The Roberts Family Tree: 5 Fascinating Facts About Who Emma Roberts Is Related To

Emma Roberts, the actress known for her roles in *American Horror Story* and *Scream Queens*, is one of Hollywood's most recognizable faces, but her fame is deeply rooted in one of the industry's most enduring acting dynasties. As of December 18, 2025, the latest news cycle continues to focus on her famous family ties, particularly her recent comments on the "nepo baby" discourse and the complex relationships she shares with her Oscar-nominated relatives.

The question "who is Emma Roberts related to" is more than just a trivia fact; it's a story of complex family dynamics, strained relationships, and the immense pressure of living up to a legendary surname. While many immediately think of her iconic aunt, her connections run even deeper, involving a prolific father and a powerful producer aunt, all of whom have shaped her career and public image.

Emma Roberts: The Complete Biographical Profile

To fully understand Emma Roberts' family connections, it is essential to first establish her own professional and personal profile. She is a successful actress, singer, and producer in her own right, with a career that spans from teen comedies to critically acclaimed horror series.

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• Full Name: Emma Rose Roberts
• Date of Birth: February 10, 1991
• Place of Birth: Rhinebeck, New York, U.S.
• Parents: Eric Roberts (Father, Actor) and Kelly Cunningham (Mother)
• Famous Relatives: Julia Roberts (Aunt, Actress), Lisa Roberts Gillan (Aunt, Actress/Producer)
• Marital Status: Engaged (to Cody John, as of late 2024)
• Former Partner: Garrett Hedlund (2019–2022)
• Child: Rhodes Robert Hedlund (born 2020)
• Notable Works: *Unfabulous*, *Nancy Drew*, *Hotel for Dogs*, *We're the Millers*, *American Horror Story*, *Scream Queens*.

1. Her Father Is the Prolific, Oscar-Nominated Actor Eric Roberts

The most direct answer to who Emma Roberts is related to is her father, Eric Roberts. Eric Roberts is an Academy Award and three-time Golden Globe nominee, best known for his roles in films like *Runaway Train* and *The Pope of Greenwich Village*.

A Strained Relationship Due to Addiction

Their father-daughter relationship has been famously strained, a topic Eric Roberts has addressed publicly in recent years. The veteran actor has been candid about how his past struggles with drug addiction led to a "loss of relationship" with Emma during her childhood.

In recent interviews, Eric has expressed "sadness" over the distance, stating that the separation was the toughest period of his life. While the relationship has improved, it remains a complex and often private matter. This dynamic offers a less-glamorous, more human look at the pressures of the Roberts family name, contrasting sharply with the public's perception of her other famous relative.

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The Role of Eliza Roberts

Emma’s stepmother, Eliza Roberts (née Garrett), is also a key figure in the family. Eliza, an actress, casting director, and producer known for films like *Animal House*, married Eric Roberts in 1992 and now serves as his dedicated manager. Her presence has been instrumental in Eric's career and personal life, and she is a central entity in the extended Roberts family network.

2. Her Aunt Is the Hollywood Icon Julia Roberts

The most famous connection in Emma's family tree is her aunt, Julia Roberts. Julia is the younger sister of Eric Roberts and is one of the most celebrated actresses of her generation, earning an Academy Award for *Erin Brockovich* and becoming a global superstar with films like *Pretty Woman* and *Notting Hill*.

A Close and Inspiring Bond

Despite the complexity of her relationship with her father, Emma has often spoken about her close relationship with her aunt Julia. She has cited Julia's classic romantic comedies and dramas as her "comfort films" and a source of inspiration for her own career.

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Emma has also shared that Julia's guidance has been invaluable, especially when navigating the notoriously difficult landscape of Hollywood fame. The two actresses share a genuine bond, often supporting each other at public events, proving that the family dynasty is not just a professional connection but a personal one as well.

The Elusive On-Screen Collaboration

Fans have long hoped for a major on-screen collaboration between the iconic aunt and the rising niece. While both Emma and Julia Roberts appeared in the 2010 ensemble romantic comedy *Valentine's Day*, they did not share any scenes together.

Emma has recently addressed this, stating that while she would "love to work with her," the perfect project has simply "never been the right thing." This ongoing desire for a meaningful collaboration keeps the public and the media constantly interested in the future of the Roberts family on film.

3. The Roberts Family is a True Hollywood Dynasty

The Roberts acting dynasty extends beyond just Eric and Julia. Emma Roberts is also related to her other aunt, Lisa Roberts Gillan. Lisa is the middle sibling of Eric and Julia and has carved out a successful career as both an actress and a producer.

Lisa Roberts Gillan has appeared in several films, but her primary focus has been on producing, often working on projects with her sister Julia. This means that the Roberts family influence spans not only the acting side of the business but also the crucial production and behind-the-scenes power structure of Hollywood. The entire family, including Emma's mother Kelly Cunningham, who is not in the industry, has been part of the intense media scrutiny that comes with such a famous name.

4. Emma Roberts Recently Defended the 'Nepo Baby' Label

One of the most current and relevant topics surrounding Emma Roberts is the "nepo baby" discourse—a term used to describe children of famous parents who have an advantage in the entertainment industry. Emma, as the daughter of Eric Roberts and the niece of Julia Roberts, is a primary example of this label.

The Gender Bias Argument

In a recent interview on the *Table for Two* podcast, Emma addressed the criticism head-on, offering a fresh and unique perspective by arguing that the term is often applied with a gender bias.

She questioned why young girls and women seem to face harsher criticism for having famous family members than their male counterparts, pointing out that male stars with famous relatives, such as George Clooney, do not face the same intense scrutiny.

Emma acknowledged the "leg up" a famous name provides but countered that it also comes with a "scary" side—the immense pressure to perform and the constant, unforgiving comparisons to her legendary relatives.

5. She Is Now Building Her Own Family Dynasty

While Emma Roberts’ career was launched by her famous family ties, her current life is focused on building her own family unit. She is the mother of a son, Rhodes Robert Hedlund, whom she shares with her former partner, actor Garrett Hedlund.

More recently, Emma has been in a relationship with actor Cody John, and the couple is now reportedly engaged. This new chapter in her personal life, including her role as a mother, continues to shape her public image and her choices in Hollywood, moving her further away from being solely defined by the "Roberts" surname and into her own identity as a leading actress and producer.

From the complex father-daughter dynamic with Eric Roberts to the inspiring bond with her aunt Julia Roberts, Emma's family connections are a constant, powerful force in her career. Yet, through her own successful roles in major franchises like *American Horror Story* and her willingness to address the "nepo baby" debate, she continues to prove that the Roberts dynasty is evolving into the next generation.