Eric Roberts Backtracks on ‘Asinine’ Comment About Sister Julia’s Success

Eric Roberts has taken a major step toward mending his relationship with his sister, Julia Roberts, by publicly apologizing for past comments in which he claimed responsibility for her successful acting career. In his newly released memoir, Runaway Train: Or the Story of My Life So Far, the 68-year-old actor expressed deep regret for making such remarks, calling them “asinine.” “I hope Julia will accept this public apology. It was an asinine thing to have said,” Eric wrote in the memoir, as reported by People magazine.

For years, Eric, who found early success in Hollywood, had taken credit for his younger sister’s rise to fame. In a 2018 interview with Vanity Fair, the Dark Knight star made headlines when he boasted, “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.” He added, “I was first to get Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations, so I’m proud of that.”

His remarks came across as dismissive of Julia’s independent achievements, which include winning an Academy Award for Erin Brockovich and becoming one of the most iconic actresses in Hollywood. Eric, who was first recognized for his roles in Runaway Train and Star 80, seemed to hold on to his early career success, but now he recognizes how those comments may have hurt his relationship with his sister.

In his memoir, Eric reflects on those past statements and expresses a desire to reconcile with Julia, acknowledging that their professional journeys were separate and that his claims diminished her own hard-earned accomplishments. His public apology is seen as a significant gesture toward healing the long-standing tension between the two siblings.

Eric’s attempt at making amends comes after years of a complicated relationship with Julia, marked by both professional rivalry and personal distance. His acknowledgment of his past missteps shows a shift in his perspective, with hopes that this apology can lead to a renewed connection with his sister, who continues to enjoy a celebrated career as one of Hollywood’s top stars.