At 7, Hes a Tinseltown Stars Brother and the Dad Who Abandoned His Daughter Months – Who Is This 1980s Teen Idol
The heartthrob from the 1980s, who carved out a notable career in Hollywood, has openly discussed his connections with his well-known sister and daughter during various interviews.
For many years, his intense gaze and powerful presence on screen established him as one of the most captivating leading men in Hollywood. Known for his standout performances in classics like ‘Runaway Train’ and ‘Star 80,’ this Hollywood figure emerged as a star during the late 1970s and carried that momentum into the 1980s.
While he has achieved great success in his career, the actor has encountered personal difficulties, particularly regarding his intricate relationships with his sister and daughter, both of whom are also significant figures in the entertainment realm.
Early Beginnings
Born on April 18, 1956, in Biloxi, Mississippi, he began his acting career far removed from the glamour of Hollywood, perfecting his skills in New York City theater. He earned acclaim for his Broadway role in ‘Burn This,’ which garnered him a Theatre World Award.
His rapid rise in the film industry followed, with him gaining attention by the late 1970s for his Golden Globe-nominated performance in ‘King of the Gypsies.’
A Father’s Deep Regret
Beneath the bright lights of film sets and red carpets, the actor’s personal life has long been overshadowed by a significant sorrow concerning his actress daughter.
He has openly discussed his regrets regarding fatherhood. Reflecting on a painful period, he admitted, ‘I had abandoned Kelly when Emma was just seven months old.’
This candid revelation was profound, acknowledging decisions that have shaped the emotional gap between him and his daughter for many years. For the actress, the estrangement from her father has left a lasting impact that she rarely addresses publicly.
In a 2022 interview with Tatler, the star of ‘American Horror Story’ spoke about her childhood and her parents’ separation when she was just a baby. She expressed affection for her mother, stating, ‘She’s pretty much been with me non-stop since Rhodes was born,’ referring to her son.
When questioned about her relationship with her father and their closeness, her response changed. ‘Um… how do I say this? No, we’re not,’ she conceded, her tone heavy with the weight of years spent apart, growing up with her mother Kelly Cunningham while her father struggled with addiction.
The actress’ father has also recognized the emotional toll of their estrangement. During a 2024 episode of the podcast ‘Inside of You with Michael Rosenbaum,’ he reflected on what he deems the toughest time in his life, admitting, ‘Probably the loss of relationship with my daughter.’
Though he refrained from going into detail, his tone revealed ongoing sadness. ‘There’s not a pain,’ he explained, ‘there’s a sadness for the most likely misunderstanding we’ll have forever, because we’re human.’
Despite the emotional chasm characterizing their relationship, the actor has occasionally shared glimpses of his affection for his daughter.
On the eve of her birthday in 2023, he posted a heartfelt throwback photo of her as a child, standing in front of him while he attempted to put together a toy.
‘Very happiest of birthday eves to my precious daughter,’ he captioned the image, reflecting on the candid moment. ‘As you can see, I am clueless as to how to go about the task, as I am about many tasks & other things. But the love on my face, even in profile, for her is undeniable.’
He concluded his emotional message with a note of pride and deep affection, saying, ‘I knew she’d grow up to be all that and more. One of the rare things I was right about. I love you, Emma. Happy Birthday February 10.’
Strained Family Bonds
As the relationship between the father and his daughter has been characterized by distance and intricacy, so too has his connection with his well-known sister. Although they were once close, time, personal struggles, and their fame have created emotional barriers.
Nevertheless, the actor has not hesitated to express his pride and affection for her and his other sister, Lisa Roberts Gillan. In a 2018 Vanity Fair interview, he discussed their sibling dynamics, saying, ‘I wouldn’t characterize it as a falling-out. I was crazy about my sisters. Loved them, adored them.’
He added, ‘We all felt very protective of each other, but the hardest person to protect yourself from is yourself […] I was exhausting to be around […] Everyone in my world needed a break sometimes, and that must have included Julia,’ acknowledging that his prolonged drug use drove a wedge between him and the actress.
Yet, the siblings managed to reconnect when his sister welcomed her twins with her husband in 2004. He and his wife, Eliza Roberts, visited the hospital with gifts.
‘Instead I was ushered into their room and was immediately awash in brotherly and uncle-ly love,’ he reflected. Since then, they have celebrated family occasions like Thanksgiving together and have become, as he described it, ‘e-mail buddies.’
However, his tone shifted when discussing his daughter, as he attributed his influence in launching both her and his sister’s careers. ‘If it wasn’t for me, there would be no Julia Roberts and no Emma Roberts as celebrities, as actresses, and I’m very proud of that,’ he asserted.
He recounted how he introduced Emma to the influential talent agency William Morris, long before her breakout role in ‘Mystic Pizza’ made her a household name. ‘And I am so proud that everybody knows I was first, because I was first by a long shot,’ he remarked.
Despite his pride, he remains careful and respectful when discussing his sister and daughter. During a 2024 appearance on ‘Still Here Hollywood with Steve Kmetko,’ he spoke with a blend of affection and caution.
‘I love my sister, but I can’t talk about her. She doesn’t want to discuss it. Also, my daughter has also told me not to talk about her, but I stumble and do,’ he revealed.
Still, despite the boundaries in place, his admiration for his daughter is evident. ‘I am in love with my daughter’s work these days, like I can’t believe how great she’s become. I’m so proud of her, I can’t see straight,’ he confessed, his voice filled with sincerity.
A Father’s Joy from Afar
Eric Roberts is the acclaimed actor who has continually found himself in the limelight. Even with the distance that exists between him and Emma Roberts, he beams with pride whenever he speaks about her achievements in the industry. ‘It’s so much fun! It’s so much fun for me,’ he expressed, sharing his delight in watching his daughter thrive.
‘She’s never had any training […] and it’s been lovely for me to watch her become an actor […] I love her work,’ Eric noted. When asked if he would want to share the screen with her, he eagerly responded, ‘Are you kidding? I would love that. I’d also love my sister to play my sister.’
Emma Roberts Ties the Knot
His pride reached new heights on July 25, 2026, when Emma wed Cody John. The 35-year-old ‘American Horror Story’ star had a small outdoor wedding in Sun Valley, Idaho, attended by family, including her aunt Julia Roberts.
Emma wore a custom Monique Lhuillier gown made from off-white silk chiffon, which took months to create and could transform into five different styles throughout the evening.
She chose a tea-stained color for the fabric, telling Vogue she wanted to resemble ‘a ghost — a little antique ghost doll.’ Her five-year-old son Rhodes accompanied her down the aisle.
Cody John, 36, is an actor recognized for his work in ‘In the Dark’ (2019), ‘The Cutting Room Floor,’ and ‘Quiet Storm.’
Emma and Cody made their relationship public in August 2022 and announced their engagement in July 2024, with Emma humorously stating on Instagram, ‘Putting this here before my mom tells everyone.’
Fans and followers celebrated their engagement on social media, sharing sentiments like: ‘Congratulations to Emma & her new handsome husband. I hope they’ll be together & happy forever,’ and ‘Emma is such a brilliant actress and she’s one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen. I wish her all the happiness in the world and thank her for the epic horror roles she’s played.’
However, not all reactions were positive, as some criticized her gown, saying, ‘Her dress is strange. I don’t like it but I also find it gorgeous at the same time. So weird!’ and ‘The dress looks like bedding or hospital dressings for a wound.’
Eric Roberts Reflects on His Past
While Eric previously spoke unapologetically about launching the careers of his sister Julia and daughter Emma, time has led him to adopt a more reflective and remorseful attitude.
In his memoir, ‘Runaway Train: Or, The Story of My Life So Far,’ he recognized his past comments as misguided, stating, ‘I hope Julia will accept this public apology. It was an asinine thing to have said.’
He also confronted the darker moments of his life, acknowledging that his struggles with addiction strained the relationships he valued most. ‘I wouldn’t be surprised if they suffered from PTSD from when it was dangerous to be around me,’ he confessed.
The impact of those turbulent years, he admitted, went beyond his siblings. ‘Of course, the biggest consequence of my drug use was losing Emma,’ he reflected, referring to the custody battle that led to their separation.
According to him, his relationship with Julia deteriorated further when she supported Emma’s mother, Kelly, during that period — a decision he now acknowledges was the right one.
With a reconciliatory tone, Eric shared, ‘I imagine I will remain as Julia’s brother and Emma Roberts’ dad for the rest of my life. I’d like to make good on that, to move aside proudly and with grace. That’s part of the reason for writing the book.’
A Lasting Love
Despite the upheaval in his personal life, one relationship has remained steadfast for Eric — his marriage to Eliza. Their story began unexpectedly on a flight to Los Angeles, where Eliza, a casting director, had changed her reservation at the last minute. Eric, returning from a shoot in Rome, boarded the same plane with his cat, Tender, resting in his lap.
Seated next to each other, they struck up a conversation that quickly developed into a connection. ‘It was a chick magnet,’ Eric quipped about the cat later. They had almost collaborated before, but this serendipitous encounter sealed their fate.
Later that evening, Eric contacted Eliza, and her babysitter, recognizing his voice, insisted, ‘You’re taking this call or I’m going to die.’ That babysitter? A then-unknown Jeffrey Dean Morgan.
What began as a chance meeting on a plane evolved into a marriage that has become a cornerstone of Eric’s life. Over the years, he has credited Eliza not only as his partner but also as a guiding light through his most challenging times.
‘I got a wife who comes from royalty — Hollywood royalty,’ he proudly stated during a 2020 interview on ‘The Ed Mylett Show,’ acknowledging Eliza’s Emmy-winning background and her deep understanding of the industry. ‘She gets every single bit of it.’
However, beyond their mutual career paths, it was Eliza’s unwavering support that helped Eric confront his past. ‘My wife sending me to therapy saved my life,’ he revealed, explaining how that journey enabled him to address the behaviors and pain that once shaped him — and ultimately led to his rebuilding process.
In recent years, Eric has become increasingly open about the demons he has faced and overcome. During a 2024 interview on ‘Today,’ he reflected on his long struggle with addiction, describing it as both a personal and universal challenge.
He admitted that this journey came at a great cost — particularly regarding family. ‘For many years, I was a practicing drug addict. So, a lot of people were alienated, especially the family, and the family, I owe them a lot because I love them. I owe them a lot because they love me,’ the actor stated.
