History of Julia Roberts in Timeline
Julia Roberts is a highly successful and acclaimed American actress, recognized for her leading roles across diverse genres. With accolades including an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, and three Golden Globe Awards, she rose to fame portraying charming characters in romantic comedies and blockbusters before diversifying into dramas and thrillers. Her films have collectively grossed over $3.9 billion globally, establishing her as one of Hollywood's most bankable stars, earning her the media nickname "America's Sweetheart" due to her widespread appeal and charisma.
1953: Portrayal of art history professor in Mona Lisa Smile
In 1953, Julia Roberts portrayed a forward-thinking art history professor at Wellesley College in the film "Mona Lisa Smile", for which she received a record $25 million.
1955: Parents Married
In 1955, Julia Roberts's parents, Betty Lou Bredemus and Walter Grady Roberts, got married.
1956: Brother Eric Roberts Born
In 1956, Julia Roberts' older brother, Eric Roberts, was born. He is also an actor.
1960: Original Ocean's Eleven film release
In 1960, the original film "Ocean's Eleven", later remade with Julia Roberts in 2001, was released.
1965: Sister Lisa Roberts Gillan born
In 1965, Julia Robert's older sister, Lisa Roberts Gillan, was born. She is also an actress.
October 28, 1967: Julia Roberts Born
On October 28, 1967, Julia Fiona Roberts was born in Smyrna, Georgia. She is an American actress known for leading roles in various genres.
1971: Mother Filed for Divorce
In 1971, Julia Roberts's mother filed for divorce from her father.
1972: Divorce Finalized
In early 1972, the divorce between Julia Roberts's parents was finalized. Afterwards, Julia lived in Smyrna, Georgia.
1983: Mother's Divorce from Michael Motes
In 1983, Julia Roberts's mother divorced Michael Motes on grounds of cruelty.
February 13, 1987: First Television Appearance
On February 13, 1987, Julia Roberts made her first television appearance as a juvenile rape victim in the first season of 'Crime Story', in the episode "The Survivor".
1987: Robert Harling's play of the same name
Robert Harling's play of the same name Steel Magnolias in 1987.
1988: Breakthrough in Mystic Pizza
In 1988, Julia Roberts had an early breakthrough role in the film 'Mystic Pizza'.
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. She also had a role in Miami Vice that year and her first critical success with the movie 'Mystic Pizza'.
1989: Academy Award Nomination
In 1989, Julia Roberts earned her first Academy Award nomination for her role in 'Steel Magnolias', paving the way for further recognition.
1989: Starred in Steel Magnolias
In 1989, Julia Roberts starred in 'Steel Magnolias' as a young bride with diabetes, earning her first Academy Award nomination and Golden Globe Award win.
1989: Blood Red Released
In 1989, the film 'Blood Red', which featured Julia Roberts in a small role filmed in 1987, was released.
1990: Starred in Pretty Woman
In 1990, Julia Roberts starred in 'Pretty Woman' alongside Richard Gere, earning her a second Oscar nomination and Golden Globe Award win.
June 14, 1991: Broken engagement to Kiefer Sutherland
Julia Roberts' engagement to Kiefer Sutherland broke up shortly before their scheduled wedding on June 14, 1991.
1991: Starred in Sleeping with the Enemy, Hook and Dying Young
In 1991, Julia Roberts starred in 'Sleeping with the Enemy', 'Hook', and 'Dying Young', receiving negative reviews but achieving commercial success.
1992: Cameo in The Player
In 1992, Julia Roberts took a two-year hiatus from the screen. Her only appearance in a film was a cameo in Robert Altman's 'The Player'.
1992: First Actress on 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.
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.
1993: Starred in The Pelican Brief
In 1993, Julia Roberts starred with Denzel Washington in the thriller 'The Pelican Brief', based on John Grisham's 1992 novel.
1994: Starred 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.
March 1995: Separation from Lyle Lovett
In March 1995, Julia Roberts and Lyle Lovett separated.
1995: Starred in Something to Talk About
In 1995, Julia Roberts starred in 'Something to Talk About', which was not particularly well received by critics or a big box office draw.
1995: Rainmaker for women's films
In 1995, Julia Roberts was described as a "rainmaker for women's films" by The New York Times’ Josh Young, noting her ability to guarantee a film's opening weekend audience.
1996: Guest-Starred in Friends and Appeared in Michael Collins
In 1996, Julia Roberts guest-starred in 'Friends' and appeared with Liam Neeson in the historical drama 'Michael Collins'.
1997: Starred in My Best Friend's Wedding and Conspiracy Theory
In 1997, Julia Roberts starred in 'My Best Friend's Wedding', receiving high praise, and also starred in 'Conspiracy Theory' opposite Mel Gibson.
1997: Starred in My Best Friend's Wedding
In 1997, Julia Roberts starred in the romantic comedy 'My Best Friend's Wedding'.
1997: Patrick Marber's play Closer
In 1997, Patrick Marber wrote the play Closer, which was later adapted into a film starring Julia Roberts in 2004.
1997: Publication of Three Days of Rain
In 1997, Richard Greenberg's play, "Three Days of Rain" was published. Julia Roberts debuted on Broadway in the play in 2006.
1998: Appeared on Sesame Street and Starred in Stepmom
In 1998, Julia Roberts appeared on 'Sesame Street' opposite Elmo and starred in the drama 'Stepmom' alongside Susan Sarandon.
1998: Dating Benjamin Bratt
In 1998, Julia Roberts began dating actor Benjamin Bratt.
1999: Starred in Notting Hill and Runaway Bride
In 1999, Julia Roberts paired with Hugh Grant for 'Notting Hill', and reunited with Richard Gere for 'Runaway Bride'. She also guest-starred on 'Law & Order'.
2000: Most influential women in show business
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.
2000: Paid $20 Million for Erin Brockovich
In 2000, Julia Roberts became the first actress to be paid $20 million for a film, 'Erin Brockovich'.
2000: Meeting Daniel Moder
In 2000, Julia Roberts met her future husband, cameraman Daniel Moder, on the set of her film The Mexican.
2000: Narration of Rett Syndrome documentary
In 2000, Julia Roberts narrated a documentary about Rett syndrome to raise public awareness about the disease.
2000: Starred in Erin Brockovich
In 2000, Julia Roberts starred in 'Erin Brockovich', becoming the first actress to be paid $20 million for a film and earning her the Academy Award for Best Actress.
2000: Won 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 appeared in 'Ocean's Eleven', adding to her film success.
2001: End of relationship with Benjamin Bratt
In 2001, Julia Roberts ended her relationship with actor Benjamin Bratt.
2001: Release of "The Mexican", "America's Sweethearts", and "Ocean's Eleven"
In 2001, Julia Roberts starred in three films: "The Mexican" with Brad Pitt, "America's Sweethearts" with Billy Crystal, John Cusack, and Catherine Zeta-Jones, and "Ocean's Eleven" with George Clooney and Brad Pitt. "The Mexican" earned $66.8 million in North America, "America's Sweethearts" grossed over $138 million worldwide, and "Ocean's Eleven" became the fifth highest-grossing film of the year with $450 million worldwide.
July 4, 2002: Marriage to Daniel Moder
On July 4, 2002, Julia Roberts married Daniel Moder at her ranch in Taos, New Mexico.
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.
2003: Paid $25 Million for Mona Lisa Smile
In 2003, Julia Roberts received $25 million for her role in 'Mona Lisa Smile'.
November 2004: Birth of twins
In November 2004, Julia Roberts and Daniel Moder had twins, a daughter and a son.
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" film series through Red Om Films.
2004: Acted in Ocean's Twelve
In 2004, Julia Roberts acted in 'Ocean's Twelve'.
2004: Starring in Closer and 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". "Ocean's Twelve" grossed $363 million worldwide.
2004: Reconciliation with her brother
Julia Roberts was estranged from her older brother Eric Roberts for several years until 2004.
2005: Music video appearance for "Dreamgirl"
In 2005, Julia Roberts appeared in the music video for the single "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 play "Three Days of Rain", receiving criticism for her performance.
2006: Spokeswoman for Earth Biofuels
In 2006, Julia Roberts became a spokeswoman for Earth Biofuels and chair of its advisory board to promote the use of renewable fuels.
2006: Endorsement deal with Gianfranco Ferre
In 2006, Julia Roberts signed a $6 million endorsement deal with fashion label Gianfranco Ferre and was photographed by Mario Testino for the brand's advertising campaign.
June 2007: Birth of son
In June 2007, Julia Roberts and Daniel Moder had another son.
2007: Starring in Charlie Wilson's War
In 2007, Julia Roberts starred as Joanne Herring in "Charlie Wilson's War", which received acclaim and earned her a Golden Globe nomination. The film made $119.5 million worldwide.
2008: Fireflies in the Garden screened at Berlin International Film Festival
In 2008, "Fireflies in the Garden", starring Julia Roberts, was screened at the Berlin International Film Festival.
2008: End of production for American Girl films
In 2008, the fourth film of the "American Girl" film series was released, ending Julia Roberts' run as executive producer for the films.
September 2009: Children's names after Hindu gods
In September 2009, Swami Daram Dev gave Julia Roberts' children new names after Hindu gods while she was shooting Eat Pray Love.
2009: Global ambassador for Lancôme
In 2009, Julia Roberts became the global ambassador for Lancôme, promoting the brand's cosmetics and beauty products.
2009: Starring in Duplicity
In 2009, Julia Roberts starred in the comic thriller "Duplicity" with Clive Owen, receiving praise for her performance and earning a Golden Globe nomination.
2009: Emotional depth not matching technical abilities
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.
2009: Original Secret in Their Eyes film release
In 2009, the original Argentine film "Secret in Their Eyes", later remade with Julia Roberts in 2015, was released.
2010: Appearances in Valentine's Day and Eat Pray Love
In 2010, Julia Roberts appeared in "Valentine's Day" and starred in "Eat Pray Love", which had the highest debut at the box office for Roberts in a top-billed role since "America's Sweethearts".
2010: Conversion to Hinduism
In 2010, Julia Roberts said she was Hindu, having converted for "spiritual satisfaction".
2010: Lancôme extension
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, was released in North American cinemas, after premiering at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2008 and subsequently being shown in European cinemas.
2012: Career based on star power
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.
2012: Portrayal of the Evil Queen in Mirror Mirror
In 2012, Julia Roberts portrayed Queen Clementianna, Snow White's evil stepmother, in "Mirror Mirror", which made $183 million globally.
2012: Publication of Wonder by R. J. Palacio
In 2012, the novel "Wonder" by R. J. Palacio was published, which was later adapted into a film starring Julia Roberts in 2017.
2013: Acted in August: Osage County
In 2013, Julia Roberts appeared in the film 'August: Osage County'.
2013: Chime for Change Campaign
In 2013, Julia Roberts was part of Gucci's "Chime for Change" campaign, promoting female empowerment.
February 9, 2014: Half-Sister Nancy Motes Died
On February 9, 2014, Julia Roberts's younger half-sister, Nancy Motes, died at 37 from an apparent drug overdose.
2014: Narrating Women in Hollywood
In 2014, Julia Roberts narrated "Women in Hollywood", an episode of Makers: Women Who Make America.
2014: Starring in The Normal Heart
In 2014, Julia Roberts starred in the television adaptation of Larry Kramer's play "The Normal Heart", receiving critical acclaim and a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award.
2014: Voice of Mother Nature
In 2014, Julia Roberts voiced Mother Nature in a short film for the Conservation International campaign "Nature Is Speaking", intended to raise awareness about climate change.
2015: Givenchy Campaign and 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 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 "Money Monster", which made $93.3 million worldwide.
2017: Selective about roles
By 2017, Julia Roberts stated that she no longer actively pursued roles but instead waited to see what opportunities arose.
2017: Acted in Wonder
In 2017, Julia Roberts had a role in the movie 'Wonder'.
2017: Starring in Wonder and Smurfs: The Lost Village
In 2017, Julia Roberts starred in "Wonder" and voiced a Smurf leader in "Smurfs: The Lost Village". "Wonder" became one of her most widely seen films, grossing $305.9 million worldwide.
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.
November 2018: Premiere of Homecoming on Amazon Video
In November 2018, Julia Roberts's first regular television project, "Homecoming", premiered on Amazon Video, garnering acclaim and earning her a Golden Globe nomination.
2018: First Regular Television 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'.
2019: Golden Globe nominations
As of 2019, Julia Roberts has garnered eight Golden Globe nominations.
2020: Net Worth Estimated at $250 Million
As of 2020, Julia Roberts's net worth was estimated to be $250 million.
2021: Highest-grossing films
As of 2021, this entry mentions Julia Roberts's 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, "Ticket to Paradise", starring Julia Roberts and George Clooney, was released by Universal Pictures. She also played Martha Mitchell in Gaslit.
2022: Starred 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 had announced Julia Roberts as its Global Brand Ambassador.
2023: Acted in Leave the World Behind
In 2023, Julia Roberts acted in the movie 'Leave the World Behind'.
2023: Finding Your Roots episode
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.
July 21, 2024: Joe Biden ended his re-election campaign
On July 21, 2024, Joe Biden ended his re-election campaign, but Julia Roberts still endorsed him and has been involved in related fundraising.
2024: Narrating audiobook of Lisa Marie Presley's memoir
In 2024, Julia Roberts and Riley Keough are scheduled to narrate the audiobook version of Lisa Marie Presley's memoir, "From Here to the Great Unknown".
2024: Supported Kamala Harris during election
In 2024, Julia Roberts supported Kamala Harris during the United States presidential election, appearing at a campaign rally and voicing a political advertisement.
2024: Addressing rumors of being difficult to work with
In a 2024 interview with filmmaker Richard Curtis, Julia Roberts finally addressed rumors of being challenging to work with, attributing them to conscious efforts she has made not appear overly friendly on film sets.
February 28, 2025: Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters
On February 28, 2025, Julia Roberts was honored as a Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters by the French Minister of Culture for her contribution to world cinema.
Mentioned in this timeline
Home Box Office HBO is an American pay television service...
Amazon Prime is a subscription service offering a variety of...
Kamala Harris is an American politician and attorney notable for...
Lisa Marie Presley - was an American singer-songwriter and the...
Denzel Washington is a highly acclaimed American actor producer and...
Joseph Robinette Biden Jr is an American politician who served...
Trending
12 minutes ago Michael Porter Jr. warns about sports gambling impact; NBA considers prop bet limits.
12 minutes ago Sleep Token Praised by Mike Vennart Amidst Mysterious Masked Metal Band Trend
1 hour ago Malin Akerman's Husband: A 'Hunting Wives' Co-Star; Other Cast Relationships Unveiled!
2 months ago Heidi Klum flaunts physique in bikini top while dancing and gardening.
4 months ago Bill Hader Fired For Spoiling Titanic's Ending to Sorority Girls at Movie Theater.
1 hour ago Zach Bryan Concerts cause chaos for San Francisco Neighbors at Golden Gate Park
Popular
Adam Schiff is an American politician and lawyer currently serving...
The Kennedy Center Honors are annual awards presented since recognizing...
Ken Paxton is an American politician and lawyer serving as...
Jupiter is the fifth and largest planet from the Sun...
A blue moon is defined in several ways most commonly...
Olive Garden is a prominent American casual dining chain known...