History of Julia Roberts in Timeline
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.
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'. She received a record $25 million for the role, which was the highest ever earned by an actress at the time.
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.
1960: Original Ocean's Eleven film release
In 1960, the original film 'Ocean's Eleven' was released, which was later remade in 2001 with Julia Roberts as Tess Ocean.
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.
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.
February 13, 1987: Television Debut in Crime Story
On February 13, 1987, Julia Roberts made her first television appearance as a juvenile rape victim in 'Crime Story'.
1987: Robert Harling's play of the same name
Robert Harling wrote the play Steel Magnolias in 1987.
1988: Breakthrough role in Mystic Pizza
In 1988, Julia Roberts had an early breakthrough role in the film 'Mystic Pizza'.
1988: Big Screen Debut and Role in Miami Vice
In 1988, Julia Roberts made her big screen debut in 'Satisfaction' and had a role in 'Miami Vice'. She also starred in 'Mystic Pizza'.
1989: Starred in Steel Magnolias
In 1989, Julia Roberts starred in 'Steel Magnolias', receiving her first Academy Award nomination and Golden Globe Award win.
1989: Blood Red Release
In 1989, the film 'Blood Red', which Julia Roberts filmed a small role in 1987, was released.
1990: Starred in Flatliners
In 1990, Julia Roberts starred in 'Flatliners', a supernatural thriller.
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.
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'.
1992: Cameo in The Player and Media Attention
In 1992, Julia Roberts made a cameo in 'The Player'. In this year or early 1993, she was the subject of a People magazine cover story.
1992: The Hollywood Reporter's list of the 50 most influential women in show business started
The Hollywood Reporter's list of the 50 most influential women in show business started 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 in 'The Pelican Brief' with Denzel Washington.
1994: Starred in I Love Trouble and Prêt-à-Porter
In 1994, Julia Roberts starred in 'I Love Trouble' and 'Prêt-à-Porter'.
March 1995: Separation from Lyle Lovett
In March 1995, Julia Roberts and Lyle Lovett separated, eventually leading to their divorce.
1995: Starred in Something to Talk About
In 1995, Julia Roberts starred in 'Something to Talk About'.
1995: "Rainmaker for women's films"
In 1995, The New York Times described Julia Roberts as a "rainmaker for women's films", highlighting her influence on a film's success.
1996: Guest Starred in Friends and Starred 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: 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 'Conspiracy Theory'.
1997: Starred in My Best Friend's Wedding
In 1997, Julia Roberts starred in 'My Best Friend's Wedding', which renewed her success in romantic comedies.
1997: Release of the play Closer
In 1997, Patrick Marber's play 'Closer' was released, which was later adapted into a film in 2004 where Julia Roberts played the role of an American photographer.
1997: Three Days of Rain Play
In 1997, Richard Greenberg wrote the play "Three Days of Rain". Julia Roberts would later perform in it in 2006.
1998: Appeared on Sesame Street and Starred in Stepmom
In 1998, Julia Roberts appeared on 'Sesame Street' and starred in the drama 'Stepmom'.
1998: Relationship with Benjamin Bratt
In 1998, Julia Roberts began dating actor Benjamin Bratt.
1999: Starred in Notting Hill and Runaway Bride
In 1999, Julia Roberts starred in 'Notting Hill' and 'Runaway Bride', both successful romantic comedies.
2000: Included 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.
2000: Met 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 and Made Hollywood Reporter's List
In 2000, Julia Roberts starred in 'Erin Brockovich' and became the first actress to be paid $20 million for a film. She also 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.
2000: Won Academy Award for Erin Brockovich
In 2000, Julia Roberts won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in 'Erin Brockovich'.
2001: End of relationship with Benjamin Bratt
In 2001, Julia Roberts and actor Benjamin Bratt ended their relationship.
2001: Release of The Mexican, America's Sweethearts, and Ocean's Eleven
In 2001, Julia Roberts starred in '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.
2001: Starred in Ocean's Eleven
In 2001, Julia Roberts starred in the film 'Ocean's Eleven'.
July 4, 2002: Marriage to Daniel Moder
On July 4, 2002, Julia Roberts married Daniel Moder at her ranch in Taos, New Mexico.
2002: Inclusion in The Hollywood Reporter's list of highest-paid actresses
From 2002, Julia Roberts appeared in The Hollywood Reporter's list of the 10 highest-paid actresses every year.
2002: Ranked most bankable star
In 2002, Julia Roberts became the first woman to be ranked the most bankable star in Hollywood.
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.
2004: Role 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'.
2004: Executive Producer for American Girl Films
In 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: Starred in Ocean's Twelve
In 2004, Julia Roberts starred in the film 'Ocean's Twelve'.
2005: Appearance in Dreamgirl music video
In 2005, Julia Roberts was featured in the music video for the single "Dreamgirl" by the Dave Matthews Band. This was 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'.
2006: Spokeswoman for Earth Biofuels
In 2006, Julia Roberts became a spokeswoman for Earth Biofuels and chair of its advisory board, promoting 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 Henry
In June 2007, Julia Roberts gave birth to another son, Henry.
2007: Role in Charlie Wilson's War
In 2007, Julia Roberts starred as Joanne Herring in 'Charlie Wilson's War', which earned her a sixth Golden Globe nomination.
2008: Executive Producer for American Girl Films
By 2008, Julia Roberts continued to serve as an executive producer for the first four films of the American Girl franchise through her production company, Red Om Films.
2008: End of American Girl Film Series Production
In 2008, Julia Roberts concluded her work as executive producer for the first four films of the American Girl film series.
2008: Screening of Fireflies in the Garden 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.
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.
2009: Starring in Duplicity
In 2009, Julia Roberts starred in the comic thriller 'Duplicity' and received her seventh Golden Globe nomination for her performance.
2009: The New Yorker critic's assessment
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.
2009: Release of the original Argentine film Secret in Their Eyes
In 2009, the original Argentine film 'Secret in Their Eyes' was released, which was later remade in 2015 with Julia Roberts.
2009: Lancôme's Global Ambassador
Since 2009, Julia Roberts has been Lancôme's global ambassador, involved in the development and promotion of cosmetics and beauty products.
2009: Global Ambassador for Lancôme
Since 2009, Julia Roberts has been the global ambassador for Lancôme.
2010: Roles in Valentine's Day, and Eat Pray Love
In 2010, Julia Roberts played a U.S. Army captain in 'Valentine's Day' and starred in 'Eat Pray Love'.
2010: Five-year extension with Lancôme
In 2010, Julia Roberts signed a five-year extension with Lancôme for $50 million, continuing her role as the brand's global ambassador.
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.
2011: North American Release of Fireflies in the Garden
In 2011, the film "Fireflies in the Garden" starring Julia Roberts, was released in North America.
2012: HuffPost writer on Julia Roberts' Career
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 Queen Clementianna in Mirror Mirror
In 2012, Julia Roberts portrayed Queen Clementianna in 'Mirror Mirror'.
2012: Release of Wonder novel by R.J. Palacio
In 2012, R.J. Palacio released the novel Wonder, which Julia Roberts starred in the film adaptation of in 2017.
2013: Participation in Gucci's Chime for Change campaign
In 2013, Julia Roberts participated in Gucci's "Chime for Change" campaign to spread female empowerment.
2013: Starring in August: Osage County
In 2013, Julia Roberts starred in 'August: Osage County' and earned nominations for several awards, including an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
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.
2014: Narration of Women in Hollywood
In 2014, Julia Roberts narrated "Women in Hollywood", an episode of Makers: Women Who Make America.
2014: Voice of Mother Nature
In 2014, Julia Roberts was the voice of Mother Nature in a short film for Conservation International's 'Nature Is Speaking' campaign, raising 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'.
2016: Roles in Mother's Day and Money Monster
In 2016, Julia Roberts reunited with Garry Marshall in 'Mother's Day' and starred in Jodie Foster's thriller 'Money Monster'.
2017: Selectivity in choosing roles
By 2017, Julia Roberts stated that she no longer actively pursued roles, waiting instead for opportunities to arise, and maintained that she is selective about her projects.
2017: Roles in Wonder and Smurfs: The Lost Village
In 2017, Julia Roberts starred in 'Wonder' and voiced a character in 'Smurfs: The Lost Village'.
2017: Starred in Wonder
In 2017, Julia Roberts starred in the film 'Wonder'.
2017: Named World's Most Beautiful Woman by People magazine
In 2017, People magazine named Julia Roberts the "World's Most Beautiful Woman" for a record-breaking fifth time.
November 2018: Premiere of Homecoming
In November 2018, Julia Roberts's first regular television project, the psychological thriller series 'Homecoming', premiered on Amazon Video, and she received a Golden Globe nomination.
2018: Starred in Homecoming
In 2018, Julia Roberts starred in the first season of the streaming series 'Homecoming'.
2019: Golden Globe nominations as of 2019
As of 2019, Julia Roberts has garnered eight Golden Globe nominations for her performances.
2021: Global face of Chopard's Happy Sport and Happy Diamonds collections
Since 2021, Julia Roberts has been 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, Julia Roberts reunited with George Clooney for the release of the romantic comedy 'Ticket to Paradise'.
2022: Starred in Ticket to Paradise and Gaslit
In 2022, Julia Roberts starred in 'Ticket to Paradise' and the television series 'Gaslit'.
2022: Highest grossing films as of 2022
In 2022, it was noted that Julia Roberts' films have earned the most at the box office.
2023: Named Chopard's Global Brand Ambassador
In 2023, Chopard announced Julia Roberts as its Global Brand Ambassador.
2023: Starring in Leave the World Behind
In 2023, Julia Roberts starred as Amanda Sandford in the film 'Leave the World Behind'.
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: Narration 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 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.
2024: Addressed rumors of being difficult to work with
In a 2024 interview with filmmaker Richard Curtis, Julia Roberts addressed rumors of being challenging to work with, attributing it to her forthright personality.
February 28, 2025: Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters
On February 28, 2025, Julia Roberts was honored by French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati as a Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters (Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres) for her significant contribution to world cinema.
2025: Set to star in After the Hunt
In 2025, Julia Roberts is slated to appear in 'After the Hunt'.
Mentioned in this timeline
Home Box Office HBO is an American pay television service...
Kamala Harris is an American politician and attorney She served...
Amazon Prime is a subscription service offering a variety of...
Joe Biden is an American politician who served as the...
Lisa Marie Presley - was an American singer-songwriter and the...
Denzel Washington is a highly acclaimed American actor producer and...
Trending
22 seconds ago Michael Strahan's Lifestyle Brand Expands with Belk Partnership and Career Announcement.
38 seconds ago Maggie and Jake Gyllenhaal's Bond: Closer Than Ever, Reflecting on Careers and Relationships.
1 hour ago DeAndre Jordan's Role Shifts: From Pelicans' Starter to Veteran Locker Room Presence
1 hour ago Democrats Introduce War Powers Resolution to Restrain Trump's Actions Towards Iran.
1 day ago Bryce Dallas Howard Celebrates 45th Birthday: A Look at Her Career
2 hours ago ASU defeats Utah, court rejects Trump tariff refund slowdown attempt.
Popular
Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton is a prominent American politician lawyer...
Jesse Jackson is an American civil rights activist politician and...
Ken Paxton is an American politician and lawyer serving as...
Jim Carrey is a Canadian-American actor and comedian celebrated for...
Bill Clinton served as the nd U S President from...
XXXTentacion born Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy was a controversial yet...