Julia Roberts surprised audiences with her unexpected multilingual abilities at the 2025 Gotham Awards, where she showcased her skill in speaking Italian while participating in an entertaining onstage moment. This display of Julia Roberts hidden talent occurred during the ceremony, earning admiration as she celebrated her collaboration with director Luca Guadagnino in New York City.
Julia Roberts Impresses with Language Skills at the Gotham Awards
More than known for her roles in classic films, Julia Roberts demonstrated that she is adept at languages by translating a speech for Italian filmmaker Luca Guadagnino during the prestigious Visionary Award presentations. The event, which also recognized Julia Roberts’ performance in the psychological thriller “After the Hunt,” allowed her to bridge the language gap while adding her signature charm to the proceedings.
Paul Rudd, who served as the evening’s presenter, brought the duo to the stage for their shared honor. Julia set the mood by stating,
“I not only had a great privilege of acting with Luca, but I will be acting as his interpreter,”
Julia Roberts, Actress. She proceeded to translate Luca Guadagnino’s statements into Italian, delighting the crowd with both her linguistic flair and sense of humor. Notably, Luca had originally delivered his remarks in English, making the translation a playful twist in the ceremony.
Roberts continued to celebrate the event by addressing all those in attendance, expressing a unified appreciation for creativity in turbulent times.
“Everyone that is here living their creative dreams, thank you for doing that in a world that seems to be crumbling. This is the tape and the glue that keeps it together,”
Julia Roberts, Actress. Emphasizing her close working relationship, she added,
“One of my great dreams was to work with Luca Guadagnino, and now that I’ve done it once, I just wanna keep on doing it,”
Julia Roberts, Actress.
The moment was widely shared by entertainment outlets, with one viral clip capturing the spirit of the night:
“@enews Julia Roberts is just a girl, standing in front of Luca Guadagnino, translating his Gotham Awards speech. 😂 ♬ original sound – E! News – E! News”
E! News. This lighthearted chemistry highlights the strong connection between Roberts and Guadagnino, who have developed a sincere artistic bond. Their rapport was evident not just at the award show but earlier in the year, when Roberts wore a cardigan at the Venice Film Festival adorned with prints of Guadagnino’s face, drawing attention to her creative and affectionate gestures.
Reflecting on her style choices, Roberts explained,
“I love to do things like that during a press tour, wear clothes with my cast mates’ and directors’ faces on them to show my love and appreciation,”
Julia Roberts, Actress.
“I like to have fun and mix it up, and not be serious all the time,”
Julia Roberts, Actress. Her playful spirit, together with her diverse talents, distinguished her presence at the Gotham Awards and underscored her reputation as both an entertainer and a creative collaborator.
Other Celebrities Who Have Surprised Fans With Unexpected Skills
Julia Roberts’ hidden ability is just one example among many performers who possess talents not seen on screen. Many in attendance and following the event were reminded of how stars often have rich and unexpected interests outside their main careers.
Sydney Sweeney, known for her portrayal of Cassie, has made headlines for her skill as a car mechanic. Having acquired a 1969 Ford Bronco, she documented her restoration journey on TikTok, showcasing her hands-on approach to automotive repairs.
Christopher Walken, an acclaimed and versatile actor, once held the unique job of a lion tamer in the circus as a teenager. He recalled,
“It was a female named Sheba,”
Christopher Walken, Actor, adding,
“and she was very sweet. Like a dog, really,”
Christopher Walken, Actor. Walken’s colorful past contributes to his multi-layered screen presence.
Colin Farrell also boasts an unexpected background as a member of a country-western line-dancing troupe. The group, known for their all-denim outfits and cowboy hats, highlighted his interest in music and dance distinct from his career in film.
Chevy Chase, often associated with comedy, has a serious passion for music, having performed alongside Donald Fagen and Walter Becker—later of Steely Dan fame—in the band The Leather Canary. Originally a drummer, Chase later explored jazz piano, reflecting the depth of his musical pursuits.
Matthew Morrison is recognized for his broad talents. The Glee star took on a remarkable responsibility at age 18, where he delivered two babies during
“Take Your Kid to Work Day,”
participating in the birth process alongside his father, a midwife.
Christina Hendricks demonstrated genuine musicianship as she played the accordion on the series Mad Men, blending her acting and musical abilities seamlessly on set.
Michael Jackson, the celebrated King of Pop, used his artistry in unexpected ways by spending downtime drawing chairs with human faces, a creative pastime that extended his visual imagination beyond music.
Flavor Flav is most often remembered for his flamboyant style and timepieces, yet his talents as a self-taught multi-instrumentalist set him apart. He mastered piano, guitar, saxophone, trombone, and French horn, illustrating his remarkable musical versatility.
Vin Diesel pursued his love of gaming by designing video games, a passion fueled by more than two decades playing Dungeons & Dragons. This hobby led him to contribute to interactive media beyond his on-screen roles.
Rod Stewart crafts intricate miniature train sets, devoting an entire floor of his home to models replicating railroad lines in New York and Pennsylvania. This hobby highlights his attention to detail and love for creative model-building.
Kesha, in her artistic explorations, engaged fans in an unusual project by encouraging them to send her spare teeth, which she planned to use in an art initiative during her rehabilitation period.
Harrison Ford, best known for his roles in Star Wars and Indiana Jones, holds a pilot’s license for both airplanes and helicopters. He has used his aviation skills for humanitarian efforts, delivering aid to Haiti and assisting with rescue missions throughout the United States.
Johnny Cash, before his legendary music career, served as a Morse Code Intercept Operator for the U.S. Air Force during the Cold War. This role as a cryptologist added a layer of intrigue to the Man in Black’s life story.
Jason Lee, known for his acting, is also a professional skateboarder. He is credited with perfecting—and perhaps inventing—the “360 flip,” making his mark on the world of extreme sports.
Seth Meyers, who hosts Late Night, applies his creativity to writing as well. He co-wrote a Spider-Man comic spin-off titled “The Short Halloween” with Bill Hader., expanding his comedic influence into graphic storytelling.
Leslie Mann has maintained the skill of riding a unicycle since she received one as a Christmas gift at age ten, a talent that adds to her comedic repertoire.
Nick Offerman, known for playing Ron Swanson, has a passion for woodworking. He crafted canoe paddles for his cast mates from wood salvaged from the Parks and Rec set, embodying his on-screen persona’s hobbies in real life.
Clint Eastwood, in addition to his work as an Oscar-winning director and jazz enthusiast, is also an accomplished composer. He wrote the musical scores for films like Million Dollar Baby, J. Edgar, and the drama Grace Is Gone, demonstrating his deep engagement with cinematic music.
The Impact and Ongoing Fascination With Celebrity Hidden Talents
The Gotham Awards gave Julia Roberts an opportunity to showcase a lesser-known side of her, captivating both her fans and fellow artists with her Italian translation for Luca Guadagnino and her evident joy on stage. The lively exchanges and heartfelt moments underscored her multifaceted nature and her strong connections within the film industry.
By revealing her language skills and playful side, Julia Roberts inspired audiences to appreciate the diversity of talents among public figures. In a world fascinated with celebrities, these glimpses into surprising hobbies—from Sydney Sweeney’s mechanical work to Christopher Walken’s lion-taming days—encourage a broader perspective on the personalities behind iconic roles. As the conversation on hidden talents continues, figures like Julia Roberts remind the world that creative potential often extends far beyond what is seen on the big screen.
