When Julia Roberts first strolled the Hollywood boulevards, her older brother had already made a name for himself in the “dream factory.” He was nominated for an Oscar and other major awards long before she was, nearly winning a Golden Globe for his film debut in “King of the Gypsies” in 1978. At that time, Erik Roberts was 22, and his younger sister was only 11. Julia dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. As both siblings became globally recognized actors and their familial ties were revealed, their relationship—particularly their rivalry—became a tabloid sensation.
Foto:IFA Film/United Archives / Profimedia
The root of their issues can be traced back to childhood. When their parents divorced in 1971, Erik stayed with their father, while Julia and their younger sister, Lisa, lived with their mother. They had little opportunity to develop a close bond. Nevertheless, blood ties led them to support each other as much as they could.
Drugs and Violence
The rift between Erik and Julia—by then both major stars—arose from Julia’s inability to accept Erik’s drug addiction. She later sided with his ex-girlfriend during a custody battle over their daughter. Additionally, Erik had a tumultuous relationship with their mother, struggling to forgive her for divorcing their father.
Foto:Buena Vista Pictures Collection / Everett / Profimedia
In the late ’80s, he faced numerous legal troubles that cost him significant roles. He was arrested for possession of cocaine and marijuana, assaulted a police officer, and was violent toward his ex-wife. As Erik’s career stagnated due to his vices and his reputation plummeted, Julia paved her way to the top, ultimately becoming one of the most popular actresses of all time.
They reconciled in 2004 when Erik visited Julia in the hospital after she gave birth to twins. From the very beginning, Julia fully supported his daughter, Emma Roberts, who has also become a respected actress.
Foto:Image Press Agency / Alamy/ Alamy / Profimedia
Despite past tensions, Erik has always claimed that there was no ill will between them. “People constantly ask me about our relationship, and the truth is, my sister and I have always talked. We always had a great time; we know each other well. I loved both my sisters; they were precious to me, and we were very close for a long time. We protected each other, but it’s hardest to protect others from yourself. I was very hard to deal with for everyone around me back then,” Erik admitted a few years ago, acknowledging how his struggles with addiction affected family dynamics.
However, there were other reasons for their long-standing estrangement. Erik had previously taken credit for his (more famous) sister’s career. “If it weren’t for me, there wouldn’t be a Julia Roberts,” he stated in an interview with Vanity Fair.
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While acknowledging that he was older and arrived in Hollywood first, it was clear that Julia had long surpassed him. Recently, he apologized for everything he had said in the past. “I hope she accepts this apology. It was foolish to say something like that because it’s not true, and it’s sad,” he wrote in his memoirs, titled after the film that opened all doors for him—”The Crazy Train, or the Story of My Life So Far.”
