Childhood and Education Journey of Julia Roberts in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 15, 2026

An overview of the childhood and early education of Julia Roberts, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Julia Roberts is a highly acclaimed American actress renowned for her versatile performances across various genres. She gained prominence through leading roles in romantic comedies and blockbusters, portraying charming and relatable characters. Roberts has since expanded her repertoire to include dramas, thrillers, and independent films. Her talent has been recognized with numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, and three Golden Globe Awards, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1955: Parents' Marriage

In 1955, Julia Roberts' parents, Betty Lou Bredemus and Walter Grady Roberts, were married.

1956: Birth of Eric Roberts

In 1956, Julia Roberts' older brother, Eric Roberts, was born. He is also an actor.

1965: Birth of Lisa Roberts Gillan

In 1965, Julia Roberts' older sister, Lisa Roberts Gillan, was born. She is also an actress.

October 28, 1967: Julia Roberts' Birth

On October 28, 1967, Julia Fiona Roberts was born in Atlanta, Georgia. She is an American actress known for her leading roles.

Others born on this day/year

1971: Mother Filed for Divorce

In 1971, Julia Roberts' mother filed for divorce from her father.

1972: Divorce Finalized and Mother's Remarriage

In 1972, Julia Roberts' parents' divorce was finalized. Her mother then married Michael Motes.

1983: Mother's Divorce from Michael Motes

In 1983, Julia Roberts' mother divorced Michael Motes on grounds of cruelty.

1987: Robert Harling's play of the same name

Robert Harling wrote the play Steel Magnolias in 1987.

June 14, 1991: Breakup with Kiefer Sutherland

Julia Roberts and Kiefer Sutherland broke up shortly before their scheduled wedding on June 14, 1991. According to Roberts, the wedding had been cancelled long before, contrary to press reports.

June 25, 1993: Marriage to Lyle Lovett

On June 25, 1993, Julia Roberts married country singer Lyle Lovett at St. James Lutheran Church in Marion, Indiana.

March 1995: Separation from Lyle Lovett

In March 1995, Julia Roberts and Lyle Lovett separated, eventually leading to their divorce.

1998: Relationship with Benjamin Bratt

In 1998, Julia Roberts began dating actor Benjamin Bratt.

2000: Met Daniel Moder

In 2000, Julia Roberts met her future husband, cameraman Daniel Moder, on the set of her film 'The Mexican'.

2001: End of relationship with Benjamin Bratt

In 2001, Julia Roberts and actor Benjamin Bratt ended their relationship.

July 4, 2002: Marriage to Daniel Moder

On July 4, 2002, Julia Roberts married Daniel Moder at her ranch in Taos, New Mexico.

November 2004: Birth of Twins

In November 2004, Julia Roberts gave birth to twins, a daughter and a son.

2004: Reconciliation with Eric Roberts

In 2004, Julia Roberts reconciled with her older brother, Eric Roberts, after a period of estrangement.

June 2007: Birth of son Henry

In June 2007, Julia Roberts gave birth to another son, Henry.

September 2009: Children's new Hindu names

In September 2009, Swami Daram Dev gave Julia Roberts' children new names after Hindu gods: Lakshmi for Hazel, Ganesh for Phinnaeus and Krishna Balram for Henry.

2010: Conversion to Hinduism

In 2010, Julia Roberts stated she was Hindu, having converted for "spiritual satisfaction", and is a devotee of Neem Karoli Baba.

February 9, 2014: Death of Nancy Motes

On February 9, 2014, Julia Roberts' half-sister, Nancy Motes, died at the age of 37 from an apparent drug overdose.

2023: Discovery on Finding Your Roots

In 2023, on an episode of Finding Your Roots, Julia Roberts learned that the surname of her biological paternal great-great-grandfather was actually Mitchell, not Roberts.

July 21, 2024: Biden ended his re-election campaign

On July 21, 2024, President Joe Biden ended his re-election campaign for which Julia Roberts had provided endorsement and fundraising support.

2024: Supported Kamala Harris during the 2024 United States presidential election

In 2024, Julia Roberts supported Kamala Harris during the 2024 United States presidential election, appearing at a campaign rally and voicing a political advertisement for Harris, which drew criticism from Donald Trump.