Surprising Facts About Julia Roberts, America's Sweetheart
It's hard to believe, but Julia Roberts has been a fixture in Hollywood for three decades now. From her breakout performance in Pretty Woman to her Oscar-winning turn in Erin Brockovich, there’s no denying her talent, but "America's Sweetheart" has a dark side too. From her tumultuous personal life to her tragic family history, this is the true story of Julia Roberts.
Julia Roberts Facts
1. She Has A Wild Birth Story
Julia Roberts took her first breaths on October 28, 1967. Born in the city of Smyrna, Georgia, performing was always in her blood. Her father ran a local acting school, where he taught the daughter of Martin Luther King Jr.
In fact, as a thank you for instructing the girl, Mrs. King actually covered the hospital bill for little Julia's birth. It was an A-List start, but her childhood wouldn't be glamorous for long.
2. She Didn't Have An Easy Childhood
Despite her parents' shared love of the performing arts, Mr. and Mrs. Roberts divorced when Julia was just four years old. And from there, hoo boy, her childhood just got worse. Not even a year later, Roberts's mother Betty remarried with a man named Michael Motes—and he was bad news. According to Roberts's brother Eric, the siblings' new stepfather was "abusive".
3. She Hated Her Stepdad
Roberts has said that she hated her new stepdad. Luckily for her, he didn't stay in the picture for too long.
Shortly after giving birth to a daughter, Julia's mother Betty Lou filed to divorce her second husband, citing cruelty as the reason for the split. All of this happened before Julia even graduated from high school. Yeesh.
