“It’s only complicated through outside eyes, because they don’t get any of it,” Eric Roberts stated during a recent podcast appearance, addressing the complexities of his relationship with daughter Emma Roberts.
In the candid discussion, Eric opened up about his past struggles with depression and substance abuse, which he admitted impacted his ability to be present as a father during Emma’s childhood. Now 35 years old and engaged to Cody John, Emma has built a successful career in acting, something her father expressed “endless pride” in.
Eric, who is currently 69 years old, reflected on the challenges he faced, stating, “If it wasn’t for me, there would be no Julia Roberts and no Emma Roberts as celebrities, as actresses, and I’m very proud of that.” This acknowledgment comes amidst a backdrop of complicated family dynamics, particularly with his sister, Julia Roberts.
While Eric and Julia have had their disagreements, he emphasized that they respect each other. He also took the opportunity to apologize for previous comments made in his memoir, Runaway Train, released in 2024, where he claimed his influence on their careers was greater than it was.
Eric remarked, “Now one of the things I’d like to apologize for in this book is for publicly saying on more than one occasion, ‘If it wasn’t for me, there would be no Julia Roberts.’ That’s not only unfortunate, but it’s also untrue.” This statement underscores the evolving nature of his reflections on family and personal responsibility.
Despite their complicated history, Eric described Julia as a “wonderful actor” and “wonderful human,” highlighting the respect that still exists between them. He noted that they do not speak about each other publicly, which may contribute to the perception of their relationship.
As for Emma, her journey in the entertainment industry continues to flourish, with her father expressing admiration for her accomplishments. Eric also mentioned his son, Rhodes, who is 5 years old, indicating that family remains a central focus in his life.
With these revelations, Eric Roberts sheds light on the complexities of familial relationships in the public eye, emphasizing that understanding often requires a deeper look beyond surface appearances.
