When you think of a Hollywood marriage, you probably think of red carpets, public drama, and the inevitable "split" headlines that hit the tabloids every three years. But then there’s Julia Roberts and Danny Moder.
They’ve been together for nearly a quarter of a century. In Hollywood years, that’s basically a millennium. Honestly, it’s kind of wild when you think about it. Roberts, the world’s most famous "Pretty Woman," and Moder, the guy usually behind the camera lens, have managed to build a life that feels remarkably... normal.
But their story didn't start like a fairy tale. It was actually pretty messy.
How It All Really Began (The Set of The Mexican)
Back in 2000, Julia Roberts was at the absolute peak of her powers. She was filming The Mexican with Brad Pitt. While the world was obsessed with the on-screen chemistry between two of the biggest stars on the planet, Roberts was actually falling for a cameraman.
Danny Moder was working as a cinematographer on the film. At the time, things weren't exactly "clean" for either of them. Roberts was dating Benjamin Bratt, and Moder was married to makeup artist Vera Steimberg.
People like to rewrite history and say it was love at first sight with no complications, but the reality was a bit more "real life." There were rumors, there was a divorce, and there was that infamous "A Low Vera" T-shirt Julia wore in public—a move she later admitted she wouldn't do again.
They eventually made it official on July 4, 2002. They didn't do a massive Hollywood gala. Instead, they had a super-private ceremony at her ranch in Taos, New Mexico. Guests were told they were coming for an Independence Day party. Surprise! It was a wedding.
The Secret to Making It Work Since 2002
So, why are they still together while everyone else is signing divorce papers?
Roberts has been pretty vocal about one thing: she hit the jackpot. During an interview with Extra in late 2025, she quipped that her source of joy "never changes," and that source is Danny.
They have actual "Rules"
According to recent reports from late 2025, the couple has reportedly leaned into a "two-week rule." They don’t spend more than 14 days apart, regardless of filming schedules. If Julia is in Europe for a project like her recent thriller After the Hunt, Danny is either there or they’re hopping on a plane to bridge the gap.
The Career Balance
In the early days, there was a bit of friction regarding their schedules. Sources close to the couple have mentioned that Julia once wanted Danny to align his cinematography jobs with her acting schedule. Danny, who is deeply passionate about his craft—he even earned an Emmy nomination for The Normal Heart—held his ground.
He didn't want to just be "Julia Roberts' husband." He wanted to be a cinematographer. They eventually reached a compromise: they stagger their projects. This ensures one parent is almost always home with the kids.
Raising Three Kids Out of the Spotlight
One of the most impressive things about Julia Roberts and Danny Moder is how they’ve handled their children. You don’t see their kids in every paparazzi shot or TikTok trend.
The couple has three children:
- Hazel Moder (Born November 2004) – Now 21, she’s in college and occasionally makes rare appearances, like her 2021 red carpet debut at Cannes.
- Phinnaeus "Phinn" Moder (Born November 2004) – Hazel's twin. He’s known to be a big skater, taking after his dad.
- Henry Daniel Moder (Born June 2007) – The youngest, now 18 and finishing up high school/entering college.
Julia has admitted that her kids didn't even really know she was famous for a long time. They just knew her as Mom. When they were younger, she would reportedly hide her scripts so they wouldn't realize what she did for a living until they were old enough to understand the "business" side of it.
Even now, in 2026, the family is incredibly tight. Roberts recently shared that they all still get on FaceTime together, even when the kids are away at school. It’s a very "real" family dynamic.
The 2026 Golden Globes Appearance
We don't see them together in public often. That’s why the 2026 Golden Globes was such a big deal. Julia was nominated for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama for After the Hunt.
She walked the red carpet solo in a stunning custom Giorgio Armani Privé gown, but once inside the Beverly Hilton, Danny was right by her side. They were caught on camera laughing and looking genuinely happy. No forced smiles for the PR team—just two people who have been through two decades of life together and still like each other.
Where They Live Now
They aren't just stuck in one place. The Moder-Roberts property portfolio is worth an estimated $25 million+, though likely much more in the 2026 market.
- Malibu, California: This is their main "home base." It's a sprawling compound with ocean views and a private skate park for the boys.
- Taos, New Mexico: The 32-acre ranch where they got married. This is where Julia says she feels "most herself."
- San Francisco: They bought a massive Victorian-style home here in 2020 for over $8 million.
- Europe: Recently, there have been whispers that they are looking for property abroad, specifically in Italy, after spending significant time there in 2025.
Why Their Relationship Still Matters
In an era of "situationships" and 72-day marriages, Julia and Danny represent something different. They represent the "long game."
They’ve survived the transition from the peak of 90s stardom into the social media age without losing their privacy. Danny isn't an influencer. Julia doesn't post "get ready with me" videos. They just... exist.
If you’re looking for the blueprint for a lasting relationship in a high-pressure environment, it’s basically this:
- Keep the private stuff private.
- Respect your partner's career as much as your own.
- Don't forget to have a sense of humor about the "business."
Your Next Steps to "Live Like Julia" (Sorta)
You don't need an Oscar or a $20 million salary to take a page out of their book. If you're looking to strengthen your own long-term partnership, focus on these three actionable takeaways from the Roberts-Moder playbook:
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- Implement a "No-Technology" Zone: Julia has famously said she keeps her home as tech-free as possible to encourage real conversation. Try a "no phones at dinner" rule for a week and see how the connection shifts.
- The Stagger Strategy: If both you and your partner have demanding careers, sit down and look at the year ahead. Can you "stagger" your busiest months so one person is always the "anchor" at home?
- Find Your "New Mexico": Every couple needs a place where they aren't "on." Whether it's a specific hiking trail, a quiet corner of the park, or a weekend getaway spot, find a location where the outside world doesn't exist.
The story of Julia Roberts and Danny Moder isn't about perfection. It’s about two people who decided that their life together was more interesting than the movies they were making.
Twenty-three years later, it looks like they were right.