What Happened to Eric Roberts?

Eric Roberts, born on April 18, 1956, has carved out a unique and enduring career in Hollywood, distinguishing himself as one of the most prolific actors in the industry. As of March 2026, his filmography boasts over 800 credits, a testament to his relentless work ethic and versatility across various genres. His career, which began with critical acclaim for roles in films like 'King of the Gypsies' (1978) and an Academy Award nomination for 'Runaway Train' (1985), has seen him transition from leading man to a highly sought-after character actor in both mainstream and independent productions.

Roberts's continued presence in film is remarkable. In 2025, he appeared in a multitude of projects including 'When It Rains in LA,' 'Things Like This,' 'Stand Your Ground,' '7 Days to Hell,' 'Broken Church,' 'Guardians,' and 'Holy Father.' Looking into 2026, his schedule remains packed with films such as 'Clika,' which premiered in January 2026, 'Dick Reno: Monster Slayer,' 'Christmas Eve,' 'A Man Worth Killing,' '8v40,' 'G.O.D.Tech,' and 'Skate to Hell.' This consistent output highlights his enduring appeal and the unique niche he has carved out, often accepting roles in a wide range of budgets and productions. He has stated that he receives anywhere from eight to 30 offers daily from around the world, making him feel like one of the luckiest guys in Hollywood.

A significant recent development in Roberts's public life was the release of his autobiography, 'Runaway Train: Or, The Story of My Life So Far,' in September 2024. In interviews promoting the book in March 2026, he delved into various aspects of his career and personal struggles. Notably, in April 2026, Roberts addressed long-standing rumors of a rift with his famous sister, Julia Roberts, during an appearance on the 'It Happened in Hollywood' podcast. He unequivocally stated, 'It's not true — it never was true. We're fine,' emphasizing a bond of mutual respect despite occasional disagreements. He also used his memoir to publicly apologize for past comments that implied he was instrumental in her success, calling them 'asinine' and 'untrue.'

Roberts also reflected on a pivotal moment in his early career: a severe car accident at age 27 (around 1983) that left him in a coma and caused short-term memory loss, leading him to believe his acting career was over. He credits director Bob Fosse's 1983 film 'Star 80' with reviving his professional life during this period of deep personal struggle, a role for which he earned a Golden Globe nomination. This resilience and ability to overcome personal challenges, including past struggles with addiction and depression, have been central to his narrative. His personal life also saw him become a grandfather in December 2020, when his daughter Emma Roberts welcomed her first child. He remains married to Eliza Garrett, whom he wed in 1992, celebrating over three decades of marriage.