Back in the early '80s, Eric Roberts was making waves in Hollywood with his roles in films like Star 80, Runaway Train, and The Pope of Greenwich Village. These performances cemented his status as one of the new young lions of the silver screen. "From the time I was 8 or 9, I knew I was destined to become an actor," Eric, now 68, revealed to Closer. His latest project, Hippo, tells a touching coming-of-age story about two step-siblings navigating unrequited love, the uncertainty of the future, and the turmoil of mental illness together. "I’m incredibly proud of Hippo, and it’s truly a gem," Eric says, noting that he lent his voice to narrate the film.
In September of last year, Eric also released his deeply personal memoir, Runaway Train: or, the Story of My Life So Far. This book dives into his difficult upbringing, including the abuse he endured at the hands of his father, his meteoric rise to fame, and his journey to recovery from addiction. It also explores his efforts to mend fences with his sister, the iconic Julia Roberts, and his daughter, actress Emma Roberts. "This phase of my life is all about patience and understanding," Eric explains.
Discovering His Passion
When asked how he decided to pursue acting, Eric shared, "As a little boy, I had a terrible stutter. But I discovered that if I memorized something, I could speak freely as long as it was what I had memorized. That’s how it all began. Then I started pretending to be different people, experimenting with dialects, and it quickly became my hobby. By the time I was 9 years old, I considered myself pretty good at it." His love for acting grew from there, becoming a lifelong passion.
Read also:Hoda Kotb Reunites With Ex Joel Schiffman For A Heartwarming Family Gathering
Words of Wisdom
Reflecting on his career, Eric shared advice he wishes he could impart on his younger self. "I would tell my younger self that even people who give you negative feedback have something valuable to offer. There’s always a reason behind why someone feels the need to tell you something. So, even when they’re wrong, they’re worth listening to. Just listen." This perspective has helped him grow as both an actor and a person.
Living by a Personal Motto
Eric has a guiding principle he lives by every day: "When in doubt — give." He believes this simple yet profound mantra has served him well. "I talk about it in my book, Runaway Train, because it’s something that has truly worked for me," he says. This philosophy reminds him to focus on kindness and generosity, even when faced with uncertainty.
The Painful Process of Writing a Memoir
While Eric was told writing his memoir would be cathartic, he found the process to be unexpectedly painful. "It gave me a three-dimensional perspective of myself that was somewhat disappointing," he admitted. "I don’t see myself as heroic or brilliant, but I also learned that I’m not a bad guy. It was a humbling and eye-opening experience." Through this introspection, Eric gained a deeper understanding of himself and his journey.
Confronting His Past
Eric spoke candidly about his abusive father and the lessons he learned from looking back. "It’s important to remember that when people act badly, it’s often because they were treated badly themselves. So, you can’t hate them. You have to try to understand them," he explained. "Kindness has been a lifesaver for me, and I believe it can be for anyone who gives it a chance." This realization has guided him through reconciliation with his family and personal growth.
A Memorable Film Experience
Eric named his memoir after his 1985 movie Runaway Train, which starred him as one of two escaped convicts on the run in Alaska. He vividly recalled the challenges of filming in such a harsh environment. "They had to drop us off in the tundra by helicopter to ensure there were no tracks visible in the aerial shots. You’d see just the vast desolation of the place," he recounted. "Jon Voight and I weren’t replaced by stuntmen! They’d drop us and say it would only take 30 seconds, but sometimes it took 30 minutes. It was brutal." Despite the difficulties, Eric praised Jon Voight as one of the greatest actors he’s ever worked with. "He stayed in character the entire time, and he brought me along with him. I’ll always cherish that experience with Jon."
Future Projects and Personal Life
With over 700 film and TV credits under his belt, Eric still has dreams he hopes to fulfill. "I’d love to play Rudolf Nureyev, the legendary Russian ballet dancer, after he stopped dancing. He was a tragic figure, but also one of the bravest artists. Being openly gay in Russia during that time took immense courage, and I feel a deep connection to his story," he shared.
Read also:The Esther Williams Nobody Knew A Life Of Resilience And Stardom
Eric recently participated in Dancing With the Stars, an experience he described as "the most terrifying thing I’ve ever done in my entire life!" However, he did it for his wife, who is a big fan of the show. "I conquered my stage fright years ago, but imagining 40 million people watching you makes it incredibly nerve-wracking," he admitted.
A Collaborative Spirit
Eric’s wife, Eliza, played a significant role in his decision to narrate Hippo. "The script itself was compelling, but having my wife involved made it even more special. She’s one of the best actors I’ve ever worked with, and I adore her work," he said. Eric and Eliza have collaborated numerous times, making it their favorite partnership. "She’s my favorite talent, my favorite person, and my roommate," he joked.
The Secrets to a Long Marriage
Eric and Eliza have been married for 32 years, and he attributes their happiness to honesty and intimacy. "Honesty is key, and of course, maintaining a strong physical connection," he explained. "If you have those two elements, you’re set for a long, fulfilling marriage." Patience, another lesson he learned from his wife, has also been instrumental in their relationship.
Pride and Joy
Eric is most proud of the bond he shares with his oldest grandchild, Georgia. "She’s 5 years old, and we have an intense, involved, and playful relationship. She’s incredibly smart, and we love to engage in imaginative play together," he said. Despite his busy schedule, Eric cherishes these moments with his family.
When asked about hobbies, Eric admitted that his career leaves little time for personal pursuits. "For the past decade, my time has been dedicated to preparing for my next projects. My wife often brings me offers from all over the world, and I’m grateful that my career continues to thrive," he reflected. "It’s been a wild ride, and I’m thankful every day for the opportunities I’ve had."
