“It’s only complicated through outside eyes, because they don’t get any of it,” said Eric Roberts during a recent podcast appearance where he addressed rumors about his relationship with his daughter, Emma Roberts.
At 69 years old, Eric Roberts candidly discussed his past struggles with depression and substance abuse, which he admits affected his ability to be present as a father. Emma, now 35 and engaged to Cody John, has forged a successful acting career of her own, which Eric expressed “endless pride” in.
Eric’s reflections come in the wake of his memoir, Runaway Train, released in 2024, where he also touched on his complex family dynamics. He acknowledged that while he and Emma have had their challenges, their relationship is often misinterpreted by outsiders.
He stated, “If it wasn’t for me, there would be no Julia Roberts and no Emma Roberts as celebrities, as actresses, and I’m very proud of that.” This comment highlights his belief in the impact of his own career on his daughters’ paths, despite the difficulties they have faced as a family.
Eric also addressed his relationship with his sister, Julia Roberts, noting that they have had disagreements but maintain a mutual respect. He described Julia as a “wonderful actor” and “wonderful human,” and acknowledged her role as a mother to her three children.
In his memoir, he apologized for previous statements that may have downplayed Julia’s contributions to their family’s legacy, admitting, “Now one of the things I’d like to apologize for in this book is for publicly saying on more than one occasion, ‘If it wasn’t for me, there would be no Julia Roberts.’ That’s not only unfortunate, but it’s also untrue.”
As Eric continues to navigate his personal struggles and family relationships, he remains focused on supporting Emma and celebrating her achievements. He has a son named Rhodes, who is just five years old, adding another layer to his family dynamics.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any future public appearances or statements from Emma Roberts about her father’s recent comments. However, the conversation has sparked interest in the Roberts family’s ongoing journey in the public eye.