Julia Roberts revealed her surprising skill with languages at the 2025 Gotham Awards on December 1 in New York, showcasing her hidden talent for speaking Italian. Sharing the stage with acclaimed director Luca Guadagnino, she offered not only a glimpse into her linguistic prowess but also her sense of humor, engaging the crowd while focusing on Julia Roberts hidden talent.
Julia Roberts Delights Audience With Italian at Gotham Awards
During the Gotham Awards ceremony, Julia Roberts, known for her starring role in “After the Hunt,” helped celebrate Italian filmmaker Luca Guadagnino, who was honored with the Visionary Award alongside her. After Paul Rudd presented them with their awards, Roberts announced with a playful nod:
“I not only had a great privilege of acting with Luca, but I will be acting as his interpreter,”
Julia shared while onstage, leading Luca to give his part of the speech. Piece by piece, she translated what he said into Italian. He said, Thank you Gotham Awards, and she repeated it—in Italian. – Julia Roberts, Actress
Her role as an “interpreter” offered a humorous twist, as Guadagnino’s speech was already delivered in English, and Roberts translated it into Italian for comedic effect.
The lighthearted moment underscored the close bond developing between Roberts and Guadagnino, a relationship Roberts referenced afterward, reflecting on the significance of artistic work during challenging times:
“Everyone that is here living their creative dreams, thank you for doing that in a world that seems to be crumbling. This is the tape and the glue that keeps it together,”
she continued.
“One of my great dreams was to work with Luca Guadagnino, and now that I’ve done it once, I just wanna keep on doing it.”
– Julia Roberts, Actress
Roberts and Guadagnino Share a Playful Friendship
The camaraderie between Julia Roberts and Luca Guadagnino has become a hallmark of their public appearances. Their chemistry was on display not only during the Gotham Awards stage antics but also previously at the Venice Film Festival, where Roberts made a bold fashion statement. She wore a cardigan emblazoned with images of Guadagnino’s face as a gesture of admiration, further showcasing her playful side.
Roberts described the reasoning behind her unique wardrobe choice, stating:
“I love to do things like that during a press tour, wear clothes with my cast mates’ and directors’ faces on them to show my love and appreciation,”
she quipped to Vanity Fair at the time.
“I like to have fun and mix it up, and not be serious all the time.”
– Julia Roberts, Actress
This vibrant friendship, fueled by creativity and humor, has resonated with fans, who celebrated their rapport on social media as well. As one post noted, Julia Roberts was described as
“just a girl, standing in front of Luca Guadagnino, translating his Gotham Awards speech.”
More Celebrities With Unexpected Skills
While Julia Roberts hidden talent drew headlines, she is not alone among celebrities with unique abilities outside their primary professions. Numerous stars possess lesser-known talents that underscore the variety and creativity present in the entertainment industry.
Sydney Sweeney: Actress and Car Mechanic
Sydney Sweeney, recognized for her role as Cassie on Euphoria, is an accomplished car mechanic. She restored a 1969 Ford Bronco and documented her work through TikTok videos, showcasing a technical side that contrasts her on-screen persona.
Christopher Walken: From Stage to Circus
Christopher Walken, known for both his acting and musical abilities, once worked as a lion tamer with a circus during his teenage years. Reflecting on this unusual experience, he recalled his time with a special lion:
“It was a female named Sheba,”
he recalled to Vanity Fair,
“and she was very sweet. Like a dog, really.”
– Christopher Walken, Actor
Colin Farrell: Not Your Usual Dancer
Colin Farrell, the Irish actor best known for dramatic film roles, was once a member of a line-dancing group. Clad in denim and cowboy hats, Farrell embraced the country-western style in his youth, surprising fans with his dance background.
Chevy Chase: More Than Comedy
Chevy Chase, famous as a funnyman, is also a skilled musician. He performed with the band The Leather Canary—featuring future Steely Dan members Donald Fagen and Walter Becker—and later took up jazz piano, revealing a serious musical side.
Matthew Morrison: Delivering Babies Offstage
Matthew Morrison, remembered for playing Mr. Schuester on “Glee,” has a surprising claim to fame. At 18, he assisted with delivering two babies during a
“Take Your Kid to Work Day”
with his father, who worked as a midwife:
“Take Your Kid to Work Day.”
– Matthew Morrison, Actor
Christina Hendricks: Accordion Performance Skills
Christina Hendricks, best known for her acting in “Mad Men,” demonstrated her musical talent by playing the accordion for scenes in the series, performing live on camera.
Michael Jackson: Drawing Faces on Chairs
Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, spent free time sketching chairs, often drawing faces onto them—a whimsical creative outlet reflective of his unique artistic vision.
Flavor Flav: A Multi-Instrumentalist Rapper
Flavor Flav is recognized for his bold style, but he also boasts impressive musical skills. Teaching himself piano, guitar, saxophone, trombone, and French horn, he is a true multi-instrumentalist, adding depth to his Public Enemy persona.
Vin Diesel: Game Designer With a Passion
Vin Diesel, famed for his action roles, also designs video games, inspired by more than 20 years of playing Dungeons & Dragons. Diesel’s passion for gaming extends well beyond the film set.
Rod Stewart: Model Railroads Enthusiast
Rod Stewart, the legendary crooner, dedicates his time offstage to building elaborate miniature train sets. He has filled a floor of his home with detailed models representing the railroads of New York and Pennsylvania.
Kesha: Artistic Projects With a Twist
Kesha, known for her music, channeled her creativity into crafting unusual art projects such as asking fans to send her spare teeth while in rehab, which she turned into personal art pieces.
Harrison Ford: Skilled Pilot and Rescuer
Harrison Ford, iconic for roles in “Star Wars” and “Indiana Jones,” is an experienced pilot for both airplanes and helicopters. He has taken part in rescue missions in the United States and delivered supplies to Haiti, applying his aviation skills to real-world missions.
Johnny Cash: Morse Code Operator Before Fame
Johnny Cash, the “Man in Black,” served as a Morse Code Intercept Operator for the U.S. Air Force during the early years of the Cold War, using his focus and attention to detail long before his music career soared.
Jason Lee: Trailblazer in Skateboarding
Jason Lee, recognized as both an actor and a professional skateboarder, is rumored to have invented and perfected the 360 flip, a testament to his athletic and creative abilities.
Seth Meyers: Comedy and Comics
Seth Meyers, host of “Late Night,” co-wrote a Spider-Man comic spin-off titled “The Short Halloween” with Bill Hader, merging his love for comedy with creative writing in another field.
Leslie Mann: Unicycling From Childhood
Leslie Mann, admired for her comedic talent, learned to ride a unicycle at age ten after receiving one as a Christmas gift, demonstrating her adventurous and fun-loving spirit.
Nick Offerman: Woodworking Like Ron Swanson
Nick Offerman, famed for playing Ron Swanson on “Parks and Recreation,” honed his woodworking craft by creating canoe paddles from wood salvaged from the show’s set, gifting them to fellow cast members in a nod to his character’s skills.
Clint Eastwood: Composing Movie Scores
Clint Eastwood, both an Oscar-winning director and jazz enthusiast, scored six of his own movies, including “Million Dollar Baby” and “J. Edgar,” blending his passion for cinema and music.
A Celebration of Celebrity Talents
The array of skills on display at the Gotham Awards and beyond highlights the remarkable range and ingenuity of well-known personalities. Whether it’s Julia Roberts breaking out her Italian, Christopher Walken recalling his circus days with Sheba the lion, or stars like Sydney Sweeney and Michael Jackson exploring passions far from the spotlight, these stories offer a glimpse into the unexpected dimensions of public figures. As audiences continue to discover such hidden abilities, the entertainment world grows ever more vibrant, united by the creativity and spirit that talents like those of Julia Roberts bring to the stage and beyond.
