You’ve definitely seen his face. If you haven't seen it in a gritty 80s drama, you probably caught it in a Batman blockbuster or one of about 700 other credits. Seriously. Eric Roberts, the older brother of Hollywood queen Julia Roberts, is basically the most prolific actor in the game right now. But honestly, the story of Julia Roberts brother is way more than just a massive IMDb page. It’s a wild ride of massive fame, a decade-long family feud, and a recent, very public attempt to make things right.
A lot of people think Julia just appeared out of nowhere in Pretty Woman, but Eric was actually the first one to hit it big. He was the "it" guy long before the world knew his sister. In 2026, he's still showing up everywhere—from fan conventions like Pensacon to nearly a hundred upcoming projects. It’s a level of hustle that is honestly kind of exhausting just to look at.
The Man Behind the Name: Who is Eric Roberts?
Eric Anthony Roberts was born in 1956, making him about eleven years older than Julia. Growing up in a house run by acting coaches—Walter and Betty Lou Roberts—it was basically a given that he’d end up on screen. He didn't just stumble into it, though. He was genuinely great. By the late 70s, he was snagging Golden Globe nominations for King of the Gypsies.
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By 1985, he was an Academy Award nominee for Runaway Train. That’s the peak of the industry. But while his career was exploding, things were getting messy behind the scenes. It's no secret that Eric struggled heavily with substance abuse during that era. He’s been very open lately about how "dangerous" he was to be around back then.
The Split That Lasted a Decade
So, why did they stop talking? Most people think it was just "Hollywood ego," but it was much deeper and, frankly, sadder. During the early 90s, Eric was going through a nasty custody battle over his daughter, Emma Roberts (who you definitely know from American Horror Story).
In a move that probably felt like the ultimate betrayal to Eric, Julia actually sided with his ex-girlfriend, Kelly Cunningham. She even helped fund Kelly’s legal fees. That’s a heavy blow. It caused an estrangement that lasted until 2004. They finally reconnected when Julia gave birth to her twins, Phinnaeus and Hazel. Apparently, becoming an aunt and uncle was the bridge they needed to start over.
The Career That Never Stops
If you look at Eric’s filmography, it’s a chaotic mix. You’ve got high-brow stuff like The Dark Knight, where he played the mob boss Sal Maroni, and then you have... well, a lot of B-movies. He's famously said he basically never turns down a script. In 2017 alone, the guy did 74 movies. 74!
- The Early Hits: Star 80, The Pope of Greenwich Village, Runaway Train.
- The Cult Stuff: Doctor Who (he played the Master), The Expendables.
- The Modern Grind: He's currently in 2026 appearing in things like Clika and has nearly 100 projects in various stages of production.
Honestly, he’s carved out a niche as the ultimate "working actor." He doesn't need the A-list spotlight Julia has; he just wants to be on a set. He’s even mentioned that The Righteous Gemstones was one of his favorite sets to work on recently.
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That Public Apology and the "Gag Order"
Recently, Eric released a memoir called Runaway Train: Or the Story of My Life So Far. It’s a bit of a tear-jerker if you’re into celebrity family drama. He spent a lot of the book apologizing to Julia and his other sister, Lisa Roberts Gillan.
He admitted that for years he went around saying, "If it wasn't for me, there would be no Julia Roberts." In his book, he calls that "asinine." He realizes now that while he might have helped her get her first role in the movie Blood Red (which was filmed in '86 but released in '89), her talent is what made her a star.
Interestingly, Eric has mentioned in interviews—specifically on the Still Here Hollywood podcast—that he’s sort of "not allowed" to talk about Julia or Emma anymore. He joked that they’ve basically told him to keep their names out of his mouth in public. He still does it occasionally, but mostly just to say how proud he is. He’s basically like that one uncle who can’t help but brag at Thanksgiving even when he’s been told to stay quiet.
What Most People Get Wrong
People love a good "sibling rivalry" narrative. They want to believe there is still some massive war going on. But the truth in 2026 seems a lot more mundane. They’re just a family that went through some really dark times and is trying to maintain a functional relationship as adults.
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Julia has been seen at major events lately, like the 2026 Golden Globes, commanding standing ovations, while Eric is happy hitting the convention circuit and filming indie thrillers. They moved past the drama a long time ago.
Moving Forward with the Roberts Family
If you're looking to dive deeper into Eric’s work beyond just being "Julia’s brother," there are a few things you should actually watch to see his range. Don't just stick to the cameos.
- Watch Star 80: It’s a tough watch, but it shows why he was considered one of the best of his generation.
- Read the Memoir: Runaway Train gives the most honest look at the family dynamic you’ll find.
- Check out Runaway Train (the movie): If you want to see the performance that almost got him an Oscar, this is it.
The Roberts family is a Hollywood dynasty, whether they’re all talking or not. Between Julia’s legendary status, Eric’s unmatched work ethic, and Emma’s current reign in TV, they aren't going anywhere. Just don't expect them to do a joint interview anytime soon. Eric is busy with his next 90 movies, and Julia is, well, being Julia Roberts. Everyone seems okay with that.