History of Julia Roberts in Timeline
Julia Roberts is a highly successful American actress, renowned for her leading roles across diverse film genres. She has won an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, and three Golden Globe Awards. Her films have grossed over $3.9 billion worldwide, establishing her as a major box office draw in Hollywood. She gained prominence with roles in Mystic Pizza and Steel Magnolias, followed by her breakthrough role in the commercially successful romantic comedy Pretty Woman.
1953: Portrayal of Art History Professor in "Mona Lisa Smile"
Julia Roberts portrayed a forward-thinking art history professor at Wellesley College in 1953, for the movie 'Mona Lisa Smile', receiving a record $25 million for the role.
1956: Birth of Eric Roberts
In 1956, Julia Roberts's older brother, Eric Roberts, was born.
1960: Original 'Ocean's Eleven' Film Release
In 1960, the original film 'Ocean's Eleven' was released, which would later be remade in 2001 starring Julia Roberts, George Clooney, and Brad Pitt.
1965: Birth of Lisa Roberts Gillan
In 1965, Julia Roberts's older sister, Lisa Roberts Gillan, was born.
October 28, 1967: Julia Roberts Born
On October 28, 1967, Julia Fiona Roberts was born. She is an American actress known for leading roles in a variety of genres.
1971: Mother Filed for Divorce
In 1971, Julia Roberts's mother filed for divorce from her father.
1972: Divorce Finalized and Mother's Remarriage
In 1972, Julia Roberts's parents' divorce was finalized, and her mother married Michael Motes.
1983: Mother Divorced Michael Motes
In 1983, Julia Roberts's mother divorced Michael Motes on cruelty grounds.
February 13, 1987: First Television Appearance
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
Steel Magnolias is a film adaptation of Robert Harling's 1987 play of the same name.
1988: Appearance in Mystic Pizza
In 1988, Julia Roberts had an early breakthrough with an appearance in Mystic Pizza.
1988: Big Screen Debut in Satisfaction
In 1988, Julia Roberts made her big screen debut in the dramedy Satisfaction.
1989: Role in Blood Red
In 1989, Blood Red with Julia Roberts was released, though she had filmed a small role in 1987.
1989: Appearance in Steel Magnolias
In 1989, Julia Roberts had an early breakthrough with an appearance in Steel Magnolias.
1989: Academy Award Nomination
Riding on her 1989 Academy Award nomination, Roberts gained further notice from worldwide audiences.
1990: Headline in Pretty Woman
In 1990, Julia Roberts established herself as a leading actress when she headlined the top-grossing romantic comedy Pretty Woman.
1990: Starred in Flatliners
In 1990, following Pretty Woman, Julia Roberts starred in the supernatural thriller Flatliners.
June 14, 1991: Breakup with Kiefer Sutherland
On June 14, 1991, Julia Roberts broke up with Kiefer Sutherland shortly before their scheduled wedding.
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
In 1992, Julia Roberts appeared in no films other than a cameo appearance in Robert Altman's The Player.
1992: The Hollywood Reporter's list of the 50 most influential women in show business started
In 2000, 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.
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; they later divorced.
1995: Starred in Something to Talk About
In 1995, Julia Roberts starred in Something to Talk About.
1996: Guest Starred in Friends and Appeared in Michael Collins and Mary Reilly
In 1996, Julia Roberts guest-starred in Friends and appeared with Liam Neeson in Michael Collins. She also appeared in Mary Reilly.
1997: Starred in My Best Friend's Wedding and Conspiracy Theory
In 1997, Julia Roberts starred in My Best Friend's Wedding and Conspiracy Theory.
1997: Starred in My Best Friend's Wedding
In 1997, Julia Roberts starred in the commercially successful film My Best Friend's Wedding.
1997: Patrick Marber's play 'Closer'
In 1997, Patrick Marber released his play "Closer". It was then adapted to a movie in 2004 with Julia Roberts starring as an American photographer.
1997: Richard Greenberg's play 'Three Days of Rain'
Richard Greenburg's play 'Three Days of Rain' was originally written in 1997. Julia Roberts debuted on broadway in a revival of this play 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: Began 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 was also a guest star in Law & Order.
2000: Met Daniel Moder
In 2000, Julia Roberts met her future husband, Daniel Moder, on the set of "The Mexican."
2000: Narration of Rett Syndrome Documentary
In 2000, Julia Roberts narrated a documentary about Rett syndrome to raise public awareness.
2000: Received $20 Million for Erin Brockovich
In 2000, Julia Roberts received a then-unprecedented fee of $20 million for her role in Erin Brockovich.
2000: Starred in Erin Brockovich and Received Recognition
In 2000, Julia Roberts starred in Erin Brockovich, becoming the first actress to be paid $20 million for a film. She also won the Academy Award for Best Actress and became the first actress to make The Hollywood Reporter's list of the 50 most influential women in show business.
2000: Won Academy Award for Erin Brockovich
In 2000, Julia Roberts won the Academy Award for Best Actress for playing the title role in Erin Brockovich.
2001: Starred in Ocean's Eleven
In 2001, Julia Roberts achieved further film success with Ocean's Eleven.
2001: Ended relationship with Benjamin Bratt
In 2001, Julia Roberts ended her relationship with actor Benjamin Bratt.
2001: Releases 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 and John Cusack, and 'Ocean's Eleven' with George Clooney and Brad Pitt, directed by Steven Soderbergh.
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
In 2002, Julia Roberts appeared in The Hollywood Reporter's list of the 10 highest-paid actresses. She would continue to appear on this list every year until 2005.
2003: Received $25 Million for Mona Lisa Smile
In 2003, Julia Roberts received a then-unprecedented fee of $25 million for her role in Mona Lisa Smile.
November 2004: Birth of twins
In November 2004, Julia Roberts gave birth to 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 franchise through her production company, Red Om Films.
2004: Starred in Ocean's Twelve
In 2004, Julia Roberts achieved further film success with Ocean's Twelve.
2004: Starring in 'Closer' and 'Ocean's Twelve'
In 2004, Julia Roberts replaced Cate Blanchett in 'Closer' and reprised her role as Tess Ocean in 'Ocean's Twelve'.
2004: Reconciliation with Eric Roberts
Until 2004, Julia Roberts was estranged from her older brother Eric Roberts.
2005: Music Video Appearance in "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', though her performance received criticism.
2006: Spokesperson for Earth Biofuels
In 2006, Julia Roberts became a spokeswoman for Earth Biofuels and chair of its advisory board.
2006: Endorsement Deal with Gianfranco Ferré
In 2006, Julia Roberts signed an endorsement deal with Gianfranco Ferré, valued at $6 million.
June 2007: Birth of son
In June 2007, Julia Roberts gave birth to another son.
2007: Starred in Charlie Wilson's War
In 2007, Julia Roberts achieved further film success with Charlie Wilson's War.
2008: Screening of 'Fireflies in the Garden' at Berlin International Film Festival
In 2008, 'Fireflies in the Garden', starring Julia Roberts, was screened at the Berlin International Film Festival.
2008: Executive Producer for American Girl Films
Until 2008, Julia Roberts served as an executive producer for the first four films of the American Girl franchise through her production company, Red Om Films.
September 2009: Children given Hindu names
In September 2009, while Julia Roberts was shooting "Eat Pray Love", her children were given new names after Hindu gods.
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: Global Ambassador for Lancôme
Since 2009, Julia Roberts has acted as the global ambassador for Lancôme.
2009: Lancôme Global Ambassador
Since 2009, Julia Roberts has been Lancôme's global ambassador.
2009: Original Release of 'Secret in Their Eyes'
The original Argentinian film 'Secret in Their Eyes' was released in 2009 and later remade in 2015 with Julia Roberts.
2010: Starred in Valentine's Day and Eat Pray Love
In 2010, Julia Roberts achieved further film success with Valentine's Day and Eat Pray Love.
2010: Lancôme Extension
In 2010, Julia Roberts signed a five-year extension with Lancôme for $50 million.
2010: Conversion to Hinduism
In 2010, Julia Roberts stated that she had converted to Hinduism for "spiritual satisfaction".
2011: North American Release of 'Fireflies in the Garden'
The film 'Fireflies in the Garden', starring Julia Roberts, was released in North America in 2011, after being shown in European cinemas in 2008.
2012: Portrayal of the Evil Queen in 'Mirror Mirror'
In 2012, Julia Roberts portrayed Queen Clementianna, the evil stepmother, in 'Mirror Mirror'.
2012: Novel Release for Wonder
The novel Wonder by R.J. Palacio was released in 2012. It was adapted into a movie with Julia Roberts starring in 2017.
2013: Starred in August: Osage County
In 2013, Julia Roberts achieved further film success with August: Osage County.
2013: Participation in 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 Nancy Motes
On February 9, 2014, Julia Robert's half-sister, Nancy Motes, died at 37 of 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: Role in 'The Normal Heart'
In 2014, Julia Roberts starred in the television adaptation of 'The Normal Heart', receiving critical acclaim and an Emmy nomination.
2014: Voice of Mother Nature
In 2014, Julia Roberts was the voice of Mother Nature in a short film for the Conservation International campaign Nature Is Speaking 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'.
2016: Reunion with Garry Marshall in 'Mother's Day' and Starring in 'Money Monster'
In 2016, Julia Roberts reunited with Garry Marshall in 'Mother's Day' and starred in Jodie Foster's thriller 'Money Monster'.
2017: Starred in Wonder
In 2017, Julia Roberts achieved further film success with Wonder.
2017: Starring in 'Wonder' and Voice Role in 'Smurfs: The Lost Village'
In 2017, Julia Roberts starred in 'Wonder' and voiced a character in 'Smurfs: The Lost Village'.
November 2018: Premiere of 'Homecoming'
In November 2018, Julia Roberts's first regular television project, 'Homecoming', premiered on Amazon Video, garnering critical acclaim and a Golden Globe nomination for Roberts.
2018: Regular Role in Homecoming
In 2018, Julia Roberts had her first regular television role 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, a list was made of Julia Roberts' highest-grossing films at the box office.
2021: Global face of Chopard
In 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. Julia Roberts also played Martha Mitchell in "Gaslit".
2022: Starred in Ticket to Paradise and Gaslit
In 2022, Julia Roberts achieved further film success with Ticket to Paradise. She also portrayed Martha Mitchell in the Starz political limited series Gaslit.
2023: Chopard Global Brand Ambassador
In 2023, Chopard announced Roberts as its Global Brand Ambassador.
2023: Starred in Leave the World Behind
In 2023, Julia Roberts achieved further film success with Leave the World Behind.
2023: Discovery on "Finding Your Roots"
In 2023, on an episode of 'Finding Your Roots', Julia Roberts discovered that her biological paternal great-great-grandfather's surname was Mitchell, not Roberts.
July 21, 2024: End of Biden's Re-election Campaign
July 21, 2024, Joe Biden ended his re-election campaign despite the endorsement and fundraising efforts by Julia Roberts.
2024: Narration of Lisa Marie Presley's Memoir
In 2024, Julia Roberts and Riley Keough will narrate the audiobook version of Lisa Marie Presley's memoir 'From Here to the Great Unknown'.
2024: Supported Kamala Harris
In 2024, Julia Roberts supported Kamala Harris during the United States presidential election by appearing at a rally and voicing a political advertisement.
