History of Eric Roberts in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 17, 2026

Eric Roberts is a prolific American actor with over 700 acting credits. Notably, he starred in 74 films in 2017, highlighting his dedication and output in the film industry.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1974: Dennis parted from Gerry Mulligan

In 1974, Sandy Dennis parted from her boyfriend Gerry Mulligan, a jazz musician who had lived with her in the same house.

1981: Car Accident

In 1981, Eric Roberts was involved in a car accident near his home with Sandy Dennis, resulting in a month-long hospital stay and a three-day coma.

December 1987: Arrest in Manhattan

In December 1987, Eric Roberts was arrested in Manhattan for criminal trespass, possession of cocaine and marijuana, and second-degree assault after he punched a police officer.

February 1988: Guilty Plea and Sentencing

In February 1988, Eric Roberts pleaded guilty to harassment and was sentenced to six months on probation. His possession and assault charges were dropped.

1989: Profile of Sandy Dennis

In 1989, a profile of actress Sandy Dennis in People mentioned that she had a live-in relationship with Eric Roberts for five years.

February 10, 1991: Birth of Emma Roberts

On February 10, 1991, Eric Roberts' daughter, Emma Roberts, was born from his relationship with Kelly Cunningham. Emma later became an actress.

Others born on this day/year

1992: Marriage to Eliza Garrett

In 1992, Eric Roberts married Eliza Garrett, the daughter of screenwriters David Rayfiel and Lila Garrett.

February 1995: Arrest for Shoving Wife

In February 1995, Eric Roberts was arrested in Los Angeles for shoving his wife Eliza into a wall.

January 12, 2001: Howard Stern Radio Show Appearance

On January 12, 2001, Eric Roberts visited *The Howard Stern Radio Show* and confirmed that he and his sister, Julia Roberts, had been estranged for several years.

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2001: Emma Roberts' Film Debut

In 2001, Eric Roberts' daughter Emma Roberts made her major-film debut at age 10 in the drama *Blow*.

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2004: Reconciliation with Julia Roberts

In 2004, Eric Roberts told People magazine that he and his sister, Julia Roberts, reconciled when he visited her in the hospital after she gave birth to twins.

September 25, 2016: A Trip to Jamaica Premiere

On September 25, 2016, the Nigerian comedy drama movie *A Trip to Jamaica*, starring Eric Roberts, had its worldwide premiere in Lagos State.

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November 2016: A Trip to Jamaica Grosses 168 Million Naira

In November 2016, *A Trip to Jamaica*, starring Eric Roberts, grossed 168 million naira, breaking previous box office records. It became the fastest film to gross 100 million (17 days) and the fastest film to gross 150 million (six weeks).

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December 2016: A Trip to Jamaica Opens in London

In December 2016, Eric Roberts' film *A Trip to Jamaica* opened at the Odeon Cinemas in London, becoming the highest-grossing film that weekend in London and the highest per screen average film in the UK during its limited run.

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March 2017: Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards

In March 2017, Roberts' film *A Trip to Jamaica* received four nominations at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards in Lagos State, including categories for best actress in a comedy, best writer, best movie (West Africa) and best actor in a comedy.

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2017: The Institute Film Role

In 2017, Eric Roberts had a major role in the horror thriller film *The Institute*, alongside James Franco and Pamela Anderson.

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2018: Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls Appearance

In 2018, Eric Roberts appeared in the third series of the UK Channel4 reality show *Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls*, completing four weeks on the island.

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2018: Shift to B Movies

In 2018, Eric Roberts discussed his transition to making numerous B movies after a decrease in offers from major film studios in a Vanity Fair interview. He also acted in and was executive producer for the film *Beverly Hills Bandits*.

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2019: Starring in Multiple Films

In 2019, Eric Roberts starred in several films including *Night Walk*, *The Reliant*, and *The Immortal Wars: Resurgence*. He also appeared in *90 Feet from Home* and *A Karate Christmas Miracle*.

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December 2020: Roberts Becomes a Grandfather

In December 2020, Eric Roberts became a grandfather for the first time when his daughter Emma gave birth to a son named Rhodes with actor Garrett Hedlund.

2020: Film Appearances in 2020

In 2020, Eric Roberts starred in movies including *Reboot Camp*, *Angels Fallen*, *The Unbreakable Sword*, *Deported*, *Collision Earth*, *Hayalet : 3 Yasam*, and *Top Gunner*. He also appeared in the DC Comics short movie *Pamela & Ivy* and the fan-made movie *Gambit: Playing for Keeps*.

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January 2021: Masterful Audio Drama Role

In January 2021, Eric Roberts played the Master in *Masterful*, an audio drama celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Master's debut.

March 2021: Master! Spin-Off Series

In March 2021, Eric Roberts appeared in his own *Master!* spin-off series.

2022: Co-starring in Dog Boy and Recurring Role in The Righteous Gemstones

In 2022, Eric Roberts co-starred with Lana Wood in *Dog Boy* and had a recurring character in the second season of the HBO series *The Righteous Gemstones*.

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2022: Support for Ukraine and Cancellation in Russia

In 2022, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Eric Roberts announced his support for Ukraine. He stated he was subsequently "canceled" in Russia, impacting his income.

2023: Guest Star in South Wind: On the Edge

In 2023, Eric Roberts was a guest star in Season 2 of *South Wind: On the Edge*, created by Miloš Avramović.

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2023: Finding Your Roots Episode

In 2023, on an episode of *Finding Your Roots* featuring his sister Julia, it was revealed that Eric Roberts' biological paternal great-great-grandfather's surname was Mitchell, not Roberts. Eric Roberts is also a distant cousin of fellow actor Edward Norton.

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September 2024: Dancing with the Stars Appearance

In September 2024, Eric Roberts was announced as a celebrity contestant on season 33 of *Dancing with the Stars*, partnered with Britt Stewart.

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September 17, 2024: Publication of Memoir

On September 17, 2024, Eric Roberts' memoir, *Runaway Train: or, The Story of My Life So Far*, co-written with Sam Kashner, was published through St. Martin's Press.