5 Shocking Facts About The Roberts Family Tree: Are Emma Roberts And Julia Roberts Related?

The question of whether Emma Roberts and Julia Roberts are related is one of Hollywood's most persistent and intriguing mysteries. As of December 13, 2025, the definitive answer is yes: the two powerhouse actresses are family, connected by one of the most prolific and complex acting dynasties in the entertainment industry. Their relationship goes far beyond a shared last name, rooted in a celebrated, yet sometimes turbulent, family history that includes multiple generations of Oscar-nominated talent.

The connection has recently been put back into the spotlight after the two made a rare, coordinated red carpet appearance together. This public moment offered a fresh glimpse into the private bond between the legendary aunt and her rising star niece, confirming their familial ties and showcasing the enduring legacy of the Roberts acting family.

The Roberts Family Hollywood Dynasty: A Complete Biography Profile

The shared surname is no coincidence. Emma Roberts is the daughter of actor Eric Roberts, who is the older brother of Oscar-winner Julia Roberts. This makes Julia Roberts Emma’s aunt. The entire family is part of a deep-rooted lineage that began with their parents, who were also involved in the dramatic arts.

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Julia Roberts (Aunt)

• Full Name: Julia Fiona Roberts
• Born: October 28, 1967 (Age 58 as of 2025)
• Place of Birth: Smyrna, Georgia, U.S.
• Parents: Betty Lou Bredemus and Walter Roberts
• Key Films: Pretty Woman, Erin Brockovich, Steel Magnolias, Ocean's Eleven, Mystic Pizza
• Key Accolades: Academy Award for Best Actress (Erin Brockovich), three Golden Globe Awards, BAFTA nominations.
• Role in Family: Sister to Eric Roberts and Lisa Roberts Gillan; Aunt to Emma Roberts.

Emma Roberts (Niece)

• Full Name: Emma Rose Roberts
• Born: February 10, 1991 (Age 34 as of 2025)
• Place of Birth: Rhinebeck, New York, U.S.
• Parents: Eric Roberts and Kelly Cunningham
• Key Films/TV: American Horror Story, Unfabulous, Aquamarine, Blow, Scream Queens
• Key Accolades: Young Artist Award, MTV Movie & TV Award, known for her work in the horror and thriller genres.
• Role in Family: Daughter of Eric Roberts; Niece of Julia Roberts.

Eric Roberts (Father/Brother)

• Full Name: Eric Anthony Roberts
• Born: April 18, 1956 (Age 69 as of 2025)
• Place of Birth: Biloxi, Mississippi, U.S.
• Parents: Betty Lou Bredemus and Walter Roberts
• Key Films: Runaway Train (Academy Award nomination), The Dark Knight, Star 80
• Career Note: Considered one of the most prolific actors in English-speaking cinema, with over 700 film and television credits.
• Role in Family: Brother to Julia Roberts and Lisa Roberts Gillan; Father to Emma Roberts.

The Connecting Link: Eric Roberts and the Family’s Legacy

The lynchpin of the entire Roberts acting dynasty is Eric Roberts. He is the older brother of Julia Roberts and the father of Emma Roberts. Eric is a highly respected, though often overlooked, figure in the family’s cinematic history, having amassed over 700 film and television credits throughout his career.

Eric Roberts received an Academy Award nomination for his role in the 1985 film Runaway Train, establishing the family’s early credentials in serious dramatic acting. This achievement predates the massive international success of his sister, Julia Roberts, who would later become a global superstar.

The parents of Eric and Julia, Walter Roberts and Betty Lou Bredemus, co-founded an acting school in Atlanta, ensuring that the children were immersed in the world of performing arts from a young age. This background is the true source of the family’s Hollywood lineage and explains why both Emma and Julia were destined for careers on screen.

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While the relationships within the family have, at times, been strained—particularly between Eric and Julia—Emma has often spoken about her close relationship with her famous aunt. This bond has been a consistent element throughout Emma's career, with Julia serving as a mentor and source of inspiration.

The Rare Public Sightings: Aunt and Niece Together

Despite their familial connection, public appearances of Julia and Emma Roberts together are exceedingly rare, which is why they generate significant buzz when they occur. Fans and the media are always curious about the dynamic between the two, given their massive individual stardom and the complexity of their shared family history.

The Coordinated Red Carpet Moment

The most recent and notable joint appearance happened in September 2025, when the aunt and niece attended a high-profile event together in New York. They coordinated their outfits for the Veuve Cliquot x Simon Porte Jacquemus party, marking their first joint red carpet in over a decade.

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This coordinated appearance was a powerful, non-verbal confirmation of their close relationship. It demonstrated that despite their busy schedules and the intense media focus on the Roberts family, their personal connection remains strong.

Julia’s Influence on Emma’s Career

Emma Roberts has openly discussed how her aunt's career has influenced her own. She has described Julia Roberts' classic films, like Pretty Woman and Steel Magnolias, as her "comfort" movies. This admiration shows the generational impact of Julia's work, which has successfully transitioned from romantic comedy queen to a respected dramatic actress.

However, Emma has also been clear that she has never relied on her aunt’s fame to secure roles. She has carved out her own niche, particularly in the horror and thriller genres, with long-running roles in popular shows like Ryan Murphy's American Horror Story and Scream Queens.

Beyond the Shared Surname: The Roberts Legacy and Topical Authority

The Roberts name is synonymous with Hollywood royalty, a true acting dynasty that spans multiple decades. The family’s influence extends through various genres and awards, from Eric’s early dramatic work to Julia’s Oscar-winning performance in Erin Brockovich and Emma’s modern-day success in television and film.

The family's story is a compelling case study in Hollywood lineage, demonstrating how talent can be passed down through generations. While Julia Roberts is arguably the most globally famous member, the collective body of work by Eric, Julia, and Emma ensures the Roberts family maintains a significant topical authority in the film industry.

In short, the answer to "Are Emma Roberts and Julia Roberts related?" is an emphatic yes: they are aunt and niece, respectively. Their bond, though often private, represents a powerful and enduring connection at the very heart of one of Hollywood’s most important acting families. The recent red carpet moment served as a perfect reminder of this unique and glamorous family tie.