Eric Roberts reveals all in his new memoir, “Runaway Train: Or, The Story of My Life So Far.”
The book describes the ups and downs of the actor’s life, including his time with drugs and how it affected his relationship with his sister Julia Roberts and daughter Emma Roberts. When asked why he included a “public apology” to his sister in his book, Eric Roberts said he owes his family “a lot.”
“I’m always confused when I’m asked about my relationship with my sister, my daughter or my family of origin, because I was addicted to drugs for many years and because of that I was estranged from many people, especially my family,” he told TODAY during an appearance on the show on Sept. 18. “And I owe them a lot because I love them. I owe them a lot because they love me.”
Although his life and experiences play a role in his memoir, Eric Roberts said there was one important experience he couldn’t include in his book: his time on “Dancing with the Stars.”
The “Expendables” actor competes with experienced ballroom dancer Britt Stewart in the 33rd season of the hit reality TV show.
“The sad thing is that I’m also on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ this week, and if I had known I was going to be on it, I would have delayed the release so this could be the final chapter,” he said.
Regarding his experience with the program, Eric Roberts said he was quite scared.
“You know, I have a lot of courage. I have never been so scared in my life. It was overwhelming and scary,” he said.
Read on to learn more about Eric Roberts.
Eric Roberts has appeared in over 800 films and television shows
Eric Roberts has had an extensive film career that dates back to the 1970s. According to Vanity Fair, he has made more than 800 screen appearances in total, including films, television shows, and music videos.
When asked about his film career, Eric Roberts told the Hollywood Reporter that he considers himself lucky to have done so many great projects.
“The way I look at it is that I’m one of the luckiest guys in Hollywood,” he said. “We get between eight and 30 offers every day from all over the world. It’s just so much fun to have all these offers and to get to play such an extreme range of characters.”
In 1986, Eric Roberts was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the film Runaway Train. He also received a number of other high-profile nominations, including Golden Globe nominations for his work in King of the Gypsies and the film Star 80.
Eric Roberts was once kicked off Oprah Winfrey’s private beach
When Eric Roberts spoke to The Hollywood Reporter about his 2022 film “Blackbird,” he recalled a funny story that happened to him while sunbathing on the beach.
“I had a free afternoon and I walked down to the beach, which was beautiful,” he said. “I was all alone and I wondered why nobody was there. So I went swimming and sunbathing, and then all of a sudden this gentleman in a SWAT uniform and armed to the teeth came up to me and said I had to leave and that this was a private beach. I asked, ‘Whose private beach?’ And he said Oprah Winfrey and Michael Jordan. And I said, ‘I’m leaving in a minute.'”
Eric Roberts has been married since 1992
Eric Roberts and his wife Eliza Roberts have been married since 1992. During a joint appearance on KTLA 5, they revealed the secret of a happy, successful marriage.
“There are all these cliches, communication,” said Eliza. “We also work together, which is good. That actually helps.”
Eliza also works as an actress in Hollywood. She is known for her portrayal of Miranda in 1996’s Doctor Who: The Movie and Katherine Racanelli in 2021’s The Tasmanian Devil.
Eric Roberts’ daughter is Emma Roberts
On February 10, 1991, Eric Roberts and his ex-girlfriend Kelly Cunningham gave birth to their daughter Emma Roberts.
Like her father, Emma Roberts chose to pursue a career as an actress. The 33-year-old has appeared in numerous films and television shows over the years, including Nickelodeon’s “Unfabulous,” “We’re the Millers” (2013) and “Nerve” (2016).
Not to mention, she also starred alongside Kim Kardashian in “American Horror Story: Delicate” in 2024.
In an interview with Extra, Emma Roberts praised Kardashian’s acting skills and said she enjoyed working with the Skims founder.
“She’s amazing, she’s a professional. She’s one of the most prepared people I’ve ever worked with and she’s just so relaxed,” said Emma Roberts. “I love her so much!”
As for Emma Roberts’ acting performance, her father said he noticed how far she had come in her career.
“I can’t believe how great she’s turned out,” he said on the podcast “Still Here Hollywood.”
“I’m so proud of her I can hardly see straight. From her performance in ‘Maybe I Do’ until now, she fills me with pride and I’m like, ‘Oh my God, here she goes again,'” he continued. “And I’m so happy to be her dad because she’s awesome. And I’m so proud.”
Eric Roberts should not talk about his famous family in interviews
During an appearance on the podcast “Still Here Hollywood,” Eric Roberts said that his famous sister and daughter don’t like it when he talks about them in interviews.
He revealed this when presenter Steve Kmetko asked how the “Pretty Woman” star was doing.
“You have to ask her,” he replied.
“I love my sister, but I can’t talk about her,” he added. “She doesn’t want to talk about it. And my daughter told me not to talk about her, but I do. I shouldn’t talk about either of them, but I do.”
