Eric Roberts, the 69-year-old actor, attended the Hollywood premiere of his new film, Clika, on Tuesday evening at the TLC Chinese Theatre. Displaying a fresh Malibu tan and wearing a black blazer over a shark and key T-shirt, gray jeans, and black sneakers, Roberts smiled warmly at the gathered crowd, looking notably younger than his age and notably healthier than in recent years.
Clika, set for release this Friday, tells the story of a small-town musician navigating the Mexican–American music scene after a video of his performance goes viral. Roberts stars alongside Alison Chace, Master P, Peter Greene, and Vivian Lamolli in the film.
Supporting Cast and Premiere Attendees Highlight Diverse Talents
Alison Chace, one of Roberts’ co-stars, appeared chic in a white blazer paired with a black lace top, tailored slacks, and a fedora. Chace is recognized for her television roles in FBI, Law & Order, and Elsbeth, having transitioned from a modeling career with Marie Claire magazine to extensive work in New York City theater before entering film and television.
Other notable attendees included Laura Lopez in a beaded gray gown, Danny Trejo dressed in black and blue along with a signature long DT necklace, Victoria La Mala in a pale blue gown with white heels and a pearl-encrusted clutch, and Cristian Concrete, who wore a three-piece suit complete with a bowtie and hat. The event gathered an eclectic mix of personalities, reflecting the film’s diverse appeal.
Eric Roberts’ Public Apology Marks a Shift in Family Narrative
In 2024, Eric Roberts issued a public apology to his sister, Julia Roberts, the acclaimed actress known for roles in Pretty Woman and Erin Brockovich, after previously taking credit for her Hollywood success. His apology was detailed in his memoir Runaway Train: Or, the Story of My Life So Far, which also recounts his troubled past and complex family dynamics.
In prior statements, Eric claimed,
“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,”
referring also to his daughter Emma Roberts, star of Scream Queens. He described his early efforts helping Julia, saying,
Which one of you is going to sign my sister Julia?
presumably to an agent at William Morris.
However, in his memoir, Roberts acknowledged the inaccuracy of these claims and offered the following apology:
If it wasn’t for me, there would be no Julia Roberts. That’s not only unfortunate, but it’s also untrue. And I hope Julie will accept this more public apology. It was an asinine thing to have said…
This moment of candid reflection marks a notable turning point in his public narrative about his family.
Memoir Reveals Struggles and Family Rift Rooted in Past Decisions
Runaway Train chronicles Eric Roberts’ arrival in Hollywood at 17, his long career, and battles with substance abuse. It highlights a strained relationship with his mother, Betty Lou Bredemus, and its effects on his siblings. A significant source of conflict arose when Eric falsely stated in public that their mother was deceased, a lie he admits was fueled by anger following his parents’ divorce in the early 1970s.
This false claim, which Roberts describes as “the great undoing” of his relationships with his sisters Julia and Lisa, caused emotional pain as they were children at the time, aged 11 and 13, living with their mother.
Roberts reflected on his childhood abuse, revealing that Betty Lou and their father, Walter Grady Roberts, both once actors and playwrights, experienced turbulent moods. He wrote,
“Beatings had become a constant in my life. I never remember not being aware of Mom’s moods, and whenever she and Daddy had an argument, I knew she’d be coming for me.”
This turbulent upbringing contributed to his later struggles and complicated family ties.
Sibling Bond Remains Despite Past Conflicts
Despite public tensions over the years, Eric Roberts insists his relationship with Julia remains intact, though not without differences. Reflecting on media misunderstandings, he recounted a press event shortly after the release of Pretty Woman, when he jokingly said,
Hey, excuse me. Can we talk about me?
on a podcast, he explained this comment was misconstrued.
He described their sibling dynamic as one that involves respecting each other’s space: “I love knowing my sister,” he said.
“She’s a cool chick, my sister. I just stay out of her hair with the press. That’s all. Simple. And she stays out of mine.”
Eric attributes their biggest rift not to public statements, but to his struggles with addiction. He said,
“I was exhausting to be around: complainy, blamey, unable to enjoy enjoyment. Everyone in my world needed a break sometimes, and that must have included Julia.”
Reconciliation and Renewed Family Connections in Recent Years
After years of distance, the siblings reconnected around 2004 when Julia gave birth to her children Hazel and Phinnaeus. Eric recalls visiting the hospital to drop off gifts, where he was warmly welcomed into their family space, leading to several shared Thanksgiving celebrations and an ongoing email correspondence.
He has also expressed admiration for the bond between Julia and his daughter Emma, stating in 2020,
“It’s really cool to look at them. I love seeing them together.”
The Roberts Family Legacy and Ongoing Public Interest
Betty Lou and Walter Grady Roberts, who married in 1955 and divorced by 1972, left a complicated but enduring legacy in the entertainment world through their children. Julia Roberts established herself as a superstar with a career spanning decades, while Eric has maintained a steady presence in film and television.
Eric’s candid memoir, released in September 2024, opens a window into his personal and professional life that has often been overshadowed by his more famous sister. His public apology and reflections reveal the complexities of family relationships shaped by personal struggles, fame, and reconciliation.
With Clika poised for release, Eric Roberts is reconnecting with audiences while addressing past conflicts openly, signaling a new chapter for the Roberts family that balances honesty with hope for continued unity.
