Growing up as the daughter of the woman who practically invented the Hollywood smile sounds like a fever dream. You’d expect the glitz, the endless Instagram stories from yachts, and maybe a reality show or two. But Hazel Moder, Julia Roberts’ daughter, is doing something way more radical: she’s actually staying private.
It’s honestly refreshing.
While most "nepo babies" are busy securing brand deals before they can even vote, Hazel just turned 21 in late 2025 and seems perfectly content living a life that doesn't involve being a human billboard. Her mom, the Pretty Woman herself, recently shared a rare throwback photo to celebrate the milestone, calling Hazel and her twin brother, Phinnaeus, "life alterers." It’s a big deal because the Moder-Roberts clan is notoriously low-key. They don't just talk about privacy; they actually live it.
The Viral Smartphone Exit
Did you hear about the "Stand by Me" incident? Basically, after watching the 1986 classic about four boys on an adventure, Hazel decided she was done with her smartphone. She told her mom, "If those boys had phones, they wouldn't be talking to each other like that."
She literally handed her phone over and walked away.
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That was a few years ago, but it defines her vibe. In an age where every 21-year-old is glued to TikTok, Hazel Moder is reportedly thriving at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. She’s studying philosophy. Not acting. Not "influencing." Philosophy. It’s such a specific, thoughtful choice that flies in the face of what we expect from celebrity kids.
Why Dublin?
Ireland offers a level of anonymity that Malibu or New York just can't provide. At Trinity, she’s just another student in a thick wool coat walking through Front Square. Julia Roberts has mentioned in interviews—most recently while promoting After the Hunt—that she’s a "spirited college mom." She sends the "did you drink enough tea?" texts. She’s obsessed with making sure her kids are getting enough sleep. It’s relatable, honestly.
That One Cannes Red Carpet
The world collectively lost its mind in 2021 when Hazel showed up at the Cannes Film Festival. She was 16. It wasn't some high-glam, over-the-top debut. She wore a simple, butterscotch-yellow lace shirtdress and chunky Mary Janes. Her hair was in a basic ponytail.
She looked like... a teenager.
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She was there to support her dad, cinematographer Danny Moder, for his work on the film Flag Day. There was no heavy contouring, no designer labels screaming for attention. Just a kid hanging out with her dad. It’s one of the few times we’ve seen her in the spotlight, and it cemented her status as the "relatable" one.
The Genetic Lottery
People love to debate who she looks like. Some say she’s the spitting image of her cousin, Emma Roberts. Others see her dad’s blue-green eyes—a striking contrast to Julia’s famous brown ones. But that wide, "Roberts smile"? That's 100% her mother.
Growing Up in New Mexico
The secret to Hazel's grounded nature probably lies in the dirt. Or specifically, the dirt on the family’s ranch in Taos, New Mexico.
Julia and Danny made a conscious choice to raise Hazel, Phinnaeus, and younger brother Henry away from the paparazzi. In New Mexico, they lived a "slow life."
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- No paparazzi hiding in the bushes.
- Plenty of space to just be messy kids.
- A focus on chores and school over red carpets.
Hazel even donated her hair to Wigs For Kids when she was 12. She attended the Women’s March with her mom. These aren't the moves of someone looking for fame; they’re the actions of someone raised to be a citizen of the world.
The Future for Hazel Moder
So, will she ever act? Probably not. She had a tiny "bit part" in her mom’s 2016 movie Mother's Day, but that seems to be the extent of it. Sources close to the family say she’s more interested in the "why" of the world than the "fame" of it.
Julia has famously saved some of her most iconic outfits for Hazel, including the black-and-white Valentino gown she wore when she won her Oscar for Erin Brockovich. Can you imagine? Most of us inherit a dusty box of old photos, and Hazel gets a piece of cinematic history.
What We Can Learn from Hazel's Path
- Value the "Offline" Life: You don't need a 5G connection to have a personality. Sometimes, ditching the phone (like Hazel did after Stand by Me) is the best way to actually find yourself.
- Privacy is a Choice: Even in 2026, you can choose what to share. You don't owe the world your every thought or outfit.
- Education Matters: Choosing a rigorous academic path like philosophy at Trinity shows a desire for depth over likes.
Hazel Moder is 21 now. She's an adult navigating a very strange world with a very famous name. But by choosing Dublin over Hollywood and philosophy over "content," she’s carving out a legacy that belongs entirely to her. She isn't just Julia Roberts' daughter; she's a woman who seems to know exactly who she is without needing a camera to tell her.
Practical Insight: If you're looking to follow Hazel's lead on a "digital detox," start by setting a "phone hotel" at home. Julia Roberts uses a charging station where everyone’s phones go the second they walk through the door. No phones at the table. It’s a simple rule that builds real connection.