Childhood and Education Journey of Julia Roberts in Timeline

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

Julia Roberts is a highly successful American actress renowned for her versatility across genres. She gained fame for her charming roles in romantic comedies and blockbusters, later expanding into dramas and independent films. Her films have grossed over $3.9 billion worldwide, establishing her as one of Hollywood's most bankable stars. Roberts has received numerous awards, including an Academy Award and multiple Golden Globe Awards. Her widespread popularity and charisma have earned her the nickname 'America’s Sweetheart'.

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, married.

1956: Birth of Brother Eric Roberts

In 1956, Julia Roberts' older brother, Eric Roberts, was born.

1965: Birth of Sister Lisa Roberts Gillan

In 1965, Julia Roberts' older sister, Lisa Roberts Gillan, was born.

October 28, 1967: Julia Roberts' Birth

On October 28, 1967, Julia Fiona Roberts was born in Smyrna, Georgia.

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, and her mother married Michael Motes.

1983: Mother Divorced Michael Motes

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

1987: Robert Harling's play of the same name

In 1987, Robert Harling wrote the play Steel Magnolias of the same name, on which Julia Roberts' 1989 film was based.

1995: Visit to Port-au-Prince, Haiti

In 1995, Julia Roberts visited Port-au-Prince, Haiti, with UNICEF, which was expected to trigger an outburst of donations.

November 2004: Birth of Twins

In November 2004, Julia Roberts and Daniel Moder had twins, a daughter and a son.

2004: Reconciliation with Brother Eric Roberts

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

2006: Spokeswoman for Earth Biofuels

In 2006, Julia Roberts became a spokeswoman for Earth Biofuels and chair of the company's advisory board, promoting the use of renewable fuels.

June 2007: Birth of Another Son

In June 2007, Julia Roberts and Daniel Moder had another son.

September 2009: Hindu Names for Children

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.

2009: Public Persona and Acting

In 2009, a critic for The New Yorker suggested that Julia Roberts' 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.

2010: Conversion to Hinduism

In 2010, Julia Roberts said she was Hindu, having converted for "spiritual satisfaction".

2013: Participation in Gucci's Chime for Change Campaign

In 2013, Julia Roberts participated in Gucci's "Chime for Change" campaign, aimed at spreading female empowerment.

February 9, 2014: Death of Half-Sister Nancy Motes

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

2017: "World's Most Beautiful Woman"

In 2017, People magazine named Julia Roberts the "World's Most Beautiful Woman" for a record-breaking fifth time.

2023: Discovery on Finding Your Roots

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

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July 21, 2024: Endorsement of President Joe Biden

Julia Roberts endorsed President Joe Biden for re-election in 2024 and participated in related fundraising activities. However, on July 21, 2024, Joe Biden ended his re-election campaign.

2024: Support for Kamala Harris

In 2024, Julia Roberts supported Kamala Harris during the United States presidential election, appearing at a rally and voicing a political advertisement. Donald Trump criticized her role in the advertisement.

2024: Addressing Rumors of Being Difficult

In a 2024 interview with filmmaker Richard Curtis, Julia Roberts finally addressed rumors of being challenging to work with, attributing them to efforts not to appear overly friendly on film sets and her forthright personality.