Eric Roberts Bio
Eric Anthony Roberts (born April 18, 1956) is an American actor. He has amassed more than 700 credits and is one of the most prolific English-speaking screen actors, acting in 74 films in 2017 alone. Roberts’s career began with a leading role in King of the Gypsies (1978) for which he received his first Golden Globe Award nomination. He also received a Golden Globe nomination for his role as Paul Snider in Bob Fosse’s Star 80 (1983). Roberts’s performance in Runaway Train (1985), as prison escapee Buck McGeehy, earned him a third Golden Globe nod and a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Early Life and Background
Eric Anthony Roberts was born in Biloxi, Mississippi, on April 18, 1956, to Betty Lou Bredemus and Walter Grady Roberts, who were both actors and playwrights. They met while touring with a production of George Washington Slept Here for the armed forces. In 1963, they co-founded the Atlanta Actors and Writers Workshop in Atlanta, Georgia, and ran a children’s acting school in Decatur. After their divorce in 1972, Roberts stayed with his father, who passed away in 1977. His siblings, Julia Roberts and Lisa Roberts Gillan, are also actors.
Path to Hollywood
Roberts made his acting debut in 1974 on the soap opera How to Survive a Marriage. He later appeared on Another World, originating the role of Ted Bancroft. His early roles in King of the Gypsies and Star 80 garnered him Golden Globe nominations, setting the stage for a successful career in film and television. He received the Theatre World Award for his Broadway debut performance in Burn This in 1987.
Eric Roberts Career
Early Career (1974–1985)
Roberts’s first notable work was in King of the Gypsies (1978), where he received critical acclaim and his first Golden Globe nomination. He continued to build his career with roles in films such as Raggedy Man (1981) and The Pope of Greenwich Village (1984). His performance in Runaway Train (1985) earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, solidifying his status as a talented actor.
Breakthrough (1986–1999)
Roberts’s breakthrough came with his role in Runaway Train, which showcased his ability to portray complex characters. He starred in several notable films during this period, including Best of the Best (1989) and The Specialist (1994). His versatility allowed him to transition between various genres, including drama, action, and comedy.
Notable Works and Milestones
Roberts’s signature works include The Dark Knight (2008) and The Expendables (2010), both of which contributed to his reputation as a prominent actor in Hollywood. He has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including multiple Golden Globe nominations and a Theatre World Award.
Eric Roberts Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Eric Roberts has received several nominations for prestigious awards, including Golden Globe Awards for his performances in King of the Gypsies, Star 80, and Runaway Train. His work in television has also garnered him nominations for Satellite Awards.
Eric Roberts Awards Won
Eric Roberts has won several awards, including the Theatre World Award for his Broadway debut in Burn This. His performances in television and film have earned him recognition and accolades from various organizations.
Eric Roberts Family
Eric Roberts has a daughter, Emma Roberts, born on February 10, 1991, from a previous relationship with Kelly Cunningham. He married Eliza Garrett in 1992. His sister, Julia Roberts, is also a well-known actress, and they reconciled in 2004 after years of estrangement.
Personal Life
Eric Roberts has had several high-profile relationships, including a long-term relationship with actress Sandy Dennis. He has faced legal issues in the past, including arrests for drug possession and domestic disputes. Despite these challenges, he has maintained a successful career in the entertainment industry. In 2022, he expressed his support for Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict. Roberts is set to appear in the upcoming season of Dancing with the Stars and has a memoir scheduled for release in 2024.
