Honestly, if you thought Julia Roberts was just going to coast on her Pretty Woman residuals and retire to a quiet life of knitting in Malibu, you haven't been paying attention. She’s fifty-eight now. And she’s arguably more interesting than she was in the nineties.
There’s this weird thing that happens with icons where we want to freeze them in time. We want the red curls and the opera dress forever. But Julia Roberts nowadays is a completely different beast. She’s leaning into roles that are frankly kind of messy, and her real-life "vibe" has shifted from America's Sweetheart to something much more grounded, even a little bit rebellious.
Take the 2026 Golden Globes, for instance. She didn't just show up; she basically hijacked the red carpet conversation. People were obsessed. Not because she looked like a twenty-year-old—though the honey-blonde hair change was a total serve—but because she looked like a woman who genuinely likes her life. That "lived-in glow" everyone was talking about? It’s not just a fancy serum. It’s the energy of someone who has nothing left to prove.
The "After the Hunt" Era and the Bold New Career Shift
The biggest thing happening with Julia Roberts nowadays is her collaboration with Luca Guadagnino. You know, the guy who did Challengers and Call Me by Your Name. Their new thriller, After the Hunt, which hit theaters in October 2025, is a massive departure for her.
She plays Alma Olsson, a Yale professor caught in a moral shredder when a student (played by the brilliant Ayo Edebiri) makes a damning accusation against a colleague (Andrew Garfield). It’s tense. It’s academic. It’s definitely not a rom-com.
What’s wild is how they filmed it. Julia actually had the entire cast and director move into her house for weeks during production. Can you imagine? Andrew Garfield and Ayo Edebiri just "piling" into a house together to bond. Her husband, Danny Moder, was apparently the designated chef for the group.
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"It was the fast track to the inside of each other," she told Diane Sawyer. "I love a good puppy pile of people."
That’s the thing about Julia now. She isn't doing the whole "isolated movie star" routine. She’s bringing people into her world. She wants the work to be intimate and risky. It paid off, too—her performance in After the Hunt landed her an 11th Golden Globe nomination in 2026, proving she can still command a room without flashing that signature smile every five seconds.
Family Life: Raising Humans in a "Normal" Bubble
While her career is having this cool, edgy renaissance, her home life is basically a masterclass in privacy. She and Danny Moder have been married for over 23 years. In Hollywood years, that’s basically a century.
They’ve raised three kids: the twins, Hazel and Phinnaeus (who are 21 now!), and their youngest, Henry, who just turned 18.
It’s kind of funny—Julia has mentioned before that her kids didn't even really get how famous she was for a long time. She was just "Mom" who was home a lot. Now that the twins are in college, she’s leaned fully into being a "college mom." She wears the school colors, she goes to the games, and she’s obsessed with it.
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The family has bounced around a bit lately, moving from San Francisco’s Presidio Heights to Pacific Heights, but they still spend a ton of time at their ranch in Taos, New Mexico. That ranch is her sanctuary. It’s where she and Danny got married back in 2002, and it seems to be the place where she can just be a person, not a brand.
The Rumor Mill: "Pretty Woman 2" and "Oceans 14"
You can't talk about Julia Roberts nowadays without mentioning the sequels everyone is screaming for.
- Oceans 14: She confirmed at the 2026 Golden Globes that filming is actually a thing. People are losing their minds over the prospect of the old gang getting back together.
- Pretty Woman 2: There’s been a ton of noise about a sequel titled A Second Chance for late 2026. While the internet is convinced, Julia herself remains a bit more cryptic about returning to Vivian Ward. She’s picky. She doesn't need the paycheck. If she does it, it’s because the story actually matters.
The Routine: How She Actually Stays Looking Like Julia
Everyone wants the "secret." How does she look like that at 58?
It’s a mix of being incredibly disciplined and also totally relaxed. She’s a long-time Lancôme ambassador, so she’s obviously got access to the best skincare on the planet. But she’s also big on the basics:
- Consistent SPF: She’s been vocal about how sun damage is the enemy.
- Hydration: Boring, but true.
- The "Joy" Factor: She told Andrew Garfield in a recent interview that her constant source of joy is simply "Danny Moder."
There’s a realness to her beauty routine that feels refreshing. She isn't trying to erase every line on her face. She’s keeping the expressiveness that made her a star in the first place. When she laughs, you see it in her eyes, and that’s why people still find her so magnetic.
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Why She Still Matters in 2026
Julia Roberts is one of the few remaining "true" movie stars. She doesn't post every meal on Instagram (though she does share the occasional heartfelt anniversary post or a birthday shout-out for her kids). She understands the power of mystery.
She’s also using her platform for more than just movie promos. Whether it’s raising funds for California wildfire victims or working with organizations like BRAC USA to fight poverty, she’s put in the work for decades. She isn't just a face; she’s a force.
If you’re looking to channel a bit of that Julia Roberts energy in your own life, here’s the takeaway:
- Prioritize the "Puppy Pile": Build a tight-knit community. Whether it's friends or family, lean into those connections.
- Take the Risk: Don't be afraid to change your "brand." If you've been the "sweetheart," it's okay to be the "professor" now.
- Invest in the Long Game: Whether it’s a marriage or a career, the best results come from staying the course and being picky about where you spend your energy.
Julia Roberts nowadays isn't just surviving Hollywood; she’s outplaying it by her own rules. And honestly? It’s a lot of fun to watch.
Next steps for fans: You should definitely check out the After the Hunt soundtrack if you want to feel that tense, academic vibe she’s currently mastering. Or, if you’re feeling nostalgic, keep an eye on the Oceans 14 production updates—the 2026 awards season is already looking like it might be her biggest one yet.