Emma Roberts’ dad Eric reveals sadness over pair’s ‘loss of relationship’ in candid interview

Emma Roberts' dad Eric reveals sadness over pair's 'loss of relationship' in candid interview

As a seasoned actor myself, I can deeply relate to Eric Dane’s journey through Hollywood and his unique experiences with the media. It’s fascinating how our paths often cross with the public eye, yet we yearn for moments of private reflection.


Emma Roberts‘ father Eric has discussed the pair’s strained relationship in a candid new interview.

68-year-old actor Eric (Julia Roberts’ brother) had a child, Emma (now 33), with his former partner Kelly Cunningham. However, they separated shortly afterwards, and Eric’s drug problems resulted in him losing custody of their only child in the subsequent legal battle.

In the latest installment of the Inside You podcast on Tuesday, the celebrity was questioned about the most challenging period in his life. To this, he responded by mentioning the difficult experience of losing contact with his daughter.

In my own words, as a lifestyle guide, I’d say that Robert, an author whose intricate journey is chronicled in his book ‘Runaway Train: The Tale of My Life So Far,’ describes his bond with Emma as something beyond conventional definitions. It’s unique and elusive, making it challenging to categorize.

Instead of experiencing physical pain, there is a lingering sadness due to the inevitable miscommunications that come with being human. This sadness could potentially last throughout our lives. After all, we are humans.

Emma Roberts' dad Eric reveals sadness over pair's 'loss of relationship' in candid interview

Emma Roberts' dad Eric reveals sadness over pair's 'loss of relationship' in candid interview

Roberts found that being a grandfather made him understand more deeply the value he had previously lost in his connection with Emma. He now has two step-grandkids from his union with Eliza Garrett, as well as a grandchild from Emma’s partnership with Garrett Hedlund.

He mentioned that upon the arrival of his grandchildren, he began to embrace certain aspects of himself more fully. Particularly, the 5-year-old, who was the eldest and happened to be a girl, showed an unusually strong affection for him.

He said his eldest granddaughter ‘looks like Emma which reminds me of what I didn’t have.’

Roberts has called losing custody of a young Emma as the biggest consequence of his drug use. 

A dispute arose between Eric and Julia, as Julia took Kelly’s side during the custody fight, a decision that Eric is now in agreement with.

In another part of his autobiography, Roberts expressed a heartfelt apology towards his Academy Award-winning sibling Julia, whom he had earlier stated: “Without me, there wouldn’t be a Julia Roberts.

He writes: ‘I hope Julia will accept this public apology. It was an asinine thing to have said.

Eric’s open autobiography delves into his journey to Hollywood at the tender age of seventeen, spanning his successful career and battles with addiction issues.

Emma Roberts' dad Eric reveals sadness over pair's 'loss of relationship' in candid interview
Emma Roberts' dad Eric reveals sadness over pair's 'loss of relationship' in candid interview

The actor and his sister had always been close until he made a sarcastic comment in the early 1990s while discussing the success of her classic film, Pretty Woman.

The Runaway Train star has always insisted that it was taken out of context, a sentiment that he reiterated in 2022 on the Behind The Velvet Rope with David Yontef podcast.

He stated, “Julia and I have always gotten along well,” he explained. “It was during a press tour for one of my films; this was when Pretty Woman had recently come out, so the reporters were asking lots of questions regarding Julia. I interjected, ‘Excuse me, could we focus on me instead?’

In simpler terms, the former Suits actor clarified that his statement had been misunderstood. He further elaborated by saying, “Well, yes, if there’s a problem, people would naturally respond with something like, ‘Oh, they have an issue.’

Despite having differing opinions on numerous matters, the actor emphasized that they maintain a strong familial connection with their siblings.

He mentioned, “I really enjoy learning about my sister. She’s quite amazing, my sis. I try to keep my distance when it comes to the media, that’s basically it. She does the same for me.

Eric asserts that it was solely his history with substance abuse that led to disagreements between him, Julia, and Lisa.

Previously, he informed Vanity Fair that he wouldn’t label their situation as a falling out. Instead, he deeply cherished his sisters, loved and admired them. To him, they were invaluable, and there were moments of extraordinary intimacy between them.

In my experience, I found an unusual sense of guardianship towards my companions, yet it’s the self that often becomes the toughest fortress to shield oneself from.

Emma Roberts' dad Eric reveals sadness over pair's 'loss of relationship' in candid interview

The actor continued: ‘I was exhausting to be around: complainy, blamey, unable to enjoy enjoyment. Everyone in my world needed a break sometimes, and that must have included Julia.’

Yet, he clarified that following several years apart, the siblings came back together in 2004, as Julia had given birth to Hazel and Phinnaeus.

Eric said that he visited the hospital after his younger sister gave birth ‘to drop off gifts.’

He mentioned that instead, he was escorted into their room and was immediately surrounded by a warmth of affection reminiscent of both brothers and uncles.

Following the visit, they continued to mention that they celebrated several Thanksgivings together and developed a bond through emails.

In May 2020, he expressed warm sentiments about the special connection he observed between Julia and his daughter Emma.

He told Us Weekly: ‘It’s really cool to look at them. I love seeing them together.’

Eric has previously revealed Emma and Julia have told him not to talk about them in interviews.

He said: ‘I love my sister, but I can’t talk about her. She doesn’t wanna talk about it.’

‘My daughter 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.’ 

Over the years, much like her sibling, Julia has been featured in various productions, including films like “Notting Hill” from 1999, “Erin Brockovich” in 2000, and also “My Best Friend’s Wedding” from 1997.

Eric’s daughter, Emma (the one he had with his ex-partner Kelly Cunningham), has likewise chosen a path similar to her father’s by delving into acting as she pursues her love for the entertainment world.

In the year 2001, it was a notable first acting appearance for this mother of one in the movie “Blow”. From 2004 to 2007, she became widely known by starring in the Nickelodeon series titled “Unfabulous”.

Later on, Emma appeared in various productions including Nancy Drew (2007), Wild Child (2008), the anthology series American Horror Story starting from 2013, Scream Queens between 2015 and 2016, and Madame Web, slated for release in 2024.

Read More

2024-10-23 19:19

Previous post HBO’s Breath of Fire Explores the Sudden Fall of Celebrity Yoga Teacher Guru Jagat