Career Timeline of Julia Roberts: Major Achievements and Milestones
Discover the career path of Julia Roberts, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Julia Roberts is a highly acclaimed American actress renowned for her leading roles across various genres. She has earned numerous awards, including an Academy Award, BAFTA, and three Golden Globes. Roberts initially gained fame for portraying charming characters in romantic comedies and blockbusters, later transitioning into dramas, thrillers, and independent films. Her films have collectively grossed over $3.9 billion globally, establishing her as one of Hollywood's most bankable stars. She was widely known as "America's Sweetheart" due to her immense popularity and charisma.
1953: Portrayal in Mona Lisa Smile
In 1953, Julia Roberts received a record $25 million to portray a forward-thinking art history professor at Wellesley College in Mike Newell's drama Mona Lisa Smile.
February 13, 1987: First television appearance on Crime Story
On February 13, 1987, Julia Roberts made her first television appearance as a juvenile rape victim in Crime Story, in the episode "The Survivor" with Dennis Farina.
1988: Early Breakthrough in Mystic Pizza
In 1988, Julia Roberts had an early breakthrough role in Mystic Pizza. This role helped to establish her in the film industry.
1988: Big screen debut in Satisfaction
In 1988, Julia Roberts made her big screen debut in the dramedy Satisfaction, playing a band member looking for a summer gig.
1989: Release of Blood Red
In 1989, Blood Red, a film in which Julia Roberts had a small role opposite her brother Eric in 1987, was released.
1989: Academy Award Nomination
In 1989, Julia Roberts received her first Academy Award nomination for her role in Steel Magnolias, marking a significant milestone in her career.
1989: Starring in Steel Magnolias
In 1989, Julia Roberts starred in Steel Magnolias, receiving her first Academy Award nomination and Golden Globe Award win for her performance as a young bride with diabetes.
1990: Starring in Pretty Woman
In 1990, Julia Roberts starred in Pretty Woman, which became a top-grossing romantic comedy and cemented her status as a leading actress.
1990: Starring in Pretty Woman and Second Golden Globe Award
In 1990, Julia Roberts starred in Pretty Woman, which earned her a second Oscar nomination and second Golden Globe Award win.
1991: Roles in Sleeping with the Enemy, Hook, and Dying Young
In 1991, Julia Roberts starred in Sleeping with the Enemy, Hook, and Dying Young, receiving mixed reviews but achieving commercial success.
1992: Cameo Appearance in The Player
In 1992, Julia Roberts made a cameo appearance in Robert Altman's film The Player during a two-year hiatus from the screen.
1993: Starring in The Pelican Brief
In 1993, Julia Roberts starred with Denzel Washington in The Pelican Brief, based on John Grisham's novel.
1994: Roles in I Love Trouble and Prêt-à-Porter
In 1994, Julia Roberts starred in I Love Trouble and Prêt-à-Porter, which were not well-received by critics or at the box office.
1995: Starring in Something to Talk About
In 1995, Julia Roberts starred in Something to Talk About, which did not garner critical acclaim or significant box office success.
1995: Rainmaker for Women's Films
In 1995, The New York Times described Julia Roberts as a "rainmaker for women's films", noting her ability to guarantee a film's opening weekend audience and even greenlight a project simply by agreeing to star in it.
1996: Guest Appearance in Friends and Role in Michael Collins
In 1996, Julia Roberts guest-starred in Friends and appeared in the historical drama Michael Collins.
1997: Starring in My Best Friend's Wedding and Conspiracy Theory
In 1997, Julia Roberts starred in the romantic comedy My Best Friend's Wedding and the political thriller Conspiracy Theory.
1997: Starring in My Best Friend's Wedding
In 1997, Julia Roberts starred in the romantic comedy My Best Friend's Wedding. The performance was highly praised.
1998: Appearance on Sesame Street and Starring in Stepmom
In 1998, Julia Roberts appeared on Sesame Street and starred in the drama Stepmom alongside Susan Sarandon.
1999: Starring in Notting Hill and Runaway Bride
In 1999, Julia Roberts starred in Notting Hill and Runaway Bride, both commercially successful films, and guest-starred in an episode of Law & Order.
2000: Inclusion on The Hollywood Reporter's List
In 2000, Julia Roberts became the first actress to be included on The Hollywood Reporter's list of the 50 most influential women in show business, where she was ranked the third most powerful woman in entertainment.
2000: Unprecedented fee for Erin Brockovich
In 2000, Julia Roberts became the first actress to be paid $20 million for a film, for her role in Erin Brockovich.
2000: Role in Erin Brockovich and Academy Award
In 2000, Julia Roberts became the first actress to be paid $20 million for a film, for her role in Erin Brockovich. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress and achieved significant recognition in the industry. She also became the first actress to make The Hollywood Reporter's list of the 50 most influential women in show business since the list had begun in 1992.
2000: Narrated Rett Syndrome Documentary
In 2000, Julia Roberts narrated a documentary about Rett syndrome to raise public awareness about the disease.
2000: Academy Award for Erin Brockovich
In 2000, Julia Roberts won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in the biographical drama Erin Brockovich.
2001: Role in Ocean's Eleven
In 2001, Julia Roberts continued her film success with a role in Ocean's Eleven.
2001: The Mexican, America's Sweethearts, and Ocean's Eleven
In 2001, Julia Roberts starred in "The Mexican" with Brad Pitt, a road gangster comedy. She also appeared in "America's Sweethearts", a romantic comedy with Billy Crystal and John Cusack. The same year, she starred in "Ocean's Eleven" with George Clooney and Brad Pitt.
2002: Highest-Paid Actresses List
From 2002, Julia Roberts appeared in The Hollywood Reporter's list of the 10 highest-paid actresses every year until 2005.
2002: Most Bankable Star in Hollywood
In 2002, Julia Roberts became the first woman to be ranked the most bankable star in Hollywood based on an industry poll by The Hollywood Reporter, tying her with Tom Cruise and Tom Hanks.
2003: High fee for Mona Lisa Smile
In 2003, Julia Roberts received an unprecedented fee of $25 million for her role in Mona Lisa Smile.
2004: American Girl film series
From 2004, through her production company Red Om Films, Julia Roberts served as an executive producer for the first four films of the American Girl film series.
2004: Role in Ocean's Twelve
In 2004, Julia Roberts continued her film success with a role in Ocean's Twelve.
2004: Executive Producer for American Girl films
In 2004, Julia Roberts served as an executive producer for the first film of the American Girl franchise through her production company Red Om Films.
2004: Starred in Closer and Ocean's Twelve
In 2004, Julia Roberts starred in "Closer" as an American photographer and reprised her role as Tess Ocean in "Ocean's Twelve."
2005: Featured in Dreamgirl music video
In 2005, Julia Roberts was featured in the music video for "Dreamgirl" by the Dave Matthews Band, marking her first music video appearance.
April 19, 2006: Broadway Debut in Three Days of Rain
On April 19, 2006, Julia Roberts made her Broadway debut as Nan in a revival of Richard Greenberg's 1997 play "Three Days of Rain".
2006: Spokeswoman for Earth Biofuels
In 2006, Julia Roberts became a spokeswoman for Earth Biofuels and chair of the company's advisory board.
2006: Endorsement Deal with Gianfranco Ferre
In 2006, Julia Roberts signed a $6 million endorsement deal with the fashion label Gianfranco Ferre. She was photographed by Mario Testino for the brand's advertising campaign, which was distributed in Europe, Asia, and Australia.
2007: Role in Charlie Wilson's War
In 2007, Julia Roberts played a role in the film Charlie Wilson's War.
2008: Fireflies in the Garden Screened
In 2008, "Fireflies in the Garden", starring Julia Roberts, was screened at the Berlin International Film Festival.
2008: Executive Producer for American Girl films
In 2008, Julia Roberts continued to serve as an executive producer for the American Girl franchise through her production company Red Om Films.
2008: American Girl film series
In 2008, Julia Roberts, through her production company Red Om Films, served as an executive producer for the first four films of the American Girl film series.
2009: Starred in Duplicity
In 2009, Julia Roberts starred in the comic thriller "Duplicity", receiving a Golden Globe nomination for her performance.
2009: Criticism from The New Yorker
In 2009, a critic for The New Yorker suggested that while Julia Roberts is a skilled actress, her technical abilities might not always match the emotional depth required for audiences to fully connect with her performances, partly due to the distance she maintains in her public persona.
2009: Global Ambassador for Lancôme
Since 2009, Julia Roberts has been the global ambassador for Lancôme, representing the brand worldwide.
2010: Valentine's Day and Eat Pray Love
In 2010, Julia Roberts appeared in "Valentine's Day" and starred in the film adaptation of "Eat Pray Love".
2010: Lancôme Extension Deal
In 2010, Julia Roberts signed a five-year extension with Lancôme for $50 million, continuing her role as their global ambassador.
2011: North American Release of Fireflies in the Garden
In 2011, the film Fireflies in the Garden, starring Julia Roberts, finally received a North American release after being shown in European cinemas in 2008.
2012: Discussion of Roberts' Career in HuffPost
In 2012, HuffPost writer Mike Ryan suggested that Julia Roberts' career has relied more on her star power than on widespread acclaim for her acting, noting that she is not often included in discussions of the industry's most celebrated actresses.
2012: Starred in Mirror Mirror
In 2012, Julia Roberts portrayed Queen Clementianna in "Mirror Mirror", the Tarsem Singh adaptation of Snow White.
2013: Part of Gucci's Chime for Change Campaign
In 2013, Julia Roberts participated in Gucci's "Chime for Change" campaign, aimed at spreading female empowerment.
2013: Starred in August: Osage County
In 2013, Julia Roberts starred in "August: Osage County", earning nominations for several awards, including an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
2014: Narrated Women in Hollywood
In 2014, Julia Roberts narrated "Women in Hollywood", an episode of the second season of Makers: Women Who Make America.
2014: Voice of Mother Nature
In 2014, Julia Roberts voiced Mother Nature in a short film for the Conservation International campaign Nature Is Speaking, raising awareness about climate change.
2015: Starred in Secret in Their Eyes
In 2015, Julia Roberts starred in "Secret in Their Eyes", a remake of the 2009 Argentine film.
2016: Mother's Day and Money Monster
In 2016, Julia Roberts reunited with Garry Marshall in "Mother's Day" and starred in Jodie Foster's thriller "Money Monster".
2017: Selective About Roles
By 2017, Julia Roberts stated that she no longer actively pursued roles but instead waited to see what opportunities arose, maintaining that she is selective about her projects.
2017: Wonder and Smurfs: The Lost Village
In 2017, Julia Roberts starred in "Wonder" and voiced a character in "Smurfs: The Lost Village".
November 2018: Homecoming Premiered on Amazon Video
In November 2018, Julia Roberts' first regular television project, "Homecoming", premiered on Amazon Video, receiving critical acclaim, and she received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress.
2018: First Regular TV Appearance in Homecoming
In 2018, Julia Roberts made her first regular television appearance in the first season of the Amazon Prime Video psychological thriller series Homecoming.
2021: Highest Grossing Films
As of 2021, this entry mentions Julia Roberts' films that have earned the most at the box office.
2021: Global Face of Chopard's Happy Sport and Happy Diamonds collections
Since 2021, Roberts starred as the global face of Chopard's Happy Sport and Happy Diamonds collections campaigns.
October 21, 2022: Release of Ticket to Paradise
On October 21, 2022, the romantic comedy "Ticket to Paradise", starring Julia Roberts and George Clooney, was released by Universal Pictures.
2022: Roles in Ticket to Paradise and Gaslit
In 2022, Julia Roberts starred in Ticket to Paradise and portrayed Martha Mitchell in the Starz political limited series Gaslit.
2023: Global Brand Ambassador for Chopard
In 2023, Chopard announced Julia Roberts as its Global Brand Ambassador.
2023: Role in Leave the World Behind
In 2023, Julia Roberts starred in Leave the World Behind.
2024: Narrating Lisa Marie Presley's Memoir
In 2024, Julia Roberts and Riley Keough are set to narrate the audiobook version of Lisa Marie Presley's memoir, "From Here to the Great Unknown".
February 28, 2025: Honored as Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters
On February 28, 2025, Julia Roberts was honored by French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati as a Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters (Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres) for her significant contribution to world cinema.
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