During the 1970s and 1980s, Eric Roberts worked tirelessly, and many believed he was destined to become one of Hollywood’s leading men. His dedication to his craft was evident, as he managed to appear in 74 films in a single year, a testament to his work ethic.

Eric had remarkable talent and versatility, able to take on roles ranging from comedic heroes to villains. People often noted how easy it was to work with him.

Despite his talent and passion for acting, Eric’s career didn’t sustain the long-term success of other stars of his era. His struggles with drug addiction, even while working, marked the beginning of his decline, affecting both his personal and professional life.

In 1981, Eric was involved in a serious car accident that left him in a coma for a significant period. The accident caused neurological damage and facial disfigurement, and at the time, Eric was under the influence of drugs. His recovery process was long and challenging, as he had to relearn how to walk and talk.

Though he put immense effort into his rehabilitation, Eric was left with short-term memory issues. He attempted to return to work by reprising a role in the Broadway production Mass Appeal under Geraldine Fitzgerald’s direction, but left before the show opened due to creative differences. After the accident, the phone calls offering him work stopped.

Throughout this difficult time, his younger sister, Julia Roberts, distanced herself from him. Eric admitted that his behavior drove people away, including Julia, though he denied any formal falling out, saying that he was simply difficult to be around.

The Rocky Relationship Between Eric and Julia

In 1991, Eric became a father to his daughter, Emma Roberts, with his then-partner Kelly Cunningham. Two years later, Julia married Lyle Lovett, but Eric was not invited to the wedding. He acknowledged that his behavior and poor decisions caused the rift between him and his family, which resulted in his estrangement from his mother and sisters.

Despite his attempts to reconnect with his sisters, he never received any responses and eventually gave up trying. During a custody battle for his daughter, Julia took Kelly Cunningham’s side, even financially supporting her legal fees, showing her love for her niece.

It took more than a decade for Eric and Julia to repair their relationship.

The 2004 Reconciliation

In 2004, after Julia gave birth to twins, Eric reached out again. He visited her in the hospital, extending an olive branch, and their relationship began to heal. Since then, Eric and Julia have spent holidays together with their family, and they occasionally stay in touch via email.

Eric has since acknowledged the role he played in Julia’s rise to stardom, expressing pride in both her and his daughter Emma’s success. He proudly claims that without him, neither of them would be the stars they are today.

Eric’s daughter, Emma, has made a name for herself in the entertainment industry with roles in Wild Child, American Horror Story, We’re the Millers, and Abandoned. Eric is a proud father and is thrilled by the close bond she shares with her aunt Julia.

In 1992, Eric married Eliza Roberts, who has kept the lines of communication open between Eric and Julia in recent years. Eric has expressed happiness that his wife and sister remain in regular contact.

In a 2022 interview, Eric shared his desire to work on a film with Emma, playing father and daughter, and to cast Julia in the role of his sister.

Eric has maintained a busy schedule, and in 2023 alone, he appeared in 17 different productions, including the notable series Juzni vetar: Na granici, where he starred in 10 episodes.