Hes a Hollywood Stars Brother and the Dad Who Abandoned His Daughter at 7 Months – Who Is This 1980s Heartthrob

The actor, who gained fame in the 1980s, has shared insights about his complicated relationships with his well-known sister and daughter in various interviews.

For many years, his captivating presence and intense gaze established him as one of the most alluring stars in Hollywood. He rose to fame in the late 70s and 80s with notable performances in classics like "Runaway Train" and "Star 80."

Despite achieving remarkable success in his career, the actor has encountered personal difficulties, especially concerning his intricate dynamics with his sister and daughter, both of whom are well-known in the entertainment world.

Early Career Beginnings

Born on April 18, 1956, in Biloxi, Mississippi, this star’s acting career began away from the Hollywood glamour, as he refined his abilities in New York City’s theater scene. His performance in "Burn This" earned him considerable recognition, including a Theatre World Award.

His rise in the film world was both rapid and striking, as he garnered attention by the late 1970s with a Golden Globe-nominated role in "King of the Gypsies."

He also portrayed a DEA boss in the series "La Reina del Sur," demonstrating his affinity for complex and charismatic roles.

A Father’s Heartbreaking Regret

However, beneath the glitzy film sets and red carpets, the actor’s personal life has been marked by a persistent sadness, particularly concerning his daughter.

He has opened up about his regrets regarding fatherhood in previous discussions. Reflecting on a deeply painful period, he stated, "I had abandoned Kelly when Emma was just seven months old."

This candid admission highlighted the choices that would shape the long-standing gap between him and his daughter. For Emma, this estrangement from her father has left a lasting impact that she rarely talks about publicly.

In a 2022 interview with Tatler, Emma, the star of "American Horror Story," reminisced about her childhood, which began with her parents’ separation when she was an infant. She spoke fondly of her mother, saying, "She’s pretty much been with me non-stop since Rhodes was born," referring to her son.

When asked about her relationship with her father, Emma’s demeanor changed. "Um… how do I say this? No, we’re not," she replied, hinting at the years spent apart, growing up with her mother Kelly Cunningham while her father struggled with addiction.

Her father has also recognized the emotional fallout from their estrangement. In a 2024 appearance on "Inside of You with Michael Rosenbaum," he reflected on what he considers the most challenging time in his life, saying, "Probably the loss of relationship with my daughter."

While he didn’t provide many details, his tone suggested an enduring sadness. "There’s not a pain," he said, "there’s a sadness for the most likely misunderstanding we’ll have forever, because we’re human."

Despite the emotional chasm characterizing their relationship, the actor has occasionally revealed snippets of the affection he still feels for his daughter.

On the night before her birthday in 2023, he shared a nostalgic photo on Instagram of Emma as a child, standing before him while he attempted to assemble a toy.

"Very happiest of birthday eves to my precious daughter," he wrote in the post, reflecting on the moment with humor. "As you can see, I am clueless as to how to go about the task, as I am about many tasks & other things. But the love on my face, even in profile, for her is undeniable."

He concluded the heartfelt post with an expression of love and pride, stating, "I knew she’d grow up to be all that and more. One of the rare things I was right about. I love you, Emma. Happy Birthday February 10."

The Actor’s Challenging Bond with His Sister

Similar to the complexities between him and his daughter, the actor’s relationship with his well-known sister has also been fraught with challenges. Once close, their bond has become strained over time, influenced by personal struggles and the pressures of fame.

Despite this, he has consistently expressed admiration and pride for both his sister and his other sibling, Lisa Roberts Gillan. In a 2018 Vanity Fair interview, he discussed their family dynamics, saying, "I wouldn’t characterize it as a falling-out. I was crazy about my sisters. Loved them, adored them."

He added, "We all felt very protective of each other, but the hardest person to protect yourself from is yourself […] I was exhausting to be around […] Everyone in my world needed a break sometimes, and that must have included Julia," referring to how his prolonged substance use distanced him from the actress.

The siblings did manage to reconnect when Julia welcomed twins in 2004. The actor and his wife, Eliza Roberts, visited the hospital to bring gifts.

"Instead, I was ushered into their room and was immediately awash in brotherly and uncle-ly love," he reminisced. Since that moment, they have shared family traditions like Thanksgiving and have become, as he described, "e-mail buddies."

However, when discussing his daughter, his tone shifted, as he took credit for kickstarting both her and his sister’s careers. "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 asserted.

He recalled introducing Julia to the influential William Morris agency long before her breakout role in "Mystic Pizza." "And I am so proud that everybody knows I was first, because I was first by a long shot," he added.

Yet, despite this pride, he has grown cautious when commenting on his sister and daughter. In a 2024 interview on "Still Here Hollywood with Steve Kmetko," he spoke affectionately yet carefully.

"I love my sister, but I can’t talk about her. She don’t want to talk about it. Also, my daughter told me also not to talk about her, but I stumble and do," he confessed.

Nevertheless, his admiration is evident. "I am in love with my daughter’s work these days, like I can’t believe how great she’s become. I’m so proud of her, I can’t see straight," he shared, his voice reflecting sincerity and pride.

A Father’s Joy from Afar

Eric Roberts, the celebrated actor, continues to remain in the public eye. Despite the distance with Emma Roberts, Eric beams with pride as he discusses his daughter’s accomplishments in the industry. "It’s so much fun! It’s so much fun for me," he expressed, delighted by Emma’s success.

"She’s never had any training […] and it’s been lovely for me to watch her become an actor […] I love her work," Eric remarked. When asked about collaborating with her, he replied eagerly, "Are you kidding, I would love that. I’d also love my sister to play my sister."

Emma Roberts Ties the Knot with Cody John

Eric’s pride reached another level on July 25, 2026, when Emma married actor Cody John. According to reports, the intimate outdoor ceremony took place at a private residence in Sun Valley, Idaho, with her aunt Julia Roberts in attendance.

Emma donned a custom off-white silk chiffon gown by Monique Lhuillier, which took nearly 1,000 hours to create, designed to change styles throughout the evening.

Emma selected the tea-stained fabric color, conveying to Vogue her desire to appear as "a little antique ghost doll." Her son Rhodes, aged 5, walked with her down the aisle.

Cody John, 36, has gained recognition in titles such as "In the Dark," "The Cutting Room Floor," and "Quiet Storm."

The couple publicly announced their relationship in August 2022, becoming engaged in July 2024. Emma shared their engagement news on Instagram with the caption, "Putting this here before my mom tells everyone."

Fans enthusiastically celebrated the news on social media, commenting: "Congratulations to Emma & her new handsome husband. I hope they’ll be together & happy forever," and praising Emma’s talent and beauty.

Conversely, some critics voiced their opinions on her dress, stating: "Her dress is strange. I don’t like it but I also find it gorgeous at the same time. So weird!" and "The dress looks like bedding or hospital dressings for a wound."

Eric Roberts Expresses Remorse to His Family

While Eric previously expressed unreserved pride in his role in launching Julia’s and Emma’s careers, time has led him to a more reflective stance.

In his memoir, "Runaway Train: Or, The Story of My Life So Far," he took ownership of earlier comments, stating, "I hope Julia will accept this public apology. It was an asinine thing to have said."

He also recognized the darker phases of his life, admitting that his struggles with addiction had detrimental effects on his closest relationships. "I wouldn’t be surprised if they suffered from PTSD from when it was dangerous to be around me," he confessed.

The repercussions of those years extended beyond his siblings, as he noted, "Of course, the biggest consequence of my drug use was losing Emma," referring to the custody battle that separated him from his daughter.

He acknowledged that his relationship with Julia became even more strained when she supported Emma’s mother, Kelly, during his battle with addiction — a choice he now realizes was the right one.

With a tone of reconciliation, Eric reflected, "I imagine I will remain as Julia’s brother and Emma Roberts’ dad for the rest of my life. I’d like to make good on that, to move aside proudly and with grace. That’s part of the reason for writing the book."

One Relationship That Endured

Amid all the turmoil in his life, one bond has remained strong for Eric: his marriage to Eliza. Their story began unexpectedly on a flight to Los Angeles. Eliza, a casting director, changed her flight reservation at the last moment.

Seated next to each other, a conversation blossomed that quickly formed a connection. "It was a chick magnet," Eric humorously remarked about his cat, Tender, who he had brought along.

That evening, Eric called Eliza, and her babysitter, recognizing his voice, insisted she take the call, stating, "You’re taking this call or I’m going to die." That babysitter? A then-unknown Jeffrey Dean Morgan.

Their chance meeting on a plane developed into a marriage that has become fundamental to Eric’s life. He has often credited Eliza not only as a partner but as a supportive force throughout his toughest times.

"I got a wife who comes from royalty — Hollywood royalty," he proudly stated in a 2020 interview, referring to Eliza’s prestigious background and deep understanding of the industry. "She gets every single bit of it."

Yet beyond their professional endeavors, it was Eliza’s unwavering support that enabled Eric to confront his past. "My wife sending me to therapy saved my life," he revealed, explaining how that journey helped him address the issues that once defined him and, ultimately, allowed him to rebuild.

Talking about his struggles, Eric Roberts has increasingly been candid about the battles he has faced and overcome. In a 2024 interview, he described his long-standing fight with addiction as both a personal and collective experience.

"The only way to be a good example is to get through being a casualty," he stated. "And it’s a bit of a trick, because we drug addicts are casualties, and we have to fight it every day."

He acknowledged that his journey exacted a heavy toll — particularly on his family. "For many years, I was a practicing drug addict. So, a lot of people were alienated, especially the family, and the family, I owe them a lot because I love them. I owe them a lot because they love me," he expressed.