Eric Roberts opens on strained relationship with daughter Emma Roberts: There’s a sadness

Actor Eric Roberts is opening up about the emotional challenges surrounding his strained relationship with his daughter, fellow actor Emma Roberts. In a candid conversation on the Inside of You podcast with host Michael Rosenbaum, Roberts, 68, described the loss of a close bond with his daughter as one of the most difficult experiences of his life.

Eric Roberts on his bond with daughter:

“Probably the loss of relationship with my daughter,” Roberts said when asked to recall a tough period in his life, referring to their dynamic as “indefinable.” While he clarified that there was no ongoing pain, he expressed a deep sadness over the “misunderstandings” that he believes may never be resolved. “Because we’re human,” he added, acknowledging the complexities of familial relationships.

Roberts’ remarks come on the heels of the release of his memoir, Runaway Train: Or, The Story of My Life So Far, in which he reflects on his tumultuous past. In the memoir, the actor delves into his struggles with addiction and a public rift with his sister, Julia Roberts, 56. He recounts how his battles with substance abuse led to a custody battle over a young Emma Roberts, now 33, with Julia siding with Emma’s mother, Kelly Cunningham, during the dispute. The loss of custody left a lasting impact on his relationship with both women.

In the memoir, Roberts admits that losing custody of Emma was “the biggest consequence” of his drug use but also acknowledges that it was ultimately the right decision. He even extends a public apology to Julia for past remarks made during their well-documented feud, including his claim that “If it wasn’t for me, there would be no Julia Roberts.”

“I hope Julia will accept this public apology,” Roberts writes in the book, expressing regret for his past actions. He emphasizes that while he will always be known as Julia Roberts’ brother and Emma Roberts’ father, he hopes to “move aside proudly and with grace,” and work toward mending their relationships.

Eric Roberts’ candid reflections offer a window into the personal struggles behind the public persona, as he continues to reckon with the consequences of his past and looks toward healing. Despite the challenges, Roberts’ willingness to address these difficult chapters of his life signals a desire for growth and reconciliation within his family.