The $10 Million Man: 5 Surprising Facts About Daniel Moder, Julia Roberts' Husband, As They Enter The 'Empty Nest' Era

Despite being married to one of the world's most famous actresses for over two decades, Daniel Moder remains one of Hollywood's most private and intriguing figures. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the cinematographer and his superstar wife, Julia Roberts, have entered a new and significant phase of their relationship: the "empty nest" era, a transition that has reportedly led them to focus on their marriage with "new rules" for a stronger union. Their enduring partnership, which began on a film set and has weathered the relentless spotlight of celebrity, is a testament to their commitment to privacy and their shared life away from the dazzling red carpet.

The couple recently celebrated their 23rd wedding anniversary on July 4, 2025, with Roberts sharing a rare, intimate photo of the two on social media, a nod to the deep bond they forged after meeting on the set of the film The Mexican. While Roberts' career continues to soar with upcoming projects, it is the quiet, consistent force of her husband, Daniel Moder, who anchors her private life. This article takes a deep dive into the man behind the camera, his impressive career, and the family life that defines his world.

Daniel Moder: Cinematographer, Husband, and Father—A Complete Profile

Daniel Richard Moder is an accomplished American cinematographer whose career spans over three decades, working on a diverse range of films and television projects. He is perhaps most famous for his low-key, long-standing marriage to Hollywood icon Julia Roberts.

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• Full Name: Daniel Richard Moder
• Date of Birth: January 31, 1969
• Age (as of 2025): 56
• Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Profession: Cinematographer (Director of Photography)
• Education: Graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder
• Spouse: Julia Roberts (m. July 4, 2002)
• Children: Twins Hazel Patricia Moder and Phinnaeus Walter Moder (b. 2004), and son Henry Daniel Moder (b. 2007)
• Estimated Net Worth: $10 Million
• Key Filmography: The Mexican, Secret in Their Eyes, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Fireflies in the Garden, The Normal Heart, Dead to Me (TV Series).

The Unexpected Meeting That Changed Everything

The origin story of Julia Roberts and Daniel Moder is one of Hollywood's most enduring tales of an on-set romance. They first met in 2000 on the set of the action-comedy film The Mexican, which starred Roberts and Brad Pitt. At the time, Roberts was dating actor Benjamin Bratt, and Moder was married to makeup artist Vera Steimberg.

Moder was working as a camera operator on the film, a position that requires precision and a keen eye for visual storytelling. Roberts has often credited Moder's calm and grounded nature for the initial spark. She has described him as an anchor in her life, a stability she found invaluable amidst the chaos of her superstardom.

The couple tied the knot in a famously low-key, surprise ceremony at Roberts' ranch in Taos, New Mexico, on July 4, 2002. The wedding was intimate and unexpected, perfectly setting the tone for their fiercely private life together.

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Daniel Moder's Impressive Career Behind the Lens

While often overshadowed by his wife's A-list celebrity, Daniel Moder is a highly respected and successful professional in his own right. His career as a cinematographer, or Director of Photography (DP), is the backbone of his professional identity and financial independence, with an estimated net worth of $10 million.

The role of a cinematographer is critical—they are responsible for the artistic and technical decisions related to the image, from lighting and framing to camera movement. Moder's filmography showcases his versatility across genres:

• Early Work: He started in the mid-90s as a production assistant on films like Crimson Tide before moving up the ranks to camera operator on major blockbusters like Spider-Man 3 and Mr. & Mrs. Smith.
• Key Cinematography Projects: He has served as the Director of Photography on critically acclaimed projects, including the 2015 thriller Secret in Their Eyes, the HBO film The Normal Heart, and the Netflix series Dead to Me.
• Collaborations: Moder's work on the 2000 film The Mexican, where he met Roberts, was a pivotal early credit. He has continued to work consistently, maintaining a career that is separate from, though occasionally intersects with, his wife's.

His ability to maintain a successful, high-profile career while keeping a low personal profile is a rare feat in Hollywood, demonstrating a quiet professionalism that defines his public persona.

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The 'Empty Nest' Era: New Rules for a 20+ Year Marriage in 2025

The most current and defining chapter of the Moder-Roberts marriage is their transition to being empty nesters. As of 2024 and 2025, the couple's three children have reached young adulthood, marking a major life change for the famously hands-on parents.

The couple shares three children:

• Twins: Hazel Patricia Moder and Phinnaeus Walter Moder (born November 28, 2004). They turned 20 in late 2024.
• Son: Henry Daniel Moder (born June 18, 2007). He turned 18 in 2025.

With their children now grown and pursuing their own paths, sources close to the couple indicate that Roberts and Moder have been "focusing on their marriage again" and establishing "new rules" to strengthen their longstanding union.

This new phase allows the couple to shift their focus back to each other after two decades of prioritizing their family life. Roberts has often shared that her family is her priority, a sentiment that Moder, who is also known for being a dedicated father, clearly shares. The family has historically been based in a ranch in Taos, New Mexico, allowing them a degree of normalcy and privacy away from the Los Angeles media circus.

A Rare Glimpse into Their Private World

Despite their desire for privacy, Roberts has occasionally offered sweet, candid insights into their relationship, particularly around their anniversary on July 4, 2025, and in recent interviews.

Roberts has consistently praised Moder, stating that he is "just my favorite human" and that their life together is filled with "joy." The secret to their longevity, she suggests, is a combination of respect, genuine affection, and the shared experience of raising their three children. Their rare red carpet appearances, such as a date night at a 2025 event, serve as a quiet reminder of their unity, even as they navigate their individual high-profile careers.

Daniel Moder, the cinematographer, remains the steady, grounding presence in Julia Roberts' life. His $10 million net worth and successful career stand on their own, but it is his role as a devoted husband and father that defines his legacy in the world of Hollywood relationships. As they embrace the empty nest, their commitment to a private, loving, and enduring partnership continues to be a quiet inspiration.