The Man Behind The Smile: 5 Things You Didn't Know About Julia Roberts' Husband, Daniel Moder

Despite being one of the most recognizable faces in the world, Julia Roberts has managed to keep the details of her long-lasting marriage remarkably private. As of late 2025, the woman once dubbed "America's Sweetheart" is happily married to her husband of over two decades, the accomplished cinematographer Daniel "Danny" Moder. Their relationship, which began under a cloud of controversy, has blossomed into one of Hollywood's most enduring and low-key unions, built on a shared commitment to their family and a life away from the relentless spotlight.

The couple recently celebrated their 23rd wedding anniversary on July 4, 2025, a significant milestone in an industry known for short-lived romances. The durability of their bond is a testament to their dedication, which Roberts herself has occasionally remarked upon, saying her joy over Moder "never falters." This deep dive explores the man who captured the heart of the *Pretty Woman* star, their family life, and the surprising details of their relationship timeline.

Daniel Moder: A Complete Biography and Professional Profile

Daniel Richard Moder, widely known as Danny Moder, is a highly respected American cinematographer and camera operator in the film industry. Unlike his superstar wife, Moder prefers to stay behind the camera, where he has built a solid and critically acclaimed career.

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

• Full Name: Daniel Richard Moder
• Date of Birth: January 31, 1969
• Age (as of late 2025): 56
• Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, USA
• Profession: Cinematographer, Camera Operator, Director of Photography (DOP)
• Education: Graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder
• Career Start: Began his career as a production assistant on the 1995 film *Crimson Tide*.
• Notable Film Credits (DOP/Cinematographer): *Secret in Their Eyes* (2015), *Fireflies in the Garden* (2008), *The Normal Heart* (2014) (for which he received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination), *Jesus’ Son* (1999).
• Notable Camera Operator Credits: *The Mexican* (2001), *Spider-Man 3* (2007), *Mr. & Mrs. Smith* (2005), *Tron: Legacy* (2010).
• Previous Marriage: Vera Steimberg (Argentinian makeup artist), married 1997, divorced 2002.
• Spouse: Julia Roberts (married July 4, 2002)
• Children: Three (twins Hazel and Phinnaeus, and son Henry)

Moder's work has consistently earned praise for its visual quality, demonstrating his expertise across a range of genres, from blockbuster action to intimate dramas. His professional success stands independently of his celebrity marriage, establishing his own topical authority within the film world.

The Unexpected Start: How Julia Roberts and Daniel Moder Met

The story of how Julia Roberts met her husband is a classic Hollywood tale of on-set romance, albeit one with a complicated beginning that fueled tabloid headlines for years. The pair first crossed paths in 2000 on the set of the film *The Mexican*, which starred Roberts alongside Brad Pitt.

At the time, Julia Roberts was dating actor Benjamin Bratt. More significantly, Daniel Moder was married to Argentinian makeup artist Vera Steimberg. Moder was working as a camera operator on the film, while Roberts was the leading lady. Their connection was reportedly immediate and undeniable.

• The One Where They Tanked Jokes 15 Shocking New Secrets From The Friends Tv Show Behind The Scenes G9zdh

The ensuing period was tumultuous. Moder's divorce from Vera Steimberg was finalized in early 2002, paving the way for his marriage to Roberts just a few months later. The speed of the transition, and the public nature of the affair, created a media firestorm. However, the couple weathered the controversy, choosing to focus on building their life together away from the Hollywood gossip circuit.

Their wedding was a famously private, low-key affair, taking place at Roberts' ranch in Taos, New Mexico, on July 4, 2002. The Independence Day date is now an annual marker for their enduring commitment, which they celebrated with an intimate photo on their 23rd anniversary in 2025.

A Private Family Life: Meet Their Three Children

The foundation of Julia Roberts and Daniel Moder's long marriage is their shared family life with their three children. Roberts has repeatedly stated that being a wife and mother is the most important role in her life, a sentiment reflected in their choice to raise their children largely outside of the public eye.

• The Enduring Legacy Of Haylor 5 Shocking Facts About Harry Styles And Taylor Swifts Relationship 10 Years Later Sf662

The couple are parents to two sets of children:

• Twins: Hazel Patricia Moder and Phinnaeus "Finn" Walter Moder. They were born on November 28, 2004, and will be turning 21 in late 2025. Hazel and Phinnaeus are now young adults, with Hazel making a rare public appearance alongside her father at the Cannes Film Festival in 2021.
• Son: Henry Daniel Moder. Their youngest child was born in 2007, making him 18 years old in 2025.

The children's names—Hazel, Phinnaeus (often shortened to Finn), and Henry—are popular LSI keywords that demonstrate the focus of their life. The family divides their time between their ranch in Taos, New Mexico, and their home in Malibu, California, prioritizing a normal, grounded upbringing over the glitz of Hollywood. This commitment to privacy is a key reason their marriage has lasted, allowing them to navigate the challenges of celebrity life on their own terms.

The Secret to 23 Years: A Partnership Built on Separate Careers

In a rare comment about her marriage, Julia Roberts stated that the secret to their longevity is a mutual understanding of each other's careers and a deep respect for their separate professional lives. While they met on a film set and have worked together on a few projects since, such as *Secret in Their Eyes* (2015), their primary work lives are distinct.

Moder is an Emmy-nominated Director of Photography, a demanding job that involves long hours and creative intensity, but one that keeps him out of the main celebrity gossip cycle. Roberts, meanwhile, continues to choose her film roles carefully, balancing her career with her family responsibilities. This separation of professional spheres allows them to maintain a strong, independent connection when they are home.

Furthermore, their recent public appearances in 2025, including a rare red carpet date at the Venice Film Festival for the premiere of Roberts' film *After the Hunt*, emphasize the continuing strength of their bond. These moments are not common, which makes them all the more significant, reminding the public that their relationship remains a priority. Their partnership is a case study in how a major celebrity can achieve a long-lasting, quiet marriage by marrying someone who is successful in the industry but not the center of the spotlight.