Early Life and Background
Julia Fiona Roberts, born on October 28, 1967, in Smyrna, Georgia, is one of Hollywood's most iconic and successful actresses. She was born to Betty Lou Bredemus and Walter Grady Roberts, both of whom were actors and founders of the Atlanta Actors and Writers Workshop. This early exposure to the arts significantly influenced Roberts' aspirations and career trajectory.
Julia's parents ran a children’s acting school in Decatur, Georgia, which served as a creative hub for many young artists, including the children of civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. In fact, Julia’s parents became close friends with the King family, and Coretta Scott King helped pay for Julia’s birth expenses as a gesture of gratitude for the Roberts' kindness in teaching her children. Tragically, her parents divorced in 1972 when Julia was just five years old, and her father passed away from cancer when she was only ten. These events left a deep emotional impact on her, shaping her resolve and determination.
Julia has two siblings, Eric Roberts and Lisa Roberts Gillan, and a half-sister, Nancy Motes. Her older brother, Eric Roberts, is also a successful actor, and it was his early success in Hollywood that initially piqued Julia’s interest in pursuing an acting career. Despite the struggles and separations within her family, the shared passion for the arts remained a connecting thread, encouraging her to follow a similar path.
Growing up, Julia didn’t initially envision a career in acting. Instead, she aspired to become a veterinarian due to her love for animals. She attended Campbell High School in Smyrna, Georgia, where she was known as a bright and sociable student. Upon graduating from high school, she enrolled at Georgia State University but soon left to pursue acting in New York City. She moved to the city in 1985, following in the footsteps of her brother Eric, who had already begun making a name for himself in the industry.
Once in New York, Julia signed with the Click Modeling Agency and began taking acting classes. Her natural beauty and charisma made her stand out, but it was her perseverance and undeniable talent that led her to her first film roles.
Early Career and Breakthrough
Julia Roberts made her film debut in 1987 with a small role in the film Firehouse. That same year, she landed a supporting role in the television series Crime Story. Her big-screen breakthrough came in 1988 when she starred in Mystic Pizza. Roberts played Daisy Araújo, a young Portuguese-American waitress working at a pizza parlor. The film was a modest box-office success, but it garnered positive reviews, with critics taking note of Roberts’ magnetic screen presence.
The following year, Roberts received even greater recognition for her role in Steel Magnolias (1989). Playing Shelby Eatenton Latcherie, a young bride with diabetes, Roberts delivered a poignant performance that earned her widespread acclaim and her first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Her portrayal of Shelby’s vibrancy, coupled with her vulnerability, marked Roberts as a rising star to watch in Hollywood.
However, it was in 1990 that Julia Roberts catapulted to international stardom with her role in Pretty Woman. Starring alongside Richard Gere, Roberts played Vivian Ward, a spirited and charming prostitute who falls in love with a wealthy businessman. Pretty Woman was a massive commercial success, grossing over $463 million worldwide and becoming one of the highest-grossing romantic comedies of all time. Roberts’ performance was lauded for its warmth, humor, and emotional depth, and she received her second Academy Award nomination, this time for Best Actress. The film’s success established her as one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars and a global icon.
Rise to Stardom and Continued Success
Following the success of Pretty Woman, Roberts continued to build on her momentum with a series of hit films throughout the 1990s. She starred in a string of successful romantic comedies and dramas, including Sleeping with the Enemy (1991), where she played a woman trying to escape an abusive marriage, and The Pelican Brief (1993), a legal thriller based on John Grisham’s novel, where she starred opposite Denzel Washington.
In 1997, Roberts returned to the romantic comedy genre with My Best Friend’s Wedding. Playing Julianne Potter, a food critic who tries to sabotage her best friend’s wedding, Roberts’ performance was both comedic and touching, and the film became another box-office hit. That same year, she starred in Conspiracy Theory alongside Mel Gibson, further cementing her status as a versatile and in-demand actress.
In 1999, Roberts starred in Notting Hill, a romantic comedy where she played Anna Scott, a famous movie star who falls in love with a humble bookstore owner, portrayed by Hugh Grant. The film was an enormous success and has since become a classic, beloved for its charm and humor. That same year, she starred in Runaway Bride, reuniting with Richard Gere and director Garry Marshall from Pretty Woman. Though not as critically acclaimed, the film was a commercial hit, solidifying Roberts’ position as the "Queen of Romantic Comedies."
Career Peak: Erin Brockovich and Academy Award Win
One of the most defining moments of Julia Roberts’ career came in 2000 with her role in Erin Brockovich. Directed by Steven Soderbergh, the film is based on the true story of Erin Brockovich, a legal assistant who helps win a major case against a utility company accused of contaminating a town’s water supply. Roberts delivered a powerful and impassioned performance that showcased her dramatic range and emotional intensity.
Erin Brockovich was both a critical and commercial success, earning Roberts widespread praise and numerous accolades. For her role, Roberts won the Academy Award for Best Actress, making her the first actress to receive a $20 million salary for a single film. This victory was a career-defining moment, firmly establishing her as one of the greatest actresses of her generation and solidifying her legacy in Hollywood.
Continued Success and Diversification of Roles
Following her Oscar win, Roberts continued to work with top directors and took on more diverse roles. In 2001, she starred alongside Brad Pitt and George Clooney in Ocean’s Eleven, a heist film that was a major success and led to two sequels. In 2003, she reunited with Steven Soderbergh for Full Frontal, and in 2004, she starred in Closer, a romantic drama directed by Mike Nichols. Her role as Anna Cameron, a photographer entangled in complicated relationships, earned her another Golden Globe nomination.
In 2007, Roberts shifted her focus towards more mature roles, starring in Charlie Wilson’s War alongside Tom Hanks and Philip Seymour Hoffman. The film, directed by Mike Nichols, told the story of a U.S. Congressman’s efforts to support Afghan rebels during the Soviet invasion. Roberts played wealthy socialite Joanne Herring and received acclaim for her sharp and engaging performance.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Julia Roberts’ personal life has often been the subject of media attention. In the early 1990s, she was engaged to Kiefer Sutherland but broke off the engagement just days before the wedding. She later married country singer Lyle Lovett in 1993, but the marriage ended in 1995.
In 2002, Roberts married cameraman Daniel Moder, whom she met on the set of The Mexican. The couple has three children: twins Hazel Patricia and Phinnaeus Walter, born in 2004, and a son, Henry Daniel, born in 2007. The couple has maintained a relatively private family life, residing primarily on their ranch in Taos, New Mexico, away from the Hollywood spotlight.
Roberts is also known for her philanthropic efforts. She has been a longstanding supporter of UNICEF and has traveled extensively as a goodwill ambassador, advocating for children’s rights and health. Additionally, she is an advocate for environmental sustainability and has supported numerous charities focused on conservation and global health.
Recent Projects and Legacy
In the 2010s, Roberts continued to take on challenging and diverse roles. She starred in Eat Pray Love (2010), based on Elizabeth Gilbert’s memoir, where she played a woman on a journey of self-discovery. The film resonated with audiences and became a commercial success.
In 2013, Roberts delivered a powerhouse performance in August: Osage County, playing Barbara Weston, a woman grappling with family dysfunction. Her portrayal earned her another Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. More recently, she starred in Wonder (2017), playing the mother of a boy with a facial difference, a role that was praised for its warmth and compassion.
In 2018, Roberts made her television debut in the Amazon Prime series Homecoming, a psychological thriller in which she played a caseworker at a facility helping soldiers transition back to civilian life. The role marked a new chapter in her career, showcasing her ability to excel in long-form storytelling.
Legacy and Influence
Julia Roberts’ career has spanned over three decades, marked by unforgettable performances, versatility, and a rare combination of beauty, charm, and raw talent. She has successfully transitioned from romantic comedies to complex dramatic roles, establishing herself as one of the most respected and influential actresses in Hollywood. Her iconic smile and effervescent personality have made her a beloved figure, while her dedication to her craft has garnered critical acclaim and numerous accolades.
With an enduring career and a legacy that continues to inspire, Julia Roberts remains a shining example of what it means to be a true Hollywood star. Whether lighting up the screen with her presence in romantic comedies or delivering powerful dramatic performances, she has left an indelible mark on cinema, proving herself to be an actress of unparalleled talent and depth.
Photo: Georges Biard
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