Eric Roberts, a seasoned actor and brother of Hollywood superstar Julia Roberts, has lived a life marked by turmoil, addiction, and ultimately, redemption. With a career spanning over four decades, Eric has struggled to find his place in the shadow of his younger sister’s immense success.
Born in 1956, Eric began his acting career in the 1970s, quickly rising to prominence with his role in King of the Gypsies. However, his promising career was soon derailed by a severe cocaine addiction, which would go on to dominate his life for years to come.
The addiction took a devastating toll on Eric’s relationships, particularly with his sisters, Julia and Lisa. He recalls being “exhausting to be around” during that period, and his behavior ultimately led to a strain on his family bonds.
Eric’s difficult childhood, marked by his parents’ divorce, also played a significant role in shaping his tumultuous life. His parents, Betty Lou Bredemus and Walter Grady Roberts, were actors and playwrights who struggled to provide stability for their children.
In his memoir, Runaway Train: Or the Story of My Life So Far, Eric reflects on the painful memories of his upbringing and the impact it had on his relationships with Julia and Lisa. He acknowledges that his actions during that time deeply affected his sisters and takes full responsibility for the strain on his family.
Despite the challenges, Eric has worked tirelessly to rebuild his relationships and redeem himself. A turning point came in 2004 when Julia gave birth to her twins, and Eric was invited to the hospital. This marked the beginning of a reconciliation between the siblings.
Today, Eric seems to have found a sense of peace and purpose. He has expressed admiration for his sisters and takes pride in his daughter, Emma Roberts, who has followed in his footsteps as an actress. However, Eric has also learned to respect boundaries, particularly when it comes to discussing his sister Julia in the media.
In a recent interview, Eric revealed that he is no longer allowed to talk about Julia, a rule that seems to be in place to protect their private relationship. Despite this, Eric couldn’t help but express his pride in his daughter’s accomplishments, showcasing a sense of redemption and personal growth.
As Eric looks to the future, he hopes to continue rebuilding his relationships and finding peace. His memoir serves as a testament to his journey, a story of addiction, family, and ultimately, redemption.
