Eric Roberts has been a steady presence in Hollywood for over four decades. The seasoned actor is known for his prolific career, versatile casting, and compelling screen presence.
His life is far from tranquil. However, he always seems to resurface, and like a phoenix, rise up from the ashes.
Robert’s journey reflects resilience, passion, and a genuine love for the craft. His portfolio has over 700 screen credits, but did this grant him an immense fortune? Or did his edgy lifestyle and challenges set him back dramatically?
Read on to get the whole scoop!
Eric Robert’s Net Worth
As of 2024, Eric Robert’s net worth is estimated to be around $2 million. While this figure might seem modest compared to his fellow A-listers, it’s still a testament to his resilience and enduring appeal.
A few rumors claim that his net worth is closer to $5 million. They say that a large chunk of the actor’s earnings come from digital-age investments and undisclosed business ventures. These are still unverified reports though.
Where did all the money he earned come from? And how did he spend the better part of it? This is what we’ll see next.
Early Life and Going to Hollywood
Eric Anthony Roberts was born on the 18th of April, 1956, in Biloxi, Mississippi, and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. His parents were actors and playwrights, which set the stage for his passion for the arts. His childhood was far from idyllic though.
Eric’s parents were divorced when he was young, and he later described his upbringing as tumulous.
In an interview with The Los Angeles Times, he reveals, “My father taught me a lot about the process of being a professional actor, but he would denigrate me at every turn,” says Roberts. “As a kid, it was very difficult. How do you deal with a father like that? It was hard to process.”
Despite these challenges, Eric Roberts found solace in acting and honed his craft at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City.
His breakout role came in 1987 with King of the Gypsies, where he played a rebellious young man, caught between ambition and tradition. The role earned him his first Golden Globe nomination, signaling the arrival of a new Hollywood star.
Building a Career
Eric’s filmography boasts several critically acclaimed performances. In Runaway Train, which came out in 1985, he plays Buck, a convict whose moral dilemmas drive the plot. His extraordinary characterization earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Other standout films include Star 80, The Pope of Greenwich Village, and The Dark Knight, in addition to a host of indie films. He also has notable roles on many popular TV shows. This is a long list that features series like The Finder, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and Grey’s Anatomy.
Over the years, Eric demonstrated that he can excel in any role. He even took part in daytime dramas like The Young and The Restless and appeared in TV commercials. However, playing unhinged characters seemed to be his forte.
When a Newsweek reporter asked him about his villain roles, he replied, “I just like playing those guys. And why I am so good at those crazy people is because they’re way away from me.”
He further explained, “I can see them, so I can see them three-dimensionally, and I can play them. But I am not that. And that’s what I hope to show.” then he added “I’m not Paul Snyder from Star 80, I’m not Pauli Giovanni from Pope, you know, I’m not the hitman from The Butcher, I’m Eric”
Current Ventures
Eric Roberts remains active in Hollywood, balancing mainstream projects with passion-driven indie work. In recent years, he lent his talent to projects like The Righteous Gemstones and indie hits such as Babylon.
In interviews, Roberts often expresses gratitude for his busy schedule:
“I’m 68, and I’m still doing what I love every day. That’s success to me.”
Outside of acting, Eric supports causes close to his heart, such as animal welfare. He also appears in podcasts and interviews, sharing industry insights and personal anecdotes.
Family Ties
Eric has two younger sisters—Julia Roberts, the Oscar-winning actress, and Lisa Roberts Gillan, also an actress and producer. Though the siblings shared a love for acting, their relationships were complicated.
For years, Eric and Julia had a widely publicized estrangement, reportedly caused by drug abuse and Julia siding with his ex-girlfriend in the custody battle for his daughter, Emma.
However, Eric revealed in an interview with Variety that they’ve reconciled, saying, “We’re family. At the end of the day, that’s what matters most.”
He said in various interviews that his 2024 memoir, Runaway Train: or, The Story of My Life So Far, was an honest depiction of his life. He admitted that he had a penchant for embellishment, as do most of his fellow actors, but insisted that this was authentic.
Interestingly, US Magazine described his reaction to the family’s reading of his biography as “coy”. In that interview, he insisted that his relationship with his sister Julia Roberts, and his daughter Emma Roberts was perfect, but preferred not to comment on their work.
Eric has been married to casting director Eliza Roberts since 1992. Their marriage is a cornerstone of his personal life. In interviews, Eric often credits Eliza with being his anchor through challenging times.
Struggles and Comebacks
Eric’s career hit a rough patch in the 1990s, largely due to substance abuse. He openly admitted that these struggles affected his reputation and relationships.
While talking to People Magazine, he gave a public apology to his family and friends and expressed deep regret for his misjudgment.
With a renewed focus on his craft, Eric staged a remarkable comeback in the 2000s. Eric Roberts’ story is more than just a tale of Hollywood success—it’s a narrative of persistence, family, and the joy of doing what you love.
Whether he’s starring in an indie thriller or a blockbuster hit, Eric Roberts continues to inspire both fans and fellow actors with his enduring spirit and talent.
