Eric Roberts’ Personal Life, Siblings, Parents, Wife, Girlfriend, Kids, Other Family and Dating History
Siblings
Eric’s relationship with his sister Julia Roberts has been a topic of public interest. Despite their ups and downs, the siblings share a deep bond. Eric has often spoken about his pride in Julia’s achievements and their mutual love for acting.
Parents
Eric’s parents, Walter and Betty, divorced when he was a teenager. This split had a significant impact on him, as he stayed with his father while his sisters lived with their mother2. His parents’ involvement in the arts undoubtedly influenced Eric and his siblings’ career paths.
Wife and Marriage
Eric Roberts has been married to Eliza Roberts since 1992. The couple met on a flight from New York City to Los Angeles and have been inseparable ever since3. Eliza, an actress and casting director, has been a steadfast partner, supporting Eric through various challenges, including his battle with addiction4.
Girlfriends and Dating History
Before marrying Eliza, Eric had several high-profile relationships. He dated American model Sheila Kennedy and actress Sandy Dennis in the early 1980s. From 1985 to 1988, he was in a relationship with actress Dana Wheeler-Nicholson. He then dated Kelly Cunningham, with whom he has a daughter, Emma Roberts5.
Children
Eric Roberts is the father of actress Emma Roberts, born on February 10, 1991, from his relationship with Kelly Cunningham3. Emma has followed in her father’s footsteps, carving out a successful career in Hollywood.
Other Family Members
Eric’s extended family includes his niece, Hazel Moder, and nephew, Phinnaeus Moder, who are Julia Roberts’ children. The Roberts family is known for their close-knit relationships and mutual support in their professional endeavors.
Personal Life
Eric Anthony Roberts was born on April 18, 1956, in Biloxi, Mississippi, to Betty Lou Bredemus and Walter Grady Roberts. His parents were both actors and playwrights who co-founded the Atlanta Actors and Writers Workshop in Georgia. Eric grew up in a creative environment, which significantly influenced his career choice. He has two sisters, Julia Roberts, an Academy Award-winning actress, and Lisa Roberts Gillan, also an actress and producer.
Early Career and Breakthrough
Eric Roberts began his acting career in theater, making his stage debut in the off-Broadway production of “Rebel Women” in 1976. His breakthrough role came in 1978 with the film “King of the Gypsies,” where he played the lead role of Dave. His performance earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Drama, also marking the start of his successful film career.
1980s: Rise to Stardom
The 1980s were a prolific period for Roberts. He starred in several critically acclaimed films, including “Star 80” (1983), where he portrayed the controversial figure Paul Snider. His role in “Runaway Train” (1985) as Buck McGeehy earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor and another Golden Globe nomination. Roberts also starred in “The Pope of Greenwich Village” (1984) alongside Mickey Rourke, further establishing his reputation as a talented actor.
1990s: Continued Success and Challenges
In the 1990s, Roberts continued to work steadily in both film and television. He appeared in movies such as “Best of the Best” (1989) and its sequels, showcasing his martial arts skills. However, this decade also brought personal challenges, including struggles with substance abuse. Despite these difficulties, Roberts remained a sought-after actor, appearing in numerous projects and maintaining his status in Hollywood.
2000s: Resurgence and Television Roles
The 2000s saw a resurgence in Roberts’ career. He took on a variety of roles in both independent films and major studio productions. Notably, he played Sal Maroni in Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight” (2008), a role that also introduced him to a new generation of fans. Roberts also made significant appearances on television, including roles in “Heroes,” “The Young and the Restless,” and “Suits.”
Recent Work and Current Projects
Eric Roberts has continued to work prolifically into the 2020s. He has appeared in over 700 films and television series, making him one of the most prolific actors in the industry. His recent projects include roles in independent films, television series, and also voice work for animated productions. Roberts’ dedication to his craft and his ability to adapt to various genres have kept him relevant in the ever-changing entertainment industry.
Life
Eric Roberts is married to Eliza Roberts, an actress and casting director. The couple has been together since 1992 and resides in Los Angeles. Eric has one daughter, Emma Roberts, from a previous relationship with Kelly Cunningham. Emma has followed in her father’s footsteps, becoming a successful actress in her own right.