Julia Fiona Roberts then and now

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August 14, 2025

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Julia Roberts: Then and Now

Then: Early Career (1980s – 1990s)

Julia Fiona Roberts, born on October 28, 1967, rose to fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s, establishing herself as one of Hollywood’s biggest stars.

Breakthrough Role (1990): Her breakout role came in Pretty Woman (1990), where she starred opposite Richard Gere. The film was a massive success and earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Roberts became a household name, praised for her charm, humor, and natural beauty.
Other Early Successes: Throughout the 1990s, Julia continued to cement her status as a leading lady in Hollywood with roles in films like My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997), Runaway Bride (1999), Sleeping with the Enemy (1991), and The Pelican Brief (1993). She won an Academy Award for Best Actress in 2001 for her role in Erin Brockovich, where she portrayed a legal assistant who takes on a corporation accused of polluting a city’s water supply.
Public Image: In the early days, Julia was known for her distinctive wide smile, relatable personality, and her every-girl charm. Her roles often centered around the theme of personal growth, love, and empowerment, which resonated with audiences.

Notable Films (1990s):

Steel Magnolias (1989)
My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997)
Runaway Bride (1999)
Erin Brockovich (2000)

Now: Later Career (2000s – Present)

As Julia Roberts moved into the 2000s and beyond, her career evolved, with her taking on more diverse roles and becoming a respected figure in both mainstream and independent films.

Continued Success: After winning her Oscar for Erin Brockovich, Roberts continued to thrive, starring in films like Ocean’s Eleven (2001), Ocean’s Twelve (2004), and Eat Pray Love (2010). In these films, her roles became more sophisticated and varied, often exploring deeper emotional narratives and complex characters.
Television Ventures: Julia also expanded into television, earning rave reviews for her performances. In 2018, she starred in the Amazon Prime series Homecoming, where she played Heidi Bergman, a caseworker involved in a controversial program for soldiers suffering from PTSD. Her performance in the series earned her a Golden Globe Award and Emmy nomination for Best Actress.
Personal Life & Public Image: In the years since her early fame, Julia Roberts has maintained a relatively private personal life. She married cinematographer Danny Moder in 2002, and they have three children. She remains one of the most respected actresses in Hollywood, known for her versatility, professionalism, and commitment to her craft.
Notable Films (2000s – Present):
- Ocean’s Eleven (2001) & Ocean’s Twelve (2004)
- Eat Pray Love (2010)
- August: Osage County (2013)
- Secret in Their Eyes (2015)
- Homecoming (2018, TV series)
- Ben is Back (2018)
- Wonder (2017) – her role as the mother of a young boy with facial differences received much acclaim.

Evolution of Her Image:

Physical Appearance: While Roberts’ signature smile and iconic red hair have remained a part of her charm, over the years, she has gracefully embraced the aging process. She has been open about not relying on surgery to maintain her appearance and has championed the idea of growing older naturally, maintaining a relatable, down-to-earth persona.
Acting Style: Over the years, Roberts’ acting has become more nuanced and varied. She has shown her range by taking on roles in both high-profile commercial films and more intimate, dramatic stories. Her performances have become more reflective, with a strong emphasis on emotionally complex characters.
Legacy: Julia Roberts remains one of Hollywood’s most beloved and respected actresses. She has garnered a legacy of impressive films that have solidified her status as a true icon of American cinema. Her approachability, talent, and ability to transition seamlessly from romantic comedies to deep dramas have made her a fixture in both Hollywood and beyond.

Julia Roberts – A Timeline of Iconic Moments:

1989: Steel Magnolias – A standout role that earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
1990: Pretty Woman – The film that catapulted her to international stardom.
2001: Erin Brockovich – Wins the Academy Award for Best Actress.
2002: Marries Danny Moder, and the couple remains together, raising their three children.
2018: Stars in Homecoming for Amazon Prime, winning a Golden Globe and receiving an Emmy nomination.
2020s: Continues to shine in both film and television, proving her versatility and staying power in an industry that is constantly evolving.

Julia Roberts: Then vs. Now

Then (1990s): Known for her wide, infectious smile and girl-next-door charm, Julia was the queen of romantic comedies, especially with her roles in Pretty Woman and My Best Friend’s Wedding. She had a relatable, approachable persona that made her beloved by fans worldwide.
Now (2020s): Julia has evolved into a seasoned actress who is both respected and admired for her work in serious dramas, as well as her willingness to embrace different genres. She balances her personal life and career while staying true to herself and her roots. While she no longer appears in as many rom-coms, her acting has only deepened with age, and she continues to be a commanding presence in both television and film.

Julia Roberts remains a beloved figure in Hollywood, not just for her career, but also for her personal growth and openness about aging in the public eye. She has shown that success in Hollywood is not just about youthful beauty, but about the talent, wisdom, and authenticity one brings to the table.