The Untold Story of Julia Roberts’ Feud with Brother Eric Roberts: How It All Began

Julia Roberts, one of Hollywood’s most beloved actresses, has charmed audiences for decades. However, behind the scenes, her family life has been anything but a fairy tale. One of the most enduring and least discussed aspects of her life is her long-standing feud with her brother, fellow actor Eric Roberts. Their strained relationship has puzzled fans for years, raising the question: how did this Hollywood sibling rivalry begin?

Early Success and Sibling Rivalry

The Roberts siblings didn’t always have a tumultuous relationship. Growing up in Georgia, both Julia and Eric shared a love for acting. In fact, Eric Roberts was the first to make a name for himself in Hollywood. By the late ’70s and early ’80s, he was landing significant roles, earning a Golden Globe nomination for his part in Runaway Train (1985). Eric’s early success undoubtedly influenced Julia’s decision to pursue acting.

As Julia’s star began to rise in the late ’80s and early ’90s, starting with her breakthrough role in Mystic Pizza (1988) and skyrocketing to fame with Pretty Woman (1990), the sibling dynamic began to shift. Julia’s rapid ascent to A-list status left Eric, who was once the more established actor, somewhat in her shadow. This shift in their careers likely added strain to their relationship, sparking feelings of jealousy and resentment.

The Personal Struggles That Drove a Wedge

While professional rivalry may have played a role, the root of the feud appears to have been more personal. In the late ’80s and early ’90s, Eric Roberts was grappling with substance abuse issues, which significantly impacted his career and personal relationships. His struggles with addiction reportedly caused tension within the Roberts family, including between him and Julia.

At the time, Julia was gaining widespread fame, while Eric’s career was becoming more erratic due to his personal demons. Family members, including Julia, became increasingly concerned for Eric’s well-being. Julia reportedly tried to intervene and help her brother, but her efforts didn’t go over well. Instead of bringing them closer, the situation seemed to push them further apart.

The Public Fallout

In the early ’90s, the feud became more apparent to the public. While both siblings remained relatively tight-lipped about the specifics, rumors of tension between the two started circulating. In interviews, Eric hinted at problems in the family but never delved into details, while Julia maintained a more private stance, choosing not to speak about the matter publicly.

By the mid-’90s, their relationship had become so strained that Julia reportedly sided with Eric’s ex-girlfriend in a custody battle over Eric’s daughter, Emma Roberts (now a successful actress in her own right). Julia’s involvement in this legal matter allegedly deepened the rift between her and Eric, making reconciliation seem even more unlikely.

Eric Roberts’ Perspective

In later years, Eric Roberts has been more candid about the feud. In interviews, he has acknowledged his past mistakes, including how his substance abuse and personal issues may have contributed to the strain between him and his sister. He’s also expressed regret over how things played out, but he has not shied away from admitting that the two still don’t have the closest relationship.

Despite their differences, Eric has always spoken fondly of Julia’s success, even referring to her as the “rock star” of the family. He’s recognized that their paths in Hollywood have been very different, with Julia enjoying massive global stardom while he’s taken on more character-driven roles.

Are They on Better Terms Today?

While the feud may never fully be resolved, there have been signs that the relationship between Julia and Eric has softened over the years. In 2004, Eric joined Julia at the Oscars when she won her Best Actress award for Erin Brockovich. Although it didn’t signal a full reconciliation, it showed that they could put aside their differences for significant moments.

In more recent years, Eric has indicated that their relationship is no longer as contentious as it once was. However, both siblings maintain their privacy, and neither has spoken at length about where they stand today.

The Impact on Family and Legacy

Feuds like the one between Julia and Eric Roberts remind us that fame doesn’t shield anyone from family conflicts. It’s a reminder that even Hollywood stars struggle with personal issues behind closed doors, just like the rest of us.

Despite the years of tension, both Julia and Eric Roberts have managed to carve out their own unique legacies in Hollywood. Julia remains one of the industry’s most revered actresses, while Eric has become a respected character actor with hundreds of film and television credits to his name.

As for what the future holds for their relationship, only time will tell. While their feud may have started with personal struggles and professional rivalry, perhaps healing is possible with age and reflection. After all, family is complicated—whether you’re a star on the silver screen or just living an ordinary life.

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