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 and acclaimed American actress. Renowned for her versatile performances in romantic comedies, dramas, and thrillers, she has garnered numerous awards, including an Academy Award. Her films have grossed over $3.9 billion globally, solidifying her status as one of Hollywood's most bankable stars. She gained widespread popularity and the nickname "America's Sweetheart" due to her on- and off-screen charisma and portrayal of charming characters.

Sections (4)

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

1955: Marriage of Julia Roberts' parents

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

1956: Birth of older brother Eric Roberts

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

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1965: Birth of older sister Lisa Roberts Gillan

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

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October 28, 1967: Julia Roberts Born

On October 28, 1967, Julia Fiona Roberts was born in Atlanta, Georgia. She would grow up to be a famous American actress.

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1971: Divorce filing by Julia Roberts' mother

In 1971, Julia Roberts' mother, Betty Lou Bredemus, filed for divorce from Walter Grady Roberts.

1972: Divorce finalized and mother's remarriage

In 1972, the divorce of Julia Roberts' parents was finalized, and her mother married Michael Motes, who was abusive.

1983: 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

In 1987, Robert Harling wrote the play 'Steel Magnolias', that would become a movie adaptation starring Julia Roberts in 1989.

1992: Cameo in The Player and People Magazine cover

In 1992, Julia Roberts made a cameo in 'The Player', and in early 1993, she was the subject of a People magazine cover story.

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1992: Making The Hollywood Reporter's list

In 2000, Julia Roberts 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.

1995: Visit to Port-au-Prince, Haiti with UNICEF

In 1995, Julia Roberts visited Port-au-Prince, Haiti, with UNICEF to learn more about the situation and encourage donations.

2000: Narrated Rett syndrome documentary

In 2000, Julia Roberts narrated a documentary about Rett syndrome to raise public awareness about the disease.

November 2004: Roberts gives birth to twins

In November 2004, Julia Roberts gave birth to 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.

June 2007: Roberts gives birth to another son

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

September 2009: Roberts' children given new names

In September 2009, while Julia Roberts was shooting Eat Pray Love, Swami Daram Dev gave her children new names after Hindu gods: Lakshmi for Hazel, Ganesh for Phinnaeus and Krishna Balram for Henry.

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2010: Roberts announces she is Hindu

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

2013: Part of Gucci's Chime for Change Campaign

In 2013, Julia Roberts participated in Gucci's "Chime for Change" campaign to promote female empowerment.

February 9, 2014: Death of half-sister Nancy Motes

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

2014: Voiced Mother Nature in Nature Is Speaking

In 2014, Julia Roberts voiced Mother Nature in a short film for Conservation International's Nature Is Speaking campaign to raise awareness about climate change.

2023: Roberts discovers her biological paternal great-great-grandfather's surname

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: Biden ended re-election campaign

On July 21, 2024, Joe Biden ended his re-election campaign, though Julia Roberts had endorsed him and participated in fundraising activities.

2024: Roberts supports Kamala Harris in election

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