Julia Roberts Biography
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Julia Fiona Roberts |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 28, 1967 |
| Age | 58 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Smyrna, Georgia, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actress, producer |
| Years Active | 1987-present |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) |
| Spouse | Married to cinematographer Daniel Moder (2002-present) |
| Children | 3 |
| Net Worth | ~$250 million |
| Known For | Romantic comedies, dramatic roles, iconic laugh and smile |
Early Life & Background
Roberts grew up in a theatrical family; her parents ran a children's acting school attended by Martin Luther King Jr.'s children. After dabbling in journalism at Georgia State University, she moved to New York, signed with Click Modeling Agency, and took acting classes before landing roles in Mystic Pizza (1988) and Steel Magnolias (1989), the latter earning her first Oscar nomination.
Career Journey
Breakthrough
Roberts became an international star with Garry Marshall's rom-com Pretty Woman (1990), earning a Golden Globe and Oscar nod. She cemented her status with hits like Sleeping with the Enemy, My Best Friend's Wedding, Notting Hill, and Runaway Bride.
Oscar Win and Diverse Roles
Roberts won the Academy Award for Best Actress for Erin Brockovich (2000), portraying the real-life legal clerk who exposed Pacific Gas & Electric's pollution scandal. She has since appeared in thrillers (The Pelican Brief), dramas (Closer, August: Osage County), ensemble films (Ocean's Eleven), and family stories (Wonder). She returned to television with Amazon's Homecoming (2018) and rom-com Ticket to Paradise (2022) opposite George Clooney.
Recent Work
Roberts co-produces content via Red Om Films with sister Lisa Gillan. In 2026 she stars in Netflix's limited series The Last Mrs. Parrish and is attached to a Ryan Murphy courtroom drama for FX/Hulu. Roberts also voices the narrator in National Geographic's upcoming docuseries Planet Future.
Filmography (Selected)
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Mystic Pizza | Daisy Arujo | Breakout film |
| 1989 | Steel Magnolias | Shelby Eatenton | Oscar nomination |
| 1990 | Pretty Woman | Vivian Ward | Golden Globe win |
| 1997 | My Best Friend's Wedding | Julianne Potter | Rom-com classic |
| 1999 | Notting Hill | Anna Scott | Global blockbuster |
| 2000 | Erin Brockovich | Erin Brockovich | Oscar win |
| 2001 | Ocean's Eleven | Tess Ocean | Ensemble heist |
| 2010 | Eat Pray Love | Liz Gilbert | Based on bestseller |
| 2017 | Wonder | Isabel Pullman | Family drama |
| 2018 | Homecoming (TV) | Heidi Bergman | Amazon psychological thriller |
| 2022 | Ticket to Paradise | Georgia Cotton | Clooney reunion |
Awards & Nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Golden Globe Awards | Best Actress - Musical or Comedy | Pretty Woman | Won |
| 2001 | Academy Awards | Best Actress | Erin Brockovich | Won |
| 2005 | BAFTA Awards | Best Supporting Actress | Closer | Nominated |
| 2014 | Academy Awards | Best Supporting Actress | August: Osage County | Nominated |
| 2019 | Critics' Choice Television Awards | Best Actress in a Drama Series | Homecoming | Nominated |
Net Worth & Income Sources
Estimated Net Worth: ~$250 million (2026)
Roberts commanded $20 million per film during the 2000s, earning substantial profit participation on franchises and endorsements (Lancome, Calzedonia, Chopard). She invests in eco-conscious real estate in Malibu, Taos, and New York City.
Personal Life
Roberts married cinematographer Daniel Moder in 2002 after meeting on the set of The Mexican. They raise three children away from Hollywood's spotlight, splitting time between Malibu and New Mexico. Roberts enjoys knitting, gardening, and reading historical fiction.
Philanthropy & Advocacy
She supports UNICEF, Stand Up To Cancer, and the American Red Cross. Roberts narrated the climate change documentary Mother Nature's Child and co-founded the eco-friendly brand Caliber Collection benefiting anti-gun-violence initiatives.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram: @juliaroberts posts carefully curated photos, book recommendations, and charitable campaigns.
Lesser-Known Facts
- Roberts is a skilled equestrian and practices transcendental meditation.
- She debuted on Broadway in 2006 with Three Days of Rain.
- Roberts produced Extraordinary Moms, a Mother's Day doc for Oprah's OWN network.
- She was among the first actresses to receive $25 million for a single film (Mona Lisa Smile).
Latest News & Updates (2026)
Roberts is shooting the Netflix thriller The Last Mrs. Parrish in Vancouver and will reprise her role in Ticket to Paradise 2 filming in Australia. She recently joined the board of the non-profit Moms First, advocating for caregiver economic equity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Julia Roberts?
Julia Roberts is an American actress and producer known for rom-com classics like Pretty Woman and her Oscar-winning performance in Erin Brockovich.
What is Julia Roberts most famous for?
She is most famous for playing charming, strong-willed women in films such as Pretty Woman, Notting Hill, and My Best Friend's Wedding.
Is Julia Roberts active on social media?
Yes. Roberts maintains a selective Instagram presence to share philanthropy, reading lists, and family-approved snapshots.