Eric Roberts just got real on the Inside of You podcast, revealing that the hardest moment in his life wasn’t bombing auditions or getting stuck in the shadow of his sister Julia Roberts’ megawatt smile—it was losing his relationship with his daughter Emma Roberts.
Now, for those of you not up to date on the Roberts family tree: Eric and his ex Kelly Cunningham are Emma’s parents. However, Eric struggled with addiction in the early 90s, ultimately leading to Kelly securing custody of Emma. But don’t worry—he’s been rocking sobriety since 1995 (which also means he’s had a good few decades of sipping on sparkling water and regretting his haircut choices from the 80s).
Regret, Grandkids, and a Toddler Calling the Shots
During the podcast, Eric was asked about the toughest period of his life. His response was the emotional equivalent of a deep sigh and a sip of herbal tea:
“Probably the loss of relationship with my daughter,” Eric shared, adding, “There’s not a pain, there’s a sadness for the, most likely, misunderstandings [that] I’ll have forever. Because we’re human.”
Talk about a Hallmark card in human form.
Eric also explained that becoming a grandparent gave him a whole new perspective. (Apparently, nothing forces you to reflect on your past mistakes like a tiny human who thinks stickers on your face are peak comedy.) His 5-year-old granddaughter—Emma’s little look-alike—has been his emotional lifeline.
“When she started calling my wife ‘Famma,’ that hit me. I was like, ‘Wow, this kid sees us as family. She even thinks we’re fun.’ And she reminds me so much of Emma. Same coloring, same charm… also the same amount of side-eye when she’s not impressed,” Eric said with a chuckle.
Emma, by the way, shares her son Rhodes with ex Garrett Hedlund. Rhodes will be turning four in December, which means he’s already mastered the art of strategic tantrum timing.
Clearing Up the Custody Drama with Memoir Mic-Drop
In his new memoir Runaway Train (because of course it’s called that—this man lives for dramatic titles), Eric clears up the rumors that have floated around like an uninvited party guest.
Apparently, there was never a knock-down, drag-out custody battle for Emma. “I never saw myself as someone who deserved to have physical custody of Emma, not in a million years,” Eric admitted. “Kelly and I knew that wasn’t a good idea, and Julia—bless her Oscar-winning heart—was never involved in some custody standoff. There was no fight, no courtroom drama, just me trying to get my life together.”
Sounds like Runaway Train is less of a tell-all and more of a “Can everyone chill? I was trying my best” memoir.
A candid confession from Eric Roberts about life, loss, and toddlers wielding emotional power. Who knew that redemption sometimes comes in the form of a 5-year-old calling your wife “Famma”?