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 successful American actress celebrated for her roles across diverse genres. With an Academy Award, BAFTA, and three Golden Globes, she is recognized for portraying relatable and charming characters in romantic comedies and blockbusters before expanding into dramas. Her films have grossed over $3.9 billion worldwide, establishing her as one of Hollywood's most bankable stars. The media has dubbed her "America's Sweetheart" due to her popularity and charisma.
1953: Portrayal of art history professor at Wellesley College in Mona Lisa Smile
In 1953, Julia Roberts portrayed a forward-thinking art history professor at Wellesley College in the film Mona Lisa Smile.
February 13, 1987: First Television Appearance in Crime Story
On February 13, 1987, Julia Roberts made her first television appearance as a juvenile rape victim in an episode of Crime Story.
1987: Play of Steel Magnolias
In 1987, the play of Steel Magnolias was released, and Julia Roberts starred in its film adaptation.
1988: Breakthrough in Mystic Pizza
In 1988, Julia Roberts had an early breakthrough role in Mystic Pizza.
1988: Big screen debut in Satisfaction
In 1988, Julia Roberts made her big screen debut in the dramedy Satisfaction and also had a role in Miami Vice and had her first critical success with moviegoers came with the independent romantic comedy Mystic Pizza.
1989: Blood Red released
In 1989, Blood Red, in which Julia Roberts had a small role in 1987, was released.
1989: Nomination for Academy Award
In 1989, Julia Roberts received her first Academy Award nomination.
1989: Breakthrough in Steel Magnolias
In 1989, Julia Roberts starred in Steel Magnolias, further solidifying her status as a leading lady.
1990: Starring in Pretty Woman
In 1990, Julia Roberts starred in Pretty Woman, earning her a second Oscar nomination and Golden Globe Award win.
1991: Starring in Sleeping with the Enemy, Hook, and Dying Young
In 1991, Julia Roberts starred in Sleeping with the Enemy, Hook, and Dying Young.
1992: Cameo in The Player and Hiatus
In 1992, Julia Roberts made a cameo appearance in The Player and subsequently took a two-year hiatus from the screen.
1992: The Hollywood Reporter List
In 1992, Julia Roberts's Shoelace Productions company received a deal with Joe Roth.
1993: Starring in The Pelican Brief
In 1993, Julia Roberts starred in The Pelican Brief with Denzel Washington.
1994: Starring in I Love Trouble and Prêt-à-Porter
In 1994, Julia Roberts starred in I Love Trouble and Prêt-à-Porter.
1995: Starring in Something to Talk About
In 1995, Julia Roberts starred in Something to Talk About.
1995: Roberts as a 'rainmaker for women's films'
In 1995, The New York Times described Julia Roberts as a "rainmaker for women's films", highlighting her ability to guarantee a film's opening weekend audience and even greenlight projects.
1996: Guest appearance in Friends and starring in Michael Collins and Mary Reilly
In 1996, Julia Roberts guest-starred in Friends and appeared in the films Michael Collins and Mary Reilly.
1997: Starring in My Best Friend's Wedding and Conspiracy Theory
In 1997, Julia Roberts starred in My Best Friend's Wedding and Conspiracy Theory.
1997: Starring in My Best Friend's Wedding
In 1997, Julia Roberts starred in My Best Friend's Wedding, continuing to establish herself as a leading actress.
1998: Appearing on Sesame Street and starring in Stepmom
In 1998, Julia Roberts appeared on Sesame Street and starred in the drama Stepmom.
1999: Starring in Notting Hill and Runaway Bride, Guest Star on Law & Order
In 1999, Julia Roberts starred in Notting Hill and Runaway Bride and guest-starred on Law & Order.
1999: Starring in Notting Hill and Runaway Bride
In 1999, Julia Roberts starred in both Notting Hill and Runaway Bride, continuing her success in romantic comedies.
2000: Roberts 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, ranking third.
2000: Narrated documentary about Rett syndrome
In 2000, Julia Roberts narrated a documentary about Rett syndrome to raise public awareness about the neurodevelopmental disorder.
2000: Unprecedented Fee for Erin Brockovich
In 2000, Julia Roberts received an unprecedented fee of $20 million for her role in Erin Brockovich.
2000: Starring in Erin Brockovich
In 2000, Julia Roberts starred in Erin Brockovich, becoming the first actress to be paid $20 million for a film and winning the Academy Award for Best Actress.
2000: Winning Best Actress Academy Award for Erin Brockovich
In 2000, Julia Roberts won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in Erin Brockovich.
2001: Starring in Ocean's Eleven
In 2001, Julia Roberts starred in the film Ocean's Eleven.
2001: The Mexican, America's Sweethearts, and Ocean's Eleven releases
In 2001, Julia Roberts starred in three films: The Mexican with Brad Pitt, America's Sweethearts with Billy Crystal and John Cusack, and Ocean's Eleven with George Clooney and Brad Pitt. The films had mixed critical reception, but Ocean's Eleven was a box office success.
2002: Listed as one of the 10 highest-paid actresses
From 2002 to 2005, Julia Roberts appeared in The Hollywood Reporter's list of the 10 highest-paid actresses every year.
2002: Roberts Ranked Most Bankable Star
In 2002, Julia Roberts became the first woman to be ranked the most bankable star in Hollywood by The Hollywood Reporter, tying with Tom Cruise and Tom Hanks.
2003: Unprecedented Fee for Mona Lisa Smile
In 2003, Julia Roberts received an unprecedented fee of $25 million for her role in Mona Lisa Smile.
2004: Executive Producer for American Girl films
From 2004, Julia Roberts served as an executive producer for the first four films of the American Girl franchise through her production company, Red Om Films.
2004: Replaced Cate Blanchett in Closer and reprised role in Ocean's Twelve
In 2004, Julia Roberts replaced Cate Blanchett in the film Closer and reprised her role as Tess Ocean in Ocean's Twelve.
2004: Starring in Ocean's Twelve
In 2004, Julia Roberts starred in Ocean's Twelve.
2004: Produced American Girl Film series
Starting in 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.
2005: Featured in the music video for "Dreamgirl" by the Dave Matthews Band
In 2005, Julia Roberts was featured in the music video for the single "Dreamgirl" by the Dave Matthews Band. This marked her first appearance in a music video.
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 play Three Days of Rain.
2006: Became a spokeswoman for Earth Biofuels
In 2006, Julia Roberts became a spokeswoman for Earth Biofuels and chair of the company's advisory board to promote renewable fuels.
2006: Endorsement deal with Gianfranco Ferre
In 2006, Julia Roberts signed an endorsement deal with fashion label Gianfranco Ferre, valued at $6 million.
2007: Starred in Charlie Wilson's War
In 2007, Julia Roberts starred as Joanne Herring in the film Charlie Wilson's War, receiving a Golden Globe nomination for her performance.
2008: End of Production for American Girl films
In 2008, Julia Roberts concluded her role as executive producer for the first four films of the American Girl franchise.
2008: American Girl Film series
In 2008, Julia Roberts was an executive producer for the first four films of the American Girl film series.
2008: Fireflies in the Garden screened at Berlin International Film Festival
In 2008, the independent drama Fireflies in the Garden, starring Julia Roberts, was screened at the Berlin International Film Festival.
2009: Starred in Duplicity, receives Golden Globe nomination
In 2009, Julia Roberts starred in the comic thriller Duplicity, receiving her seventh Golden Globe nomination for her role.
2009: Critic Assesses Roberts' Performances
In 2009, a critic for The New Yorker suggested that Julia Roberts' technical acting skills might not always match the emotional depth required for audience connection, partly due to her maintained distance in her public persona.
2009: Global ambassador for Lancôme
Since 2009, Julia Roberts has acted as Lancôme's global ambassador.
2010: Valentine's Day and Eat Pray Love
In 2010, Julia Roberts appeared in Valentine's Day and starred in Eat Pray Love, which had a successful box office debut.
2010: Lancôme extension signed
In 2010, Julia Roberts signed a five-year extension with Lancôme for $50 million.
2011: North American release of Fireflies in the Garden
In 2011, Fireflies in the Garden, starring Julia Roberts, had its North American release.
2012: HuffPost Writer Comments on Roberts' Career
In 2012, HuffPost writer Mike Ryan suggested Julia Roberts' career relied more on her star power than acting acclaim, noting her absence in discussions of the industry's most celebrated actresses.
2012: Starred in Mirror Mirror
In 2012, Julia Roberts portrayed the evil queen in Mirror Mirror, a film adaptation of Snow White.
2013: Gucci campaign "Chime for Change"
In 2013, Julia Roberts participated in Gucci's "Chime for Change" campaign to promote female empowerment.
2013: Starred in August: Osage County
In 2013, Julia Roberts starred in August: Osage County, earning nominations for multiple awards, including an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
2014: Narrated "Women in Hollywood" and starred in The Normal Heart
In 2014, Julia Roberts narrated "Women in Hollywood", an episode of Makers: Women Who Make America, and also starred in The Normal Heart.
2014: Starred in The Normal Heart
In 2014, Julia Roberts starred as Dr. Emma Brookner in the television adaptation of The Normal Heart, receiving a Primetime Emmy Award nomination.
2014: Voice of Mother Nature in Nature Is Speaking
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: Appeared in Givenchy campaign and starred in Secret in Their Eyes
In 2015, Julia Roberts appeared in Givenchy's spring-summer campaign and starred in Secret in Their Eyes, a remake of the Argentine film.
2016: Reunited with Garry Marshall in Mother's Day and starred in Money Monster
In 2016, Julia Roberts reunited with Garry Marshall for the film Mother's Day and starred in Jodie Foster's thriller Money Monster.
2017: Roberts on Actively Pursuing Roles
By 2017, Julia Roberts stated that she no longer actively pursued roles but waited for opportunities, emphasizing her selective approach to projects.
2017: Starred in 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 series premiered
In November 2018, Julia Roberts's first regular television project, the psychological thriller series Homecoming, premiered on Amazon Video.
2018: Starring in Homecoming
In 2018, Julia Roberts starred in the streaming series Homecoming.
2021: Box Office Successes as of 2021
As of 2021, this entry mentions Julia Roberts' most successful films at the box office.
2021: Global face of Chopard's Happy Sport and Happy Diamonds collections campaigns
Since 2021, Julia Roberts has been the global face of Chopard's Happy Sport and Happy Diamonds collections campaigns.
October 21, 2022: Ticket to Paradise released
On October 21, 2022, Julia Roberts reunited with George Clooney for the release of the romantic comedy Ticket to Paradise.
2022: Starring in Ticket to Paradise and Gaslit
In 2022, Julia Roberts starred in Ticket to Paradise and the television series Gaslit.
2023: Global Brand Ambassador for Chopard
In 2023, Chopard announced Julia Roberts as its Global Brand Ambassador.
2023: Starring in Leave the World Behind
In 2023, Julia Roberts starred in Leave the World Behind.
July 21, 2024: Biden Ends Re-election Campaign
On July 21, 2024, Joe Biden ended his re-election campaign, despite Julia Roberts' endorsement and fundraising involvement.
2024: Roberts Supports Kamala Harris in Presidential Election
In 2024, Julia Roberts supported Kamala Harris during the United States presidential election, appearing at a campaign rally and voicing a political advertisement, leading to criticism from Donald Trump.
2024: Narrated audiobook version of Lisa Marie Presley's memoir
In 2024, Julia Roberts would narrate the audiobook version of Lisa Marie Presley's memoir From Here to the Great Unknown.
2025: Upcoming role in After the Hunt
In 2025, Julia Roberts is slated to star in After the Hunt.
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