Eric Roberts made his debut on Dancing with the Stars Tuesday night, giving fans a rare glimpse into the life of one of Hollywood’s most prolific actors. Known for roles in Runaway Train and The Righteous Gemstones, Roberts has over 600 credits to his name.
His latest TV appearance comes on the heels of his new memoir, Runaway Train: Or the Story of My Life So Far, where he takes the opportunity to reflect on his life, past mistakes, and most notably, his relationship with his sister, Julia Roberts.
A Public Apology to Julia Roberts!
In his memoir, Eric Roberts extends a heartfelt apology to his sister, Oscar-winning actress Julia Roberts. Reflecting on some past comments, Eric admits that he once took credit for Julia and his daughter Emma Roberts’ success in Hollywood. In 2018, Eric famously told Vanity Fair:
“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.”
Nearly six years later, Roberts is walking back that statement. “I hope Julia will accept this public apology. It was an asinine thing to have said,” he wrote, as shared by People magazine.
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A Tumultuous Past
Eric Roberts’ memoir doesn’t shy away from his struggles. He recalls a life marred by personal challenges, including a near-fatal car accident in 1981 that left him in a three-day coma.
Alongside the physical trauma, his battle with cocaine addiction took a severe toll on his relationships, particularly with his sisters, Julia and Lisa Roberts.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if they suffered from PTSD from when it was dangerous to be around me. Lisa and Julia needed love and protection — instead, they got fear and uncertainty.”
Eric confesses.
One of the biggest regrets of Eric’s life is how his addiction impacted his relationship with his daughter, actress Emma Roberts.
He reflects on how Julia sided with his ex, Kim Cunningham, during a custody battle for Emma, a decision that hurt him deeply. “Of course, the biggest consequence of my drug use was losing Emma,” he admits.
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Moving Forward with Grace
Eric Roberts closes his reflections with a sense of acceptance and a desire to mend the bonds with his family. “I imagine I will remain as Julia’s brother and Emma Roberts’ dad for the rest of my life,” he writes.
“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.”
By opening up about his struggles and publicly apologizing, Eric Roberts seems intent on finding peace and reconciliation within his family, hoping for a future of healing.