Eric Roberts has firmly addressed speculation surrounding his relationship with his acclaimed sister, Julia Roberts, insisting that there is no rift between them. In a recent appearance on The Hollywood Reporter podcast, the 69-year-old actor dismissed claims of a major falling out, stating that their bond remains strong despite occasional disagreements.
His reassurances come eight years after he made contentious remarks to Vanity Fair regarding the relationship between his own success and that of his sister and niece, Emma Roberts. He had claimed that if it were not for him, Julia and Emma would not have achieved their fame, a statement for which he later issued an apology, calling his comments “asinine” and “untrue.”
In his latest interview, Eric clarified, “It’s not true — it never was true. We’re fine.” Highlighting the mutual respect that exists between the two, he remarked, “We have disagreements, as people do, but we like and respect each other very much.” He referred to Julia as “a wonderful actor, a wonderful human,” and praised her skills as a mother, acknowledging that parenting is notably challenging.
While the siblings do not often engage in public dialogue regarding one another, Eric explained that their interactions are carefully maintained to avoid unnecessary media speculation. He noted that they are often placed in a “contest” scenario, even though their acting careers do not overlap in terms of the roles they pursue.
Eric Roberts expressed a brotherly fondness for Julia, stating, “I like my sister very much. I’m impressed with her wonderful career. And she’s got three kids — she’s a mom, dude!” He dismissed any notions that their differences escalate beyond minor squabbles, stating, “The only issues we have are like day-to-day disagreements on whatever, but it’s not a thing.”
The siblings, who grew up in Smyrna, Tennessee, were raised in a family passionate about acting. Their parents, Walter Roberts and Betty Lou Bredemus, ran a progressive acting school for children, which undoubtedly influenced their careers in Hollywood. Eric initially broke into the acting scene with his role in “King of the Gypsies” in 1978, establishing significant accolades early in his career.
Reflecting on his past comments, Eric revealed in his memoir entitled “Runaway Train: Or, The Story of My Life So Far,” released in September 2024, that he directly apologised to Julia for suggesting that her success was contingent upon his influence. He acknowledged the error in his previous statement, explaining, “That’s not only unfortunate, but it’s also untrue. And I hope Julie will accept this more public apology. It was an asinine thing to have said.”
In this same memoir, he referred to Julia as a “very driven woman,” affirming that she would have carved out her own successful path in the film industry, regardless of his achievements. “I was proud of her, but it was pride turned on its head, to my own advantage,” he candidly remarked.
With such reflections and clarifications, Eric Roberts aims to lay to rest any misconceptions about his relationship with his sister, highlighting a family dynamic that is more supportive than competitive. He continues to showcase a deep admiration for Julia while navigating the complexities of sibling relationships in the public eye, ensuring that their bond remains close as they both continue their successful careers in the entertainment industry.