Eric Roberts, a seasoned actor with a successful career, has long been overshadowed by his younger sister, Julia Roberts, one of Hollywood’s most in-demand stars.
While both siblings have attained individual prominence, their relationship has had its ups and downs. Did you know Eric isn’t authorized to mention Julia’s name in interviews?
A severe co:caine add:icti:on
Eric Roberts, 68, and Julia Roberts, 58, have a roughly 10-year age difference.
Eric Roberts, born in 1956, started his acting career in the 1970s and immediately climbed to recognition as a starring actor with his appearance in King of the Gypsies (1978). His most memorable performances came in The Dark Knight and The Expendables.
Meanwhile, Julia’s career has been marked by unforgettable performances in landmark films like Pretty Woman, Notting Hill, and Erin Brockovich, the latter of which earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress.
Their relationship has not always been easygoing. A terrible cocaine addiction destroyed his once-promising career, and standing in Julia’s shadow was obviously difficult.
Eric Roberts lied about infamous car crash
Although Eric has frequently expressed favorable feelings about his connection with Julia and their other sister, Lisa, it is apparent that his substance misuse caused tension between them.
Eric Roberts’ battles with substance misuse have a long history, and they nearly cost him his life. One particularly infamous instance from 1981 has been widely discussed. Eric was involved in a frightening vehicle accident, which left him “in a coma for three days.” He was finally released from the hospital a month later, but the story of the tragedy had not ended.
Eric stated that he was driving a doorless Jeep with his girlfriend’s puppy in the passenger seat. When the dog “leaned out too far,” he lunged for it, lost control of the wheel, and slammed into a tree.
However, that was not the complete truth. Decades later, Eric revealed he had left out an important detail: he was high on cocaine at the time.
Road to recovery
Eric Roberts’ journey to recovery was not simple. He experienced obstacles along the road, including a significant relapse. His life took a nasty turn in 1987 when he was arrested for dr:ug possession, hara:ssm:ent of a lady, and assa:ult on a police officer.
The problems didn’t end there. Eight years later, Roberts was in legal trouble again, this time for an incident with his wife, Eliza. Eliza contacted 911 during a heated argument, and the police said that Eric pushed her, forcing her head to hit the wall. However, Eric and his wife later denied any physical violence occurred, leaving the specifics of the incident unclear.
Relationship with Julia Roberts
Although Eric has frequently expressed favorable feelings about his connection with Julia and their other sister, Lisa, it is apparent that his substance misuse caused tension between them.
Eric stated that his behavior during those years of substance addiction — describing himself as “exhausting to be around” — contributed significantly to the siblings’ drifting apart.
Reunion with Julia
Fortunately, a surprise invitation to the hospital in 2004 was the catalyst for the siblings’ reconnection. Julia reconciled with her family after giving birth to her twins, Phinnaeus and Hazel, in November of that year. Julia and her husband, Danny Moder, also had a younger son, Henry Daniel, in 2007.
Despite the difficulties, Eric Roberts appears to have a strong admiration for both of his sisters. He also humorously claimed credit for beginning his celebrity sister’s career.
Eric, who was already a well-known actor when Julia began her career, made certain that she met the appropriate people early on.
Julia has admitted that her brother played an influence in her career, but she wanted to carve her own path and not be too closely associated with Eric.
Why Eric can’t talk about Julia
Today, the Roberts siblings wish to keep their relationship private. There appears to be an unspoken restriction in the Roberts family regarding Eric addressing his daughter or sister in the media.
Eric revealed this during a July interview for the Still Here Hollywood podcast. “I love my sister, but I can’t talk about her. She doesn’t want to talk about it,” he admitted. “And also, my daughter told me not to talk about her, but I stumble and do. I’m not supposed to talk about either of them. But I do.”
