Eric Roberts is baring it all in his new memoir, "Runaway Train: Or, The Story of My Life So Far." The book details the highs and lows of the actor's life, including his stint with drugs and how it impacted his relationship with his sister Julia Roberts and daughter Emma Roberts. When asked why he included a "public apology" to his sister in his book, Eric Roberts said he said he owes his family "a lot.
" "I always grapple when I'm asked about my relationship with my sister, or my daughter, or my family of origin because for many years, I was a practicing drug addict, so a lot of people were alienated, especially the family," he said on TODAY during a Sept. 18 appearance on the show. "And I owe them a lot because I love them.
I owe them a lot because they love me." Though his memoir touches on his life and experiences, Eric Roberts said there's one major experience he didn't get to include in his book: his time on " ." The "Expendables" actor is competing with veteran ballroom dancer Britt Stewart on Season 33 of the hit reality TV show.
"The sad thing about this is, this week I'm also on 'Dancing with the Stars,' and had I known I was going to be on it, I would have held off the publication so that could be the last chapter," he said. As for his experience on the program, Eric Roberts said he was quite terrified. "You know, I've got a lot of courage.
I have never been more frightened in my life. It was mind-blowing and spooky," he shared. Read on to learn more about Eric Roberts.
Eric Roberts has an extensive film career that spans back to the '70s. In total, he has more than 800 onscreen appearances, according to , which includes movies, TV shows and music videos. When asked about his film career, Eric Roberts told that he feels lucky to have done so many great projects.
"The way I look at it is that I’m one of the luckiest guys in Hollywood," he said. "We get anywhere from eight to 30 offers every single day from all over the world. It’s just so much fun to have all these offers and get to play such an extreme range of characters.
" In 1986, Eric Roberts was nominated for the best supporting actor Oscar for his role in the film “Runaway Train.” He also had a slew of other high-profile nominations including, Golden Globe nominations for his work in “King of the Gypsies” and the movie “Star 80.” While talking about his 2022 movie "Blackbird" with , Eric Roberts recalled a funny story that happened to him on sunbathing on a beach.
"I had an afternoon off and ran down to the beach, which was beautiful," he said. "I’m all by myself and wondering why there wasn’t anybody there. So I did some swimming and sunbathing and then this gentleman in a SWAT uniform and armed to the teeth suddenly comes over to me and says I have to leave and that it’s a private beach.
I asked, 'Whose private beach?' And he said Oprah Winfrey and Michael Jordan. And I said, 'I’ll be gone in a minute.'" Eric Roberts and his wife, Eliza Roberts, have been married since 1992.
During a joint appearance on , they revealed the secret to a happy, successful marriage. "There are all the cliche things, communication," Eliza said. "We work together too, which is good.
That actually helps." Eliza also works as an actor in Hollywood. She's known for portraying Miranda in 1996's "Doctor Who: The Movie" and Katherine Racanelli in 2021's "The Tasmanian Devil.
" On Feb. 10, 1991, Eric Roberts and his ex-girlfriend Kelly Cunningham welcomed their daughter, Emma Roberts, into the world. Like her father, Emma Roberts also decided to pursue a career in acting.
The 33-year-old has appeared in numerous movies and TV shows over the years like Nickelodeon's "Unfabulous," 2013's "We're the Millers" and 2016's "Nerve." Not to mention, she also starred alongside Kim Kardashian in 2024's " ." In an interview with , Emma Roberts praised Kardashian's acting skills and said she had a pleasant time working with the Skims founder.
“She’s amazing, she’s a pro. She’s one of the most prepared people I’ve ever worked with and she’s just chill," Emma Roberts said. "I love her so much!” As for Emma Roberts' acting, her father said he's noticed how far she's come in her career.
"I can’t believe how great she’s become," he said on the . “I’m so proud of her I can’t see straight. Since her performance in ‘Maybe I Do’ until right now, she overwhelms me with pride and just, ‘Oh my God, here she goes again," he continued.
"And I’m just so happy to be her dad because she’s kicking a--. And I’m so proud.” During an appearance on the , Eric Roberts said his famous sister and daughter in interviews.
He revealed this when he was asked how the “Pretty Woman” star was doing by host Steve Kmetko. “You’ll have to ask her," he replied. “I love my sister, but I can’t talk about her," he added.
"She doesn’t want to talk about it. And also, my daughter’s told me also not to talk about her, but I stumble and do. I’m not supposed to talk about either of them, but I do.
” Joyann Jeffrey is a trending news reporter based in New York City.
