Hollywood is full of urban legends, and one that just won't quit is the idea that the "Pretty Woman" herself has a secret twin. People see the striking resemblance, the shared talent, and the heavy-hitting last name and start wondering: does Julia Roberts have a twin brother?
Honestly, it’s a fair question. Hollywood loves a good twin story (just look at the Sprouses or the Olsens). But when it comes to Julia, the reality is a little different—and arguably more interesting than a simple "yes" or "no."
The Short Answer: No, but...
Let’s get the record straight right away. Julia Roberts does not have a twin brother.
She was born on October 28, 1967. Her famous brother, Eric Roberts, was born on April 18, 1956. That’s an eleven-year gap. Definitely not twins.
So why do people keep asking?
Part of the confusion might stem from Julia’s own life as a mother. She actually gave birth to twins—Hazel and Phinnaeus—back in 2004. It’s funny how these things get twisted in the celebrity rumor mill. People hear "Julia Roberts" and "twins" in the same sentence and suddenly they're convinced she has a long-lost brother from the same womb.
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Who Is Eric Roberts?
If you’ve ever watched a movie or a TV show in the last forty years, you’ve probably seen Eric Roberts. He’s prolific. Like, 700-credits-to-his-name prolific.
Eric was a massive star in the '80s, even earning an Academy Award nomination for Runaway Train. For a while, he was actually the "famous one" in the family. When Julia first arrived in New York to try her hand at acting, Eric was already established.
A Complicated Bond
Things haven't always been "everything is coming up roses" for the Roberts siblings. For decades, they were famously estranged.
It’s one of those classic Hollywood tragedies. Eric struggled heavily with drug addiction in the '80s and '90s. Things got particularly messy when Julia sided with Eric’s ex-girlfriend, Kelly Cunningham, during a bitter custody battle over Eric’s daughter—who you might know as Emma Roberts.
Supporting an ex in a legal fight is a pretty definitive way to burn a bridge. They didn't speak for years.
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The Path to Forgiveness
They eventually patched things up around 2004. Ironically, it was the birth of Julia’s twins that brought them back together. Eric reportedly visited her in the hospital, and the ice finally started to melt.
Recently, Eric has been quite open about his regrets. In his 2024 memoir, Runaway Train: Or, the Story of My Life So Far, he issued a public apology to Julia. He admitted that his past comments—specifically claiming he was the reason she was famous—were "asinine."
He wrote about how his addiction made him "dangerous" to be around and how he basically blew it with his sisters, Julia and Lisa. It’s rare to see that kind of raw honesty from a public figure, but it goes to show that even the most famous families deal with some seriously heavy baggage.
The Other Roberts Sibling: Lisa Roberts Gillan
While everyone focuses on the drama between Eric and Julia, there’s a third sibling who stays a bit more under the radar.
Lisa Roberts Gillan is also an actor and producer. You might have spotted her in small roles in Julia’s films like Runaway Bride or Mona Lisa Smile. Unlike the rollercoaster relationship Julia had with Eric, she and Lisa have remained incredibly close throughout their lives. They even run a production company together called Red Om Films.
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Why the "Twin" Rumor Won't Die
Aside from the confusion with her own children, the rumor that does Julia Roberts have a twin brother probably persists because of Eric’s intense, high-cheekboned look that mirrors Julia’s own iconic features. They share that unmistakable "Roberts" smile and the same piercing screen presence.
When two people look that much alike and both possess that "it" factor, the brain wants to categorize them as twins.
The Roberts Family Tree at a Glance:
- Eric Roberts (Brother): Born 1956. Oscar nominee, father of Emma Roberts.
- Lisa Roberts Gillan (Sister): Born 1965. Actor and producer.
- Julia Roberts: Born 1967. The "America’s Sweetheart" of the family.
- Nancy Motes (Half-sister): Born 1976. Sadly passed away in 2014.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're looking to dive deeper into the Roberts family dynamic or just want to see the talent for yourself, here is what you should do:
- Read the Memoir: Pick up Eric Roberts' book Runaway Train. It’s a blunt, sometimes painful look at fame, addiction, and what it’s like to live in the shadow of a superstar sister.
- Watch the Early Work: Check out the 1989 film Blood Red. It’s one of the few times Julia and Eric actually appeared on screen together.
- Follow the Next Generation: If you like the Roberts' acting style, keep an eye on Emma Roberts. She’s carrying the family torch in projects like American Horror Story and has managed to navigate the family legacy with a lot of grace.
The Roberts family is a reminder that even if you're an Oscar winner, family is still complicated. Julia doesn't have a twin, but she has a history with her siblings that is just as dramatic as any script she’s ever read.