When Julia Roberts first strolled the Hollywood boulevards, her older brother had already made a name for himself in the “dream factory.” He was nominated for an Oscar and other major awards long before she was, nearly winning a Golden Globe for his film debut in “King of the Gypsies” in 1978. At that time, Erik Roberts was 22, and his younger sister was only 11. Julia dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. As both siblings became globally recognized actors and their familial ties were revealed, their relationship—particularly their rivalry—became a tabloid sensation.
The root of their issues can be traced back to childhood. When their parents divorced in 1971, Erik stayed with their father, while Julia and their younger sister, Lisa, lived with their mother. They had little opportunity to develop a close bond. Nevertheless, blood ties led them to support each other as much as they could.
Drugs and Violence
The rift between Erik and Julia—by then both major stars—arose from Julia’s inability to accept Erik’s drug addiction. She later sided with his ex-girlfriend during a custody battle over their daughter. Additionally, Erik had a tumultuous relationship with their mother, struggling to forgive her for divorcing their father.
