Julia Roberts Bio
Julia Fiona Roberts (born October 28, 1967) is an American actress. Known for her leading roles across various genres, she has received multiple accolades, including an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, and three Golden Globe Awards. She became known for portraying charming and relatable characters in romantic comedies and blockbusters, before expanding into dramas, thrillers, and independent films. The films in which she has starred have collectively grossed over $3.9 billion worldwide, making her one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars, while the media nicknamed her ‘America’s Sweetheart’ in recognition of her widespread popularity and on- and off-screen charisma.
Early Life and Background
Julia Fiona Roberts was born on October 28, 1967, at Crawford Long Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, to Betty Lou Bredemus and Walter Grady Roberts. She is of English, Scottish, Irish, Welsh, German, and Swedish descent. Her father was a Baptist, while her mother was Catholic, and Roberts was raised in the Catholic faith. Her older brother, Eric Roberts, and her older sister, Lisa Roberts Gillan, are also actors, as is her niece, Emma Roberts. Julia’s parents, who were both actors and playwrights, met while performing in theatrical productions for the United States Armed Forces. They later co-founded the Atlanta Actors and Writers Workshop in Midtown Atlanta, where they ran a children’s acting school. Notably, Coretta King paid the hospital bill when Julia was born in gratitude for her father’s service as an acting coach for their daughter, Yolanda. Julia’s parents divorced when she was young, and she lived in Smyrna, Georgia, where she attended local schools. After graduating from high school, she moved to New York City to pursue a career in acting, signing with the Click Modeling Agency and enrolling in acting classes.
Path to Hollywood
Julia Roberts made her television debut in 1987 as a juvenile rape victim in the series Crime Story. Her film debut came in the dramedy Satisfaction (1988), where she played a band member looking for a summer gig. However, her breakthrough role came with the independent romantic comedy Mystic Pizza (1988), where she played a waitress. This role garnered critical acclaim and led to her first significant recognition. Following this, she starred in Steel Magnolias (1989), where her performance earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress and her first Golden Globe Award win. After gaining further notice from her Academy Award nomination, Roberts starred in the romantic comedy Pretty Woman (1990), which solidified her status as a leading lady. The film was a massive box office success, grossing $463.4 million worldwide, and earned her a second Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
Julia Roberts Career
Early Career (1987–1999)
Julia Roberts’s early career was marked by a series of notable performances. After her breakthrough in Mystic Pizza and Steel Magnolias, she starred in several successful films, including Pretty Woman, which established her as a bankable star. Following this success, she appeared in films such as My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997), Notting Hill (1999), and Runaway Bride (1999), further cementing her status in Hollywood.
Breakthrough (2000–2013)
Roberts’s career reached new heights with her portrayal of Erin Brockovich in the film of the same name (2000). This role earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress, making her the first actress to be paid $20 million for a film. The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing $256.3 million worldwide. Following this, she starred in other successful films, including Ocean’s Eleven (2001) and Charlie Wilson’s War (2007), showcasing her versatility as an actress.
Notable Works and Milestones
Julia Roberts’s signature work includes her role in Erin Brockovich, which earned her numerous accolades, including a Golden Globe Award. She has been recognized for her performances in both romantic comedies and dramatic roles, establishing herself as one of Hollywood’s most prominent actresses.
Julia Roberts Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Julia Roberts has received multiple nominations for her performances, including four Academy Award nominations, winning once for Erin Brockovich.
Julia Roberts Awards Won
Julia Roberts has won several prestigious awards, including an Academy Award for Best Actress for Erin Brockovich and three Golden Globe Awards for her performances in Steel Magnolias, Pretty Woman, and Erin Brockovich.
Julia Roberts Family
Julia Roberts was born to Betty Lou Bredemus and Walter Grady Roberts. She has an older brother, Eric Roberts, and an older sister, Lisa Roberts Gillan, both of whom are actors.
Personal Life
Julia Roberts was married to country singer Lyle Lovett from 1993 to 1995. She later married cameraman Daniel Moder in 2002, and together they have three children: twins Hazel and Phinnaeus, born in 2004, and a son, Henry, born in 2007. Julia Roberts has been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including supporting UNICEF and promoting renewable fuels through her involvement with Earth Biofuels.
