Julia Roberts recently reflected on her cherished experiences working with Albert Finney, her late co-star in the 2000 film Erin Brockovich, during an appearance on
“The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.”
The Oscar-winning actress spoke with deep emotion about the bond they shared while making the acclaimed biopic, recalling the joy and warmth Finney brought to every day on set.
Finney, who passed away in 2019 at the age of 82, played the role of Ed Masry, a lawyer alongside Roberts’ character. His performance earned him an Academy Award nomination, and Roberts highlighted how easy and fulfilling filming was because of his presence and spirit. The actress’s reflection on the late actor underscored the lasting impact he had on her personally and professionally.
Roberts Highlights Effortless Chemistry with Finney
Speaking about the filming process, Roberts described how the experience with Finney and the rest of the cast felt natural and uplifting. She emphasized the smooth flow during production, explaining that acting
“doesn’t take an enormous amount of effort”
when working with the right people.
You know, it doesn’t take an enormous amount of effort to do acting,
Roberts said.
But it was so easy, that movie. Everybody was so easy. There was just a flow. The days were great, and it was just a job that felt very kind to the inside of me.
The actress’s voice became gentle as she recalled Finney’s warmth and humor, which made the atmosphere on set not only comfortable but deeply meaningful. He made everything so easy stood out as a testament to the kindness and supportive energy Finney contributed throughout the production.
Memorable Moments from the Erin Brockovich Set
Roberts also shared a favorite memory from their time filming in a small town in California, where the cast stayed together at a local Holiday Inn. The sense of camaraderie extended beyond the set, creating an intimate and relaxed environment for everyone involved.
In the center of this big parking lot where the Holiday Inn was, there was a one-screen movie theater,
she explained.
Steven Soderbergh would bring movies for us to watch because there wasn’t much else to do.
One particular weekend stood out to Roberts, involving a humorous incident with Finney.
One weekend he had Animal House, and Albert showed up in his bed sheet [fashioned like a toga] and said, ‘I thought it was a thing. I thought that we were all gonna do this,’
she recalled with a laugh.
He looked great… and there we were.
Enduring Legacy of Friendship and Film
More than two decades after Erin Brockovich debuted, Roberts’s reflections on Albert Finney resonate with fans who continue to appreciate the profound connection between the two actors. Their on-screen chemistry remains a significant part of what made the film memorable and inspiring for audiences worldwide.
Roberts’s heartfelt tribute highlights how Finney’s kindness and creativity left a lasting impression, not only on the production but also in the hearts of those who watched and worked alongside him. This remembrance serves as a powerful reminder of the human spirit behind a beloved cinematic story.
