Julia Roberts Then and Now

By / April 29, 2024

Julia Roberts Then

Julia Roberts, born on October 28, 1967, in Smyrna, Georgia, USA, emerged as one of the most influential actresses of her time, particularly during the 1990s and early 2000s. 

Despite having no formal training in acting, Roberts displayed a natural talent that propelled her to stardom.

Growing up, Roberts was exposed to the world of acting through her parents, who briefly ran an actors’ workshop. 

However, it wasn’t until after high school that she decided to pursue a career in show business. Moving to New York City, she initially pursued modeling but found little success in that field.

julia roberts young
via julia roberts instagram

Roberts’s entry into acting came through a bit part recommended by her older brother, actor Eric Roberts, in the film “Blood Red” (1989). 

Although the film was completed in 1986, its release was delayed for several years. 

Despite the small role, it marked Roberts’s debut in the film industry and set the stage for her future success.

Following her debut, Roberts made television appearances before landing her breakthrough role as the lead in “Mystic Pizza” (1988). 

Her performance garnered attention and laid the foundation for her ascent to stardom in Hollywood. 

Despite her lack of formal training, Roberts’s innate talent and charisma shone through, earning her critical acclaim and establishing her as a sought-after actress in the industry.

Julia Roberts Acting Career

Julia Roberts’s career soared to new heights with her role in “Steel Magnolias” (1989), where she delivered a poignant performance alongside veteran actresses Shirley MacLaine, Olympia Dukakis, and Sally Field. 

Her portrayal of Field’s diabetic daughter earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. 

The following year, Roberts captivated audiences with her role in “Pretty Woman” (1990), a romantic comedy that became a massive hit, solidifying her status as a Hollywood icon and earning her another Academy Award nomination.

Throughout the 1990s, Roberts continued to showcase her talent in a variety of roles, including thrillers like “Sleeping with the Enemy” (1991) and legal dramas like “The Pelican Brief” (1993). 

Despite her professional success, Roberts’s personal life occasionally made headlines, particularly her highly publicized marriage to singer Lyle Lovett, which ended in 1995. 

Nevertheless, she remained a sought-after leading lady in Hollywood.

In 1999, Roberts starred in two popular romantic comedies, “Notting Hill” and “Runaway Bride,” reuniting with Richard Gere for the latter. 

The turn of the century marked a new chapter in her career as she launched her production company, Shoelace Productions. 

Her starring role in “Erin Brockovich” (2000) earned her critical acclaim and an Academy Award for Best Actress, further cementing her reputation as one of Hollywood’s top talents.

Roberts continued to diversify her portfolio with roles in blockbuster comedies like “Ocean’s Eleven” (2001) and its sequel “Ocean’s Twelve” (2004), as well as dramas like “Closer” (2004). She made her Broadway debut in “Three Days of Rain” (2006) and lent her voice to the animated film “Charlotte’s Web” (2006). 

Collaborating with Tom Hanks in “Charlie Wilson’s War” (2007), Roberts showcased her versatility in a variety of genres.

Her subsequent projects included the family drama “Fireflies in the Garden” (2008), the corporate espionage thriller “Duplicity” (2009), and the ensemble romantic comedy “Valentine’s Day” (2010). 

Throughout her illustrious career, Julia Roberts has consistently demonstrated her talent, versatility, and enduring appeal to audiences worldwide.

Julia Roberts Movies

  • Mystic Pizza (1988)
  • Steel Magnolias (1989)
  • Pretty Woman (1990)
  • Sleeping with the Enemy (1991)
  • The Pelican Brief (1993)
  • My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997)
  • Notting Hill (1999)
  • Erin Brockovich (2000)
  • Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
  • Mona Lisa Smile (2003)
  • Closer (2004)
  • Charlie Wilson’s War (2007)
  • Eat Pray Love (2010)
  • August: Osage County (2013)
  • Wonder (2017)
  • Ben Is Back (2018)
  • Homecoming (2020)

Julia Roberts Family

Julia Roberts’s upbringing was deeply rooted in the world of theater and performance, as both of her parents were actors and playwrights. 

They met while involved in theatrical productions for the armed forces and later co-founded the Atlanta Actors and Writers Workshop in Georgia. 

The workshop served as a platform for nurturing young talent, including Roberts herself, as her parents ran a children’s acting school in Decatur, Georgia. 

Notably, the school counted the children of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King among its attendees, with Walter Roberts, Julia’s father, serving as the acting coach for Yolanda Denise King. 

The Kings even extended their gratitude by covering the hospital bill when Julia was born.

Julia Roberts’s personal life has also been a subject of public interest. She has been romantically linked with several Hollywood personalities over the years. 

In 1993, Roberts tied the knot with country singer Lyle Lovett, but their marriage ended in divorce just two years later. However, in 2000, Roberts found lasting love when she met cameraman Daniel Moder. 

The couple exchanged vows in 2002 and has since welcomed three children together: twins, a son, and a daughter, born in 2004, and a younger daughter born in 2007.

Roberts’s family boasts a strong connection to the entertainment industry, with her brother Eric Roberts, sister Lisa Roberts Gillan, and niece Emma Roberts all pursuing careers as actors. 

This familial bond underscores the influence of the performing arts in shaping Roberts’s life and career, highlighting the profound impact of her upbringing on her journey to becoming one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars.

Julia Roberts Now

Julia Roberts age
via julia roberts instagram

Julia Roberts, at 56 years old, remains an iconic figure in the entertainment industry, known for her versatile performances across various film genres. 

Her impressive body of work has earned her numerous awards, including an Academy Award, a BAFTA, and three Golden Globes. 

Despite her longstanding success, Roberts continues to captivate audiences with her charm and talent, as demonstrated during her recent promotional appearances for her Netflix movie, “Leave the World Behind.” 

From showcasing hair products on “The View” to expressing her admiration for Taylor Swift on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” Roberts effortlessly engages with fans and media alike, demonstrating her enduring appeal and relatability.

In addition to her acting prowess, Julia Roberts is admired for her impeccable sense of style. 

During the promotion of “Leave The World Behind” in New York City on December 5, 2023, Roberts effortlessly exuded modern sophistication, effortlessly aligning herself with the latest fashion trends. 

Her fashion choices not only reflect her personal style but also resonate with current fashion currents, cementing her status as a fashion icon. 

Delving deeper into her fashion selections allows enthusiasts to witness how Roberts seamlessly incorporates the newest trends into her wardrobe, further solidifying her influence in the fashion world.

With a net worth of $250 million, Julia Roberts has solidified her status as one of the highest-paid celebrities in the world. 

Her substantial earnings, derived from film salaries and lucrative endorsements, underscore her enduring popularity and commercial viability. 

Despite her considerable wealth, Roberts remains grounded and dedicated to her craft, consistently delivering memorable performances and maintaining her status as an influential figure in the entertainment industry.

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