Who Is Eric Roberts? All About His Famous Family, New Memoir & ‘DWTS’

Eric Roberts attends the Global Premiere Screening of
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Eric Roberts is now willing to open up. Between appearing on this season of Dancing With the Stars and releasing a new memoir titled Runaway Train or, the Story of My Life So Far, his name keeps coming up. While more people know about Eric’s famous sister Julia Roberts and his actress daughter Emma Roberts, Eric himself has appeared in over 800 movies and television shows during his long career.

He rose to fame in the 1980s and his sister Julia soon followed in his footsteps. Unfortunately, Eric’s struggles with drug addiction separated the family and he has been advised not to talk about his famous sister or daughter. Eric shared that he hopes writing his memoir can help to mend those relationships.

Eric Roberts is the brother of Julia Roberts; father of Emma Roberts

Actor Eric Roberts and Julia Roberts attend the "Goose and Tomtom" Play Performance on August 28, 1986 at Lincoln Center in New York City, New York

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He said, “I always grapple when I’m asked about my relationship with my sister or my daughter or my family of origin because for many years I was a practicing drug addict, so a lot of people were alienated, especially the family. And I owe them a lot because I love them. I owe them a lot because they love me.”

Eric Roberts, daughter Emma and wife Eliza during "Snow White - An Enchanting New Musical" Premiere - Arrivals at Fantasyland Theatre at Disneyland in Anaheim, California, United States

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Eric studied at London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) before moving to New York City. His first role was in a soap opera called How to Survive a Marriage in 1974 and he received his breakout role in King of the Gypsies. Despite both having successful careers, Eric and Julia only appeared in one movie together: a 1989 Western called Blood Red. He went on to appear in movies and shows ranging from Grey’s Anatomy, CSI and Heroes to The Dark Knight and The Expendables. He’s also starred in music videos for stars such as The Killers, Rihanna and Akon.

Eric Roberts is on Season 33 of Dancing With the Stars

Eric Roberts attends the world premiere of Netflix's "Day Shift" at Regal LA Live on August 10, 2022 in Los Angeles, California

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These days, Eric is working on a different kind of television show: a dancing reality competition show. He is appearing on Season 33 of Dancing With the Stars, paired up with Britt Stewart. He admitted that if he knew he was about to compete on the show, he would have held off on completing his memoir and would have written about his experience. Get his memoir on Amazon.

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’80s Where Are They Now

March 2023

Who can forget all the great TV shows, movies and music of the ‘80s? See what your favs are up to now!

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