In the vast galaxy of Hollywood, few stars have burned as brightly, as chaotically, and as persistently as Eric Roberts. With a career spanning over four decades and more than 700 credits to his name, he is one of the most prolific actors in cinematic history.
As of early 2026, Eric is experiencing a powerful moment of reflection. Following the 2024 release of his candid memoir, Runaway Train, he has moved into a new chapter focused on family reconciliation and a steady stream of new film projects that show no sign of slowing down.
Eric Roberts Biography
Born Eric Anthony Roberts on April 18, 1956, in Biloxi, Mississippi, Eric grew up in Atlanta, Georgia. The son of actors and playwrights Walter Grady Roberts and Betty Lou Bredemus, his path to the stage was paved from birth. He studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York.
His debut in King of the Gypsies (1978) immediately established him as a force to be reckoned with, earning him a Golden Globe nomination. However, a near-fatal car accident in 1981 changed the trajectory of his life, leaving him in a coma for three days and altering his physical appearance, yet it also infused his future performances with a raw, survivalist intensity.
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Career
Eric’s career is a sprawling tapestry of high-stakes drama and a relentless work ethic.
- The Golden Era: He received critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for his role as Buck McGeehy in Runaway Train (1985).
- The Villainous Pivot: He became the go-to antagonist in blockbusters like The Specialist (1994), The Dark Knight (2008), and The Expendables (2010).
- The Prolific Legend: By 2026, he has amassed over 700 screen credits, often joked about as the man who never says no to a script.
- Current Projects (2025–2026): In early 2026, Eric starred in the Mexican-American music drama Clika. He is also set to appear in the upcoming 2026 historical epic 1242: Gateway to the West.
Eric Roberts Movies
- Star 80 (1983): A chilling performance as Paul Snider.
- The Pope of Greenwich Village (1984): A cult classic alongside Mickey Rourke.
- Runaway Train (1985): His Oscar-nominated breakout.
- The Dark Knight (2008): Playing the mob boss Sal Maroni.
- Inherent Vice (2014): A celebrated turn in Paul Thomas Anderson’s noir comedy.
- Babylon (2022): A brief but memorable appearance in the Hollywood epic.
- Clika (2026): His latest theatrical release, in which he plays a music industry veteran.
Eric Roberts Net Worth
As of January 2026, Eric Roberts’ net worth is estimated at $2 million. While he has been a steady earner for decades, his wealth is a reflection of his “workhorse” mentality, taking numerous roles in independent films alongside major studio features. He has often stated that he simply loves the process of being on set, regardless of the budget.
Family
The Roberts name is synonymous with Hollywood royalty. Eric is the father of actress Emma Roberts and the brother of Julia Roberts and Lisa Roberts Gillan. After years of public estrangement from various family members, Eric’s 2024 memoir served as a public olive branch. In early 2026, he frequently supported his daughter Emma’s career and had embraced his role as a grandfather to her son, Rhodes.
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Relationships and Turning Points
Eric Roberts and Julia Roberts
The relationship between Eric Roberts and Julia Roberts has been one of the most analyzed sibling dynamics in Hollywood. They were estranged for nearly two decades, largely due to Eric’s past struggles with substance abuse. However, the ice began to thaw in 2004, and in 2024/2025, Eric publicly apologized for taking credit for her success in the past. Today, they maintain a private, respectful relationship, with Eric often stating, “I love my sister, and I’m so proud of her.”
Eric Roberts and Kelly Cunningham
During the late 1980s and early 90s, Eric was in a long-term relationship with Kelly Cunningham. Together, they had a daughter, Emma Roberts, born in 1991. The split was notoriously difficult and led to a high-profile custody battle in which Eric’s sister, Julia, famously sided with Kelly. This era marked one of the most turbulent periods of Eric’s personal life.
Eric Roberts and Eliza Roberts
The true “guardian angel” of Eric’s life is his wife, Eliza Roberts (née Garrett). The pair married in 1992, and Eliza has served as his manager, confidante, and the person Eric credits with saving his life from addiction. As of early 2026, they are celebrating 33 years of marriage. They are inseparable on the red carpet, and Eric frequently refers to her as “the boss” of his career and his world.
Controversies
Eric’s journey hasn’t been without its storms.
- Past Struggles: In the 80s and 90s, his battles with cocaine addiction were widely in the news, leading to several legal issues and the aforementioned family rifts.
- The “I Made Julia” Comments: For years, Eric faced backlash for claiming Julia and Emma wouldn’t be stars without him. In late 2024, he officially recanted these statements in his memoir, calling them “asinine.”
- The 2026 Deepfake Issue: Like many veteran actors in early 2026, Eric’s likeness was used in unauthorized AI-generated film trailers, prompting his legal team to join the industry-wide fight for digital likeness protections.
Eric Roberts Age
As of January 2026, Eric Roberts is 69 years old. He will reach the milestone of 70 years old on April 18, 2026. Despite his age, his energy remains legendary, often filming several projects simultaneously.
Eric Roberts Now
Now, Eric is living his most peaceful life in Los Angeles. He has become a fixture at independent film festivals and fan conventions, like Pensacon 2026, where he interacts with the “SPN Family” and fans of his diverse work. He is currently promoting his memoir and mentoring young actors through his and Eliza’s acting workshops.
Conclusion
Eric Roberts is a survivor who has traded his “wild man” reputation for a legacy of hard work and family healing. In 2026, he stands as a testament to the fact that it is never too late to say you’re sorry, or to book your 800th acting gig.
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