The Cinematographer Who Stole Julia Roberts' Heart: 7 Shocking Facts About Her 20+ Year Marriage To Daniel Moder

For over two decades, the world's "Pretty Woman," Julia Roberts, has been married to a man who prefers to stay behind the lens rather than in front of it. As of , Julia Roberts is married to Daniel "Danny" Moder, an accomplished American cinematographer. Their enduring union, which began with a controversial meeting on a film set, has become one of Hollywood's most successful and private long-term marriages, a true rarity in Tinseltown.

Their love story is a fascinating blend of Hollywood glamour and down-to-earth privacy, a partnership forged on the set of a movie that brought them together under complicated circumstances. While Julia Roberts is an icon whose face is known globally, Moder is the quiet, artistic force who has provided the foundation for her personal life, allowing the superstar to thrive both as an actress and a mother.

Daniel Moder: The Man Behind the Lens—Complete Biography and Profile

Daniel Richard Moder is not a leading man, but his work is crucial to filmmaking. He is a highly respected cinematographer, also known as a Director of Photography (DP), responsible for the artistic and technical decisions related to the image and lighting in a film.

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• Full Name: Daniel Richard Moder
• Date of Birth: January 31, 1969
• Age (as of ): 56 years old
• Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Education: Graduated with a degree in psychology from the University of Colorado at Boulder.
• Profession: Cinematographer (Director of Photography) and Camera Operator.
• Career Start: Began his career as a production assistant on the 1995 film Crimson Tide.
• Notable Film Credits (as DP/Camera): The Mexican (2001—where he met Julia Roberts), Mona Lisa Smile (2003), Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005), Déjà Vu (2006), Fireflies in the Garden (2008), Secret in Their Eyes (2015), and Flag Day (2021).
• Spouse: Julia Roberts (married 2002)
• Children: Three—twins Hazel and Phinnaeus, and son Henry.

Moder’s career path highlights his dedication to the technical craft of cinema. His work on films like The Mexican, where he was a camera operator, showcases his expertise in visual storytelling.

The Shocking Way Julia Roberts and Daniel Moder First Met

The beginning of the Roberts-Moder romance is often cited as one of Hollywood's most dramatic, as it involved both parties being in other relationships. The pair met in 2000 on the set of the crime-comedy film The Mexican, which starred Roberts alongside Brad Pitt.

At the time, Julia Roberts was dating actor Benjamin Bratt, and Daniel Moder was married to makeup artist Vera Steimberg. The connection between the actress and the camera operator was immediate and profound, leading to a complex and controversial transition period. Roberts and Bratt ended their four-year relationship in 2001, and Moder finalized his divorce from Steimberg shortly thereafter.

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Despite the initial scrutiny and media frenzy surrounding their new relationship, the couple moved forward, proving their bond was genuine and long-lasting. They tied the knot in a deeply private, surprise ceremony at Roberts’ 82-acre ranch in Taos, New Mexico, on July 4, 2002. This Independence Day wedding has since become a symbolic start to their independent and fiercely guarded life together.

Life Behind the Camera: Raising Three Children and Becoming Empty Nesters

The couple quickly transitioned into building a family, prioritizing their private life over the constant glare of celebrity. Roberts and Moder share three children, who are now young adults: fraternal twins, Hazel Patricia and Phinnaeus “Finn” Walter, and a younger son, Henry Daniel.

• Twins: Hazel Patricia and Phinnaeus “Finn” Walter, born November 28, 2004.
• Son: Henry Daniel, born in 2007.

Roberts has often spoken about the profound impact motherhood has had on her, stating that coming home to her family is "the most important thing" in her life. Moder, too, occasionally shares rare, intimate family photos on his social media, offering brief glimpses into their life away from the red carpet, which is often spent outdoors and away from Hollywood's center.

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The couple recently entered a new phase of their marriage: becoming empty nesters. As of a recent report, with their twins and son reaching adulthood, Roberts and Moder are navigating life with their children having moved on to college and other pursuits. This transition highlights the longevity of their marriage, which has successfully endured the high-pressure years of raising young children in the spotlight and is now adapting to a new dynamic.

The Secret to Their 20-Year Marriage Success

In a world where celebrity marriages often crumble under pressure, the longevity of Roberts and Moder's relationship—now well over two decades—is a testament to their commitment to privacy and each other. Roberts has attributed their success to simple, foundational principles, often emphasizing the joy she finds in her husband's presence.

One of the key factors in their enduring "long-standing union" is their shared dedication to keeping their family life outside of the public eye. They intentionally chose to raise their children primarily at their New Mexico ranch, far from the paparazzi and the intense scrutiny of Los Angeles.

Furthermore, their professional lives, while connected, remain distinct. While Moder has served as the cinematographer on several of Roberts’ films, including Secret in Their Eyes, they maintain a healthy balance between their collaborative work and their home life. This ability to work together while still maintaining a strong, separate identity for their private world has allowed their relationship to thrive.

Roberts often speaks with genuine affection about her husband, calling him her "favorite human" and the person who makes her life complete. Their story—from a controversial start on a film set to a quiet, enduring life as empty nesters—is a remarkable Hollywood love story built on mutual respect, a shared love for their children, and a fierce commitment to privacy. As they continue to celebrate their anniversaries, the bond between the superstar actress and the man behind the camera remains one of the industry's most solid.