In past interviews, the 1980s Hollywood icon, who also enjoyed a successful career in film and television, has openly discussed his complex relationships with both his famous sister and his actress daughter.

For decades, he was one of Hollywood’s most captivating leading men, known for his smoldering gaze and commanding on-screen presence. From roles in classics such as Runaway Train and Star 80, Eric Roberts emerged as a prominent figure in the late 1970s and early 1980s, captivating audiences and critics alike.

While his career has been marked by success and versatility, Roberts has also endured personal challenges, particularly in his relationships with his sister, Julia Roberts, and his daughter, Emma Roberts, both of whom have achieved fame in their own right.

---

A Star Is Born

Eric Roberts was born on April 18, 1956, in Biloxi, Mississippi. He began his acting journey far from the glittering lights of Hollywood, honing his craft in New York City theater. His breakthrough came with a critically acclaimed performance in the Broadway play Burn This, which earned him a Theatre World Award and wide recognition for his stage talent.

Transitioning to film, Roberts quickly made an impact. By the late 1970s, he was already attracting attention with his Golden Globe-nominated role in King of the Gypsies. The 1980s and 1990s cemented his cinematic presence, with standout performances in Runaway Train (1985), earning him an Academy Award nomination, and Star 80 (1983), garnering additional Golden Globe recognition.

His range as an actor became increasingly apparent through roles in mainstream hits like The Specialist (1994) and Final Analysis (1992), as well as independent gems such as La Cucaracha, which earned him Best Actor at the New York Independent Film Festival.

Over the following decades, Roberts continued to captivate audiences in both major and indie films. He appeared in blockbuster franchises like The Dark Knight (2008) and The Expendables (2010), while also earning critical praise for films such as Paul Thomas Anderson’s Inherent Vice (2014) and A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints (2006).

His versatility extended to television, with guest roles on Grey’s Anatomy, Will & Grace, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and Hawaii Five-O, as well as recurring parts on shows like Heroes, Suits, CSI, Code Black, and Crash. Recent roles include Head Full of Honey, where he played a doctor opposite Matt Dillon, and Hard Luck Love Song, portraying a wise and weathered doorman. Additionally, he appeared as a DEA boss in La Reina del Sur, further demonstrating his capacity for nuanced, authoritative roles.

---

Fatherhood and Regret: The Strained Bond with Emma Roberts

Beneath the glamour and accolades, Roberts has long carried a quiet pain concerning his daughter, Emma. He has spoken candidly about his regrets as a father, admitting, “I had abandoned Kelly when Emma was just seven months old.” This acknowledgment reflects the long-standing estrangement that shaped much of their relationship.

In a 2022 interview with Tatler, Emma shared her perspective, reflecting on her parents’ separation when she was an infant. She praised her mother, saying, “She’s pretty much been with me non-stop since Rhodes was born,” referring to her own son. On the subject of her father, she admitted, “Um… how do I say this? No, we’re not” close, noting the emotional distance that arose due to her father’s struggles with addiction.

Roberts has also expressed the profound cost of their estrangement. On the podcast Inside of You with Michael Rosenbaum in 2024, he described losing his daughter as “probably the most difficult period of my life,” adding, “There’s not a pain, there’s a sadness for the most likely misunderstanding we’ll have forever, because we’re human.”

Despite these difficulties, he has continued to publicly celebrate Emma’s achievements. On Instagram, he shared a heartfelt post before her 2023 birthday, reflecting on a candid moment while trying to assemble a toy with her. He wrote, “As you can see, I am clueless… but the love on my face, even in profile, for her is undeniable.” He ended with pride and affection: “I knew she’d grow up to be all that and more. One of the rare things I was right about. I love you, Emma. Happy Birthday February 10 [sic].”

---

A Complicated Sisterhood: Julia Roberts

Roberts’ relationship with his sister Julia has also been complex, marked by periods of closeness and distance. In a 2018 Vanity Fair interview, he reflected on their bond: “I wouldn’t characterize it as a falling-out. I was crazy about my sisters. Loved them, adored them… Everyone in my world needed a break sometimes, and that must have included Julia.”

Years of drug use and personal struggles created tension, yet the siblings reconciled over time. When Julia had twins in 2004, Eric visited the hospital with his wife, Eliza, describing the moment as being “immediately awash in brotherly and uncle-ly love.” Today, they exchange emails, enjoy family gatherings, and share holidays together.

Despite past hardships, Roberts acknowledges his role in launching both Julia’s and Emma’s careers, proudly noting, “If it wasn’t for me, there would be no Julia Roberts and no Emma Roberts as celebrities… I am very proud of that.” Yet, he now speaks of both relationships with caution and respect for boundaries, expressing admiration for their work while remaining tactful about personal details.

---

Love That Endures: Marriage to Eliza Roberts

Amidst personal and professional turbulence, Eric’s marriage to Eliza has been a stabilizing force. They met serendipitously on a flight to Los Angeles, and their bond deepened quickly. Eliza has been both a companion and a mentor, guiding him through difficult times, including therapy and recovery from addiction.

Roberts has credited Eliza’s support with saving his life, saying, “My wife sending me to therapy saved my life,” allowing him to confront past behaviors and rebuild both personally and professionally.

---

Owning His Story

In recent years, Roberts has embraced honesty about his struggles with addiction and the consequences it had on his family. “The only way to be a good example is to get through being a casualty,” he said in a 2024 Today interview. He emphasized, “Addicts aren’t bad guys… They’re just making a mistake.”

He has publicly acknowledged past mistakes, including comments about his sister and daughter, offering apologies and striving for reconciliation. His memoir, Runaway Train: Or, The Story of My Life So Far, reflects this journey of accountability, regret, and the desire to honor the familial bonds that have endured despite everything.

---

A Lasting Legacy

Eric Roberts’ life has been a complex tapestry of triumph, struggle, and reconciliation. From a celebrated acting career spanning decades to deeply personal challenges in family relationships, he continues to captivate audiences with his work while navigating the realities of fame, parenthood, and redemption. Even from afar, his love for his daughter and admiration for his sister remain unmistakable—a testament to the enduring bonds that define his life.