“I had abandoned Kelly when Emma was just seven months old,” he later admitted.
“I couldn’t handle the realities of an infant coming into my life, and I couldn’t handle being a parent.”
Kelly was granted full custody.
And making matters even more complicated — Eric’s superstar sister, Julia Roberts, stepped in to support Kelly.
No Family Feud — Just Reality
For years, rumors swirled that Julia “took sides” against her brother.
Eric crushed that narrative in his 2024 memoir Runaway Train:
“There really was no custody fight. I never saw myself as someone who deserved physical custody of Emma — not in a million years.”
He added that Julia simply helped cover Kelly’s legal fees:
“Thankfully, Julia helped — for Emma’s sake and because she could afford to. I deeply appreciated it.”
Emma Roberts Grows Up Without Her Father
As Eric struggled to get clean, Emma was raised by her mother — while visiting her famous aunt on movie sets. She recalled spending nights in Julia’s trailer during Erin Brockovich, watching the magic of filmmaking unfold.
That magic stuck.
Emma Roberts later became a star in her own right, leading American Horror Story, Scream Queens, We’re the Millers, and more.
But the distance between her and her father lingered.
When asked years ago if they were close, she replied carefully:
“Um… how do I say this? No, we’re not.”
A Father Trying to Make Amends
Today, Eric Roberts is 69 — sober, working, and honest about the damage he caused.
“For many years, I was a practicing drug addict,” he told TODAY. “A lot of people were alienated — especially the family. I owe them a lot because they love me.”
He never stopped loving Emma. In a moving birthday post, he shared a photo of her as a toddler:
“The love on my face for her is undeniable. I knew she’d grow up to be all that and more.”
“Addicts Aren’t Bad Guys — They’re Just Making a Mistake”
Now, Eric speaks openly about healing, forgiveness, and getting a second chance at life. He rebuilt his marriage to Eliza Roberts, returned to acting full-time, and continues working in both indie projects and major films.
He also praises Emma’s strength:
“She’s much stronger than I was at that age. She has more tools to protect herself. I love this business, even though it beats you up — and she handles it beautifully.”
A Life Reclaimed
Eric Roberts once lost everything — family, reputation, and his own sense of self. Today, he’s a man who has reclaimed peace and clarity. His daughter grew up without him, but his pride in her has never faded.
Not from the spotlight.
Not from Hollywood.
But from the quiet, steady heart of a father who finally learned what truly matters.
What do you think of Eric Roberts’ journey — heartbreaking, inspiring, or both? Share your thoughts below and pass this story along to someone who loves Hollywood history and real-life redemption stories!