Julia Roberts isn’t just an actress—she’s a cultural icon whose smile alone can light up the silver screen. Known for her incredible talent, charismatic presence, and timeless beauty, Roberts has been a dominant force in Hollywood for decades. From her breakout role in Pretty Woman to her Academy Award-winning performance in Erin Brockovich, she remains one of the most beloved actresses of all time.
In this blog, we’ll explore 48 fascinating facts about Julia Roberts, covering her early life, career highlights, personal quirks, and behind-the-scenes stories that fans rarely hear. Whether you’ve been following her since the ’80s or just discovered her through streaming platforms, these facts will give you a deeper look into the life of this Hollywood legend.
Early Life and Childhood
1. Birthplace and date
Julia Fiona Roberts was born on October 28, 1967, in Smyrna, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta.
2. Creative family background
Her parents, Betty Lou Bredemus and Walter Grady Roberts, were both actors and playwrights who ran a small acting workshop for children.
3. Family ties to Hollywood
Julia isn’t the only star in the family—her brother Eric Roberts is an Oscar-nominated actor, and her niece Emma Roberts is a well-known actress.
4. Childhood dream
Surprisingly, Roberts didn’t always dream of becoming an actress. As a child, she wanted to become a veterinarian because of her love for animals.
5. Moved to New York for acting
After high school, Julia moved to New York City, signed with a modeling agency, and later studied acting.
Rise to Stardom
6. First film appearance
Her screen debut was in the 1988 movie Satisfaction, where she starred alongside Justine Bateman and Liam Neeson.
7. Breakthrough role
Roberts shot to fame with Steel Magnolias (1989), which earned her first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
8. The “Pretty Woman” effect
Her career skyrocketed after starring opposite Richard Gere in Pretty Woman (1990). The film grossed over $463 million worldwide and became a romantic comedy classic.
9. Iconic laugh scene
In Pretty Woman, the famous jewelry box “snap” scene wasn’t scripted—Richard Gere improvised it, and Julia’s laugh became one of the most iconic moments in film history.
10. Highest-paid actress
By the late 1990s and early 2000s, Julia Roberts became the highest-paid actress in Hollywood, earning $20 million per film.
Career Achievements
11. Academy Award win
Roberts won the Oscar for Best Actress in 2001 for her role in Erin Brockovich.
12. Golden Globe winner
She has won three Golden Globe Awards out of eight nominations.
13. Box office queen
Julia Roberts has starred in films that have collectively grossed more than $3 billion worldwide.
14. Voice acting
She has also done voice work, notably playing Charlotte the spider in the animated film Charlotte’s Web (2006).
15. TV appearances
Though mainly a film star, Roberts has appeared in TV projects, such as HBO’s The Normal Heart (2014), which earned her critical praise.
Personal Life
16. Love and marriage
Julia married cinematographer Daniel Moder in 2002, and they’ve been together for over 20 years—a rare Hollywood love story.
17. Children
The couple has three kids: twins Hazel and Phinnaeus (born 2004) and Henry (born 2007).
18. Previous relationships
Before marrying Moder, Julia was famously linked to actors like Matthew Perry, Liam Neeson, and Kiefer Sutherland.
19. Runaway bride in real life
Ironically, Roberts once called off her wedding to Kiefer Sutherland just days before the ceremony in 1991.
20. Southern roots
Despite her Hollywood status, Roberts has always stayed connected to her Southern upbringing, often speaking about her Georgia childhood.
Fun and Quirky Facts
21. Famous smile
Her megawatt smile is insured for $30 million!
22. Shoe size
Julia wears a size 9 shoe, which often surprises fans given her petite frame.
23. Favorite food
She loves Indian cuisine and even took cooking lessons to master traditional recipes.
24. Hidden talent
Julia plays the clarinet, a skill she picked up during her school years.
25. Religion
She practices Hinduism and has spoken about her spiritual journey, even naming her children with Hindu-inspired nicknames.
26. Philanthropy
Roberts is an advocate for numerous charities, including UNICEF and Red Nose Day.
27. Environmental activist
She narrated the short film Mother Nature for Conservation International, raising awareness about climate change.
28. Tattoo
She has a tattoo of her husband Daniel Moder’s initials on her lower back.
29. Book lover
Julia is a passionate reader and has often mentioned her love for classic novels.
30. Natural beauty
She avoids heavy makeup in daily life and prefers a simple, natural look.
Julia Roberts and Hollywood History
31. Highest-paid female star in 2000s
At one point, she became the first woman to earn $25 million for a single film (Mona Lisa Smile, 2003).
32. A-list friendships
Roberts is close friends with stars like George Clooney and Oprah Winfrey.
33. Red carpet royalty
She has been a style icon for decades, with many of her Oscar dresses making “best of all time” lists.
34. Influence on rom-com genre
Her roles in Notting Hill, Runaway Bride, and My Best Friend’s Wedding helped define the romantic comedy genre of the ’90s.
35. Awards beyond acting
In 2017, she was named Woman of the Decade by People Magazine.
Behind the Scenes Facts
36. On-set nickname
Her co-stars often call her “Jules” on set.
37. Shy personality
Despite her fame, Roberts has admitted to being shy and sometimes uncomfortable with the spotlight.
38. Favorite co-stars
She has frequently praised working with George Clooney and Richard Gere as her favorite experiences.
39. Refused roles
She turned down several iconic roles, including the female lead in Shakespeare in Love.
40. Serious about scripts
Julia is known for being selective with her roles, preferring quality over quantity.
Legacy and Influence
41. Box office guarantee
For over two decades, having Julia Roberts’ name on a poster meant box office success.
42. Inspiring future actresses
Stars like Anne Hathaway and Jennifer Lawrence have cited Roberts as an inspiration.
43. Global recognition
She has fans worldwide and remains one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood.
44. Most beautiful woman (5 times)
People Magazine named her the “Most Beautiful Woman in the World” a record five times.
45. Hollywood Walk of Fame
She earned her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1999.
46. Oscar presenter
She presented the Best Picture Oscar in 2002, announcing A Beautiful Mind as the winner.
47. Return to stage
In 2006, Julia made her Broadway debut in Three Days of Rain.
48. Still relevant today
Even after more than 30 years in Hollywood, Julia Roberts continues to star in acclaimed projects, proving her staying power.
Conclusion
Julia Roberts isn’t just a movie star—she’s an enduring symbol of Hollywood glamour, talent, and authenticity. From her early beginnings in Georgia to becoming the highest-paid actress in the world, Roberts’ journey is full of fascinating stories, surprising quirks, and inspiring achievements.
Her charm, smile, and genuine personality have made her beloved by fans across generations. With a career spanning over three decades, Julia Roberts remains a household name and a timeless icon in cinema.
Whether you admire her acting, her humanitarian efforts, or her ability to stay grounded in the midst of fame, Julia Roberts is a star who truly shines both on and off the screen.