When it comes to Hollywood dynasties, the Roberts family is a name that carries serious weight. Eric Roberts, known for his role in Runaway Train, is not just another actor; he's a proud father to the talented Emma Roberts. Let's dive into the story of this incredible family and see what makes them so special.
Meet the Roberts Clan: Eric's Hollywood Legacy
Here's the scoop: Eric Roberts, who's currently stealing the spotlight on season 33 of Dancing With the Stars, is the older brother of none other than Julia Roberts. Now, if you think his resume is impressive, just wait until you hear about his journey. Eric's acting career kicked off in the early '70s, and since then, he's amassed over 700 acting credits. That's right—700! But his family life is just as fascinating. Eric welcomed Emma Roberts into the world with his ex, Kelly Cunningham, on February 10, 1991. Emma wasn't just another Hollywood baby; she grew up to become a powerhouse in her own right.
Emma Roberts? She's no stranger to the spotlight. Over the years, she's carved out an impressive career for herself, starring in iconic roles in American Horror Story, We're the Millers, and Scream Queens. Today, she's not just an actress but also an executive producer of the Hulu hit Tell Me Lies. Eric loves watching his daughter's projects unfold. "It's so much fun! It's so much fun for me," he confessed to The Hollywood Reporter back in November 2022. He went on to say, "And she’s never had any formal training, so she’s been on-the-job training her whole career, and it’s been lovely for me to watch her become an actor, and she has. I love her work." When asked if he'd like to share the screen with Emma someday, Eric didn't hesitate. "Are you kidding? I would love that. I’d also love my sister to play my sister." Clearly, family means everything to Eric.
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Despite being "not supposed" to talk about Emma and Julia, Eric couldn't help but express his pride. "I love my sister, but I can't talk about her," Eric admitted during an appearance on the "Still Here Hollywood" podcast. "She don't want to talk about it." But when it comes to Emma, Eric's pride is evident. "I’m in love with my daughter’s work these days," he said. "I can’t believe how great she’s become. … I’m so proud of her I can't see straight." He added, "Since her performance in Maybe I Do until right now, she overwhelms me with pride and just, ‘Oh my God, here she goes again.’ And I’m just so happy to be her dad because she’s kicking ass. And I’m so proud." It's clear that Eric's love for his family runs deep.
Eric's Expanded Family: Stepchildren and More
Eric's family isn't just limited to his sister and daughter. In 1992, Eric married Eliza Roberts after meeting her for the first time on a flight. This union brought two more children into his life—stepchildren Morgan and Keaton Simons from Eliza's previous relationship. Morgan has made a name for herself as a baker, owning the successful business Pi BakeShop, while Keaton rocks the music scene as a guitarist and musical director for Brett Young. Eliza opened up about her bond with Emma during an appearance on the Roger the Wild Child Show, revealing that the connection was "instantaneous." "It’s a treasure," Eliza told Us Weekly in May 2020. "It’s been a delight. Of course, she’s just amazing. An amazing woman." Clearly, the family dynamic is strong and full of love.
Grandfather Eric: A Role He Loves
Being a grandfather? That's Eric's favorite role yet. Eric is a grandfather to Emma's son, Rhodes Robert Hedlund, whom she shares with ex Garrett Hedlund. He also has three other grandchildren from his stepkids. "Two of them live across the street, and I become whatever they want me to be … Sometimes it’s a cat, sometimes it’s a dog. Whatever I have to be, I am," Eric shared with Page Six in February 2024. And when it comes to being a grandpa, Eric's enthusiasm is unmatched. "Being a grandpa is the best job on the planet," he told the outlet. "I love being a grandfather." Clearly, family is everything to Eric Roberts, and he wouldn't have it any other way.
