Eric Roberts is a popular American actor best known for his role in the film “King of the Gypsies” (1978) for which he received his first Golden Globe nomination. He later gained prominence by starring in iconic films such as “Star 80” (1983), “The Pope of Greenwich Village” (1984), and “Runaway Train” (1985).
During his career spanning over 4 decades, Roberts has appeared in a variety of genres from action to drama. He has also made several television appearances, including roles in series such as “The Expendables”, “Heroes”, and “The Young and the Restless”.
Eric is the brother of actress Julia Roberts and the father of actress Emma Roberts. Despite facing personal challenges, including struggles with substance abuse, he has remained active in the industry. He often excels in complex or villainous roles. Known for his strong acting, Roberts remains a prominent figure in Hollywood.
Short Info
| Full Name: | Eric Anthony Roberts |
| Profession: | American Actor |
| Rise to Fame: | Known for roles in Runaway Train, Star 80 |
| Debut Career: | Began his career with a lead role in King of the Gypsies (1978), receiving his first Golden Globe nomination. |
| Date of Birth: | April 18, 1956, Biloxi, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Age: | 68 Years |
| Height: | 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) |
| Awards: | Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Runaway Train (1985). |
Early Life and Family Background
Eric Roberts was born on April 4, 1956 in Biloxi, Mississippi. His entire family is associated with the film industry. His father Betty Lou Bredemus was an actor and playwright and his mother Walter Grady Roberts was also a playwright. When Eric was young his family moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where they co-founded the Atlanta Actors and Writers Workshop, which further attracted Eric and his siblings to the performing arts.
Eric has two younger siblings, Lisa Roberts Gillan and Julia Roberts, who has also achieved fame as an actress. After his parents divorced in 1971, Eric lived with his father while his sisters lived with their mother. This separation caused strained relations with his mother, especially after she remarried.
Career highlights
Roberts’ acting journey began at an early age. He participated in local theatre productions and attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. After returning to the US, he continued his studies at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. His professional debut came in 1976 when he was cast as Ted Bancroft in the soap opera “Another World,” which marked his first significant exposure to television audiences.
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Film debut
Roberts made his film debut in “King of the Gypsies” (1978), a drama based on a gypsy family, which earned him critical acclaim and his first Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor. This role established him as a promising talent in Hollywood. He then starred in “The Pope of Greenwich Village” (1984), in which his performance really brought him into the spotlight. Playing Charlie in this crime drama gave Roberts the opportunity to showcase a remarkable range and depth that caught the attention of audiences and critics alike. This successful role not only solidified his reputation as a talented actor but also opened doors to more significant projects.
Rise to Fame
Roberts showcased his acting talent in several notable films in the early 1980s including, “Raggedy Man” (1981) a romantic drama in which he starred alongside Sissy Spacek. “Star 80” (1983) In this film, Roberts played Paul Snyder, a character connected to the tragic story of Dorothy Stratten. His performance earned him another Golden Globe nomination and highlighted his ability to play complex roles.
“Runaway Train” (1985) was one of the important films of Roberts’ career. In this film, he played Buck McGeehy, an escaped convict, for which he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor and another Golden Globe nomination. His performance was widely praised and is considered one of his best works.
Throughout his career, Roberts has worked with a variety of directors and actors, demonstrating his adaptability and skill. Notable collaborations include his work with acclaimed filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola in “Rumble Fish” and his role opposite Meryl Streep in “The French Connection Part II”. In addition, Roberts appeared in popular television series such as “The Strip” and guest-starred on shows such as “Friends” and “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”, further increasing his appeal to audiences.
During the late 1990s and early 2000s, Roberts appeared in a number of films, including “It’s My Party” and “The Expendables,” where she demonstrated her ability to play both dramatic and action-packed roles. Her career enjoyed a notable resurgence in the 2010s, including appearances in genre films such as “American Reunion” and a variety of projects on platforms such as Netflix, which helped a new generation recognize her work.
Challenges
Despite these successes, Roberts faced significant challenges during this period. In June 1981, he was involved in a serious car accident that left him in a coma for three days and suffered facial injuries that changed his appearance and affected the types of roles he was offered.
Awards and Nominations
Eric Roberts is an accomplished American actor with a career spanning more than four decades. He has received over 80 wins and 33 nominations for his performances in both film and television.
- Academy Award: Nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “Runaway Train” (1985).
- Golden Globe Award: Nominated three times, Best Motion Picture Acting Debut – Male for “King of the Gypsies” (1978), Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama for “Star 80” (1983). Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture for “Runaway Train” (1985).
- Theatre World Award: Won for his Broadway debut in “Burn This” (1987).
- Satellite Awards: Won the “Golden Satellite Award” for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Comedy or Musical for “Less Than Perfect” (2003).
- Independent Film Festival Awards: Won the Independent Film Festival Award for Best Actor at the New York Independent Film Festival for “La Cucaracha” (1998).
Recent Work
As of 2024, Roberts will continue to work actively in film and television. He has upcoming roles in productions such as the Til Schweiger-directed film “Head Full of Honey” and will reappear in a recurring role as DEA boss Eric Sheldon in the series “La Reina del Sur.” His dedication to acting remains strong, as he embraces new opportunities considering his extensive career.
Net worth
Currently, Eric Roberts’ net worth is estimated to be $4 million according to Celebrity Net Worth, $8 million according to BankHelpline and $10 million according to HotNewHipHop. Roberts’ main source of income is his acting career. Apart from acting, Roberts has also lent his voice to animated series and video games, further diversifying his sources of income.
Personal Life
Eric Roberts was married to actress and casting director Eliza Roberts in 1992 and they have been together for over three decades. The couple’s romance began by chance when they met on a flight in 1986. At the time, Eric was in a relationship with Kelly Cunningham, with whom he had a daughter, Emma Roberts. After Eric and Cunningham separated, he and Eliza began dating in 1991 and married the following year. Their daughter Emma has established herself as a talented actress, contributing to Roberts’ proud legacy in the entertainment industry.
Eric is the brother of actress Julia Roberts. His relationship with both of them has been tumultuous at times, especially due to his struggle with substance abuse. In his recent memoir, “Runaway Train: Or, the Story of My Life So Far,” he addressed his past mistakes and publicly apologised to Julia for their troubled relationship.
Conclusion
Overall, Eric Roberts’ acting career has been quite successful. Despite facing challenges such as a childhood stutter and substance abuse issues, Roberts has maintained a successful career. Today he is considered one of Hollywood’s most prolific actors, with over 700 credits to his name across various media formats.
