Eric Roberts Reflects on Family Ties and Personal Struggles
Eric Roberts, a veteran actor with a career spanning over five decades, has recently opened up about his complex relationships with his family, particularly with his sister, Julia Roberts, and his daughter, Emma Roberts. In his memoir, Runaway Train: Or the Story of My Life So Far, he expresses regret over past statements that he now considers arrogant and untrue. He once claimed that without him, there would be no Julia Roberts or Emma Roberts in Hollywood, a sentiment he now describes as ‘stupid’ and hopes to apologize for publicly.
As a prominent figure in the film industry, Eric Roberts rose to fame with roles in movies like Bad Boys and Runaway Train, earning an Academy Award nomination for his role in the latter. However, his early success was marred by a struggle with cocaine addiction, which he admits significantly damaged his relationships with his sisters and daughter. He reflects on how his addiction created an environment of fear and uncertainty for Julia and his other sister, Lisa, during their formative years. Eric acknowledges that his drug use also led to the loss of custody of Emma, who has since distanced herself from him, choosing to maintain closer ties with her mother.
Roberts candidly discusses the impact of his family dynamics, including the influence of their abusive father, and how it shaped his turbulent journey in the entertainment industry. Despite his challenges, he remains active in acting, with numerous projects in the pipeline and currently participating in Dancing with the Stars. His memoir serves not only as a reflection on his past but also as a means to seek reconciliation with his family, as he expresses a desire to step back gracefully and honor his role as Julia's brother and Emma's father.
