Let me tell you a story about Julia Roberts that you might not have heard before. It’s got heart, history, and a powerful connection to one of the most iconic figures in American history—Martin Luther King Jr.
How the King Family Helped Julia Roberts’ Birth
In a candid interview with Gayle King for A&E's HISTORYTalks, Julia Roberts revealed an incredible story about her early life. Back in 1967, when she was born, her parents, Betty Lou Bredemus and Walter Grady Roberts, were unable to cover the hospital bills for her delivery. That’s where the King family stepped in. They paid the hospital bill, ensuring that Julia’s arrival into the world was smooth and stress-free for her parents. It’s a touching story that highlights the generosity and kindness of the civil rights icon.
Building Bridges Through Theater
The roots of this relationship go deeper than just a financial gesture. Julia’s parents ran a theater school in Atlanta called the Actors and Writers Workshop. In the racially divided 1960s, it wasn’t easy for Black children to find places where they could learn and grow alongside their white peers. One day, Coretta Scott King reached out to Julia’s mom, asking if her children could join the school. Without hesitation, Betty Lou said yes. This open-hearted gesture led to a beautiful friendship between the two families, proving that art and education can bridge divides even in the toughest times.
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“My parents had this incredible theater school in Atlanta,” Julia explained. “And one day, Coretta Scott King called my mom and asked if her kids could be part of the school because they were having a hard time finding a place that would accept them. My mom just said, ‘Sure, come on over.’ And that’s how they all became friends. They really helped us out when we needed it most.”
Gayle King’s Reflection
Gayle King couldn’t help but reflect on the significance of this story. She pointed out how extraordinary it was that Julia’s parents welcomed Black children into their acting school during such a turbulent era. “In the ‘60s, you didn’t see little Black kids interacting with white kids in acting schools. Your parents were like, ‘Come on in.’ I think that’s extraordinary,” Gayle said. Julia agreed wholeheartedly, acknowledging how this experience shaped her values and worldview.
Julia’s Family and MLK’s Legacy
Julia wasn’t the firstborn in her family; she’s the third child, following her brother Eric Roberts, who was born in 1956, and her sister Lisa Roberts Gillan, who arrived in 1965. Tragically, Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968, just six months after Julia’s birth. His legacy, however, lives on through stories like this one, reminding us of the power of compassion and community.
Yolanda King: Continuing the Legacy
Martin and Coretta Scott King’s eldest daughter, Yolanda King, also pursued a career in acting after attending Julia’s parents’ theater school. She appeared in films like Ghosts of Mississippi and TV shows like JAG and Strong Medicine. In 1978, she even portrayed civil rights hero Rosa Parks in the TV miniseries King. Yolanda passed away in 2007 at the age of 51 due to cardiopulmonary issues, but her contributions to both the arts and civil rights continue to inspire.
