississippi, Eric Roberts began his acting journey far from Hollywood glamour. In New York City theater, he earned critical acclaim and a Theatre World Award for his Broadway performance in Burn This.
By the late 1970s, Roberts had turned heads with a Golden Globe–nominated role in King of the Gypsies. Throughout the 1980s and ’90s, he became one of Hollywood’s most magnetic leading men, earning Academy Award and Golden Globe nods for films like Runaway Train (1985) and Star 80 (1983).
His versatility extended from indie hits like La Cucaracha to mainstream successes like The Specialist (1994) and Final Analysis (1992). Later, he appeared in The Dark Knight (2008), The Expendables (2010), and Inherent Vice (2014). Television fans also know him from recurring roles on Heroes, Suits, CSI, Code Black, and Crash, with guest appearances on Grey’s Anatomy, Will & Grace, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
Even today, Roberts continues to act in major and independent projects, including Head Full of Honey, Hard Luck Love Song, and La Reina del Sur.
A Father’s Regret
Despite his career success, Roberts has faced personal challenges. His relationship with his daughter Emma Roberts has been complicated. He admitted in interviews, “I had abandoned Kelly when Emma was just seven months old.”
Emma, raised primarily by her mother Kelly Cunningham, rarely discusses the distance publicly. In a 2022 interview, she explained, “No, we’re not close,” reflecting the years of separation while her father battled addiction.
Yet Eric has shared moments of tenderness. On the eve of her birthday in 2023, he posted a throwback photo on Instagram, writing, “Very happiest of birthday eves to my precious daughter… the love on my face for her is undeniable.”
The actor and his famous sister heading to the premiere of “Steaming” in 1986. | Source: Getty Images
Rebuilding Bonds
Eric’s memoir, Runaway Train: Or, The Story of My Life So Far, acknowledges the consequences of his addiction and distance from family. He confessed, “Of course, the biggest consequence of my drug use was losing Emma.”
He also reflects on his relationship with sister Julia Roberts, noting past struggles with addiction created emotional silences. Yet time and family milestones, like the birth of Julia’s twins in 2004, have helped mend their connection.
He remains proud of launching both Julia and Emma’s careers. “If it wasn’t for me, there would be no Julia Roberts and no Emma Roberts as actresses,” he once said.
A Loving Marriage
Amid personal struggles, one relationship has remained strong: his marriage to Eliza Roberts. They met unexpectedly on a flight and quickly connected. Over the years, she became his anchor, helping him navigate therapy and self-reflection.
“My wife sending me to therapy saved my life,” Roberts said. Their partnership endures as a cornerstone of stability in his life.
Owning His Story
Eric has embraced his past, scars and all. “Addicts aren’t bad guys; they’re just making a mistake,” he said. He credits therapy, love, and reflection for helping him rebuild relationships and regain his life.
Julia Roberts and Kathryn Newton attend the “Ben Is Back” premiere during 2018 Toronto International Film Festival at Princess of Wales Theatre in Canada on September 8 | Source: Getty Images
A Rare Family Reunion
Recently, Roberts’ sister Julia and niece Emma reunited in New York for a star-studded Veuve Clicquot dinner, marking their first public appearance together in over a decade. Fans flooded social media with admiration for the Hollywood royalty duo.
Emma shared her excitement online: “Such a special evening celebrating the newly unveiled @veuveclicquot and @simon_porte_jacquemus collaboration.” The night celebrated not just fashion but the enduring Roberts family legacy.
Looking Forward
Despite past hardships, Eric Roberts remains active in Hollywood and committed to family, love, and redemption. His story shows that fame and talent may shine bright, but personal growth, reflection, and reconciliation define a life well-lived.
