What Happened to Julia Fiona Roberts?
Julia Roberts, an iconic American actress and producer, has maintained a prominent career in Hollywood for over three decades, known for her versatile roles in romantic comedies, dramas, and thrillers. After a string of successful films and an Academy Award win for 'Erin Brockovich', she continues to star in high-profile projects, most recently the 2025 psychological thriller 'After the Hunt', while balancing her family life and making occasional public appearances as of late 2026.
Quick Answer
Julia Roberts remains an active and celebrated figure in Hollywood. In 2025, she starred in the psychological thriller 'After the Hunt', which premiered at the Venice Film Festival and received praise for her performance. She also received an Honorary César and was made a Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters in France that year. As of early 2026, she attended the Golden Globes, where she discussed potential future projects like 'Oceans 14', and in June 2026, she made a rare public appearance with two of her children in New York City. She continues to balance her career with a private family life, having become an empty nester in 2025.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Breakthrough Role in 'Mystic Pizza'
Julia Roberts gained early recognition for her role in the romantic comedy-drama 'Mystic Pizza', earning an Independent Spirit Award nomination.
Academy Award Nomination for 'Steel Magnolias'
Her performance in 'Steel Magnolias' earned her an Academy Award and Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
Global Stardom with 'Pretty Woman'
Roberts achieved widespread fame and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress for her iconic role in the romantic comedy 'Pretty Woman'.
Oscar Win for 'Erin Brockovich'
Julia Roberts won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of the titular role in the biographical legal drama 'Erin Brockovich', for which she received a record $20 million salary.
Marriage to Daniel Moder
Roberts married cinematographer Daniel Moder, with whom she later had three children.
Academy Award Nomination for 'August: Osage County'
She received another Academy Award nomination, this time for Best Supporting Actress, for her role in the drama 'August: Osage County'.
Stars in 'Ticket to Paradise' and 'Gaslit'
Roberts reunited with George Clooney for the romantic comedy 'Ticket to Paradise' and starred in the political thriller limited series 'Gaslit'.
Appears in 'Leave the World Behind'
She starred as Amanda Sandford in the Netflix thriller 'Leave the World Behind', alongside Ethan Hawke and Mahershala Ali.
Premiere of 'After the Hunt' at Venice Film Festival
Her psychological thriller film 'After the Hunt', directed by Luca Guadagnino, premiered out of competition at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival.
Theatrical Release of 'After the Hunt'
The film 'After the Hunt', starring Roberts, was released theatrically in the United States by Amazon MGM Studios, with her performance receiving praise.
Honored with Honorary César and Knight of Order of Arts and Letters
Julia Roberts was honored with an Honorary César and was made a Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters by the French Minister of Culture.
Becomes an Empty Nester
Roberts revealed that she and her husband became empty nesters as their youngest son, Henry, left home for college, joining his older twin siblings.
Attends Golden Globes, Discusses 'Oceans 14'
Julia Roberts attended the 2026 Golden Globes, where she presented an award and provided an update on the ongoing scheduling efforts for 'Oceans 14'. She was also nominated for 'The Hunt' (After the Hunt).
Rare Public Appearance with Children
Roberts made a rare public appearance in New York City with her son Henry, who turned 19, and daughter Hazel (21) for a birthday celebration.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Julia Fiona Roberts, born October 28, 1967, in Smyrna, Georgia, rose to international stardom in the late 1980s and early 1990s, becoming one of Hollywood's most bankable and beloved actresses. Her early career breakthroughs included 'Mystic Pizza' (1988) and 'Steel Magnolias' (1989), which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. The turning point in her career was her starring role as a charming prostitute in the 1990 romantic comedy 'Pretty Woman', which cemented her status as a leading lady and earned her a Golden Globe Award and another Academy Award nomination.
Throughout the 1990s, Roberts continued to dominate the romantic comedy genre with hits like 'My Best Friend's Wedding' (1997), 'Notting Hill' (1999), and 'Runaway Bride' (1999). Her critical acclaim peaked in 2000 with the biographical legal drama 'Erin Brockovich', for which she received an unprecedented $20 million salary, making her the highest-paid actress at the time, and ultimately won the Academy Award for Best Actress. This Oscar win solidified her position as a respected dramatic actress, expanding her range beyond romantic leads. She continued to star in successful films such as 'Ocean's Eleven' (2001) and 'Ocean's Twelve' (2004), showcasing her ability to thrive in ensemble casts.
In the 2010s and early 2020s, Roberts diversified her roles, appearing in films like 'Eat Pray Love' (2010), 'August: Osage County' (2013), which earned her another Oscar nomination, and 'Wonder' (2017). She also ventured into television with acclaimed performances in 'The Normal Heart' (2014) and 'Homecoming' (2018), earning Emmy and Golden Globe nominations respectively. Her recent projects include the romantic comedy 'Ticket to Paradise' (2022) alongside George Clooney, and the political thriller series 'Gaslit' (2022).
As of 2026, Julia Roberts remains a significant presence in the entertainment industry. In 2023, she starred in the Netflix thriller 'Leave the World Behind'. A notable recent role was in Luca Guadagnino's psychological thriller 'After the Hunt', which premiered at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on August 29, 2025, and had a theatrical release in October 2025. Her performance in the film, where she played a college professor caught in a sexual abuse accusation, was widely praised despite mixed critical reception for the movie itself. In 2025, she was also honored with an Honorary César and was made a Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters by the French Minister of Culture. Personally, Roberts revealed in 2025 that she and her husband, Daniel Moder, had become empty nesters, with their youngest son Henry leaving home.
Roberts continued her public engagements into 2026, attending the Golden Globes in January, where she was nominated for her role in 'The Hunt' (referring to 'After the Hunt') and provided an update on the scheduling challenges for a potential 'Oceans 14' project. In June 2026, she made a rare public appearance with her son Henry, who turned 19, and daughter Hazel (21) in New York City, highlighting her continued commitment to balancing her high-profile career with a private family life. She is also reportedly set to appear in an upcoming film titled 'Kill Your Darlings'. Her estimated net worth in 2026 ranges from $250 million to $300 million, reflecting her enduring success and status as one of Hollywood's most enduring stars.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Julia Fiona Roberts made different choices?