Julia Roberts, one of Hollywood’s most beloved and successful actresses, is a figure that has captured the public’s attention for decades. However, with fame often comes a range of misconceptions. Here are some common ones about Julia Roberts:
1. She's Always the "Girl Next Door"
Many people associate Julia Roberts with her breakthrough role in Pretty Woman (1990), where she played the charming and relatable prostitute, Vivian Ward. While this role shaped her early career, it's a misconception to think she only plays similar "girl next door" characters. Roberts has displayed a wide range of roles, from the intense drama of Erin Brockovich (2000) to the darker role in My Best Friend's Wedding (1997), as well as her comedic turns in Runaway Bride (1999) and Ocean's Eleven (2001). She's proven herself as a versatile actress, adept at both serious and lighthearted roles.
2. She's Always Comfortable in the Spotlight
While Roberts has become a famous, confident public figure, it’s a misconception that she always enjoys the limelight. Roberts has consistently expressed discomfort with fame and has sought to protect her privacy. She’s one of the few celebrities who has been able to maintain a relatively private life despite being in the public eye for so long. Her reluctance to partake in interviews, especially ones that delve into her personal life, has sometimes been misinterpreted as aloofness.
3. She's Never Had Any Major Struggles
Julia Roberts’ career and personal life have often been portrayed as a fairy tale, leading some to assume she has had it easy. However, she’s faced struggles, including personal challenges and professional obstacles. For example, her highly publicized breakup with actor Kiefer Sutherland just before their wedding, and her subsequent relationship with Benjamin Bratt, were tumultuous moments in her personal life. Professionally, Roberts struggled with a series of less successful films in the late 1990s before her comeback with Erin Brockovich, which earned her an Academy Award.
4. She's Always "The Lead" in Films
While Roberts has enjoyed significant leading roles throughout her career, not all of her most notable roles have been as the central character. In films like Ocean's Eleven and Charlie Wilson's War (2007), she plays supporting characters but still delivers memorable performances. This challenges the common notion that Roberts is only successful when she's the star of the film.
5. She's Only Known for Romantic Comedies
Julia Roberts is often pigeonholed as a romantic comedy queen due to her iconic roles in films like My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997), Runaway Bride (1999), and Pretty Woman (1990). However, this is a narrow view of her career. While she certainly excelled in romantic comedies, Roberts has had remarkable success in a variety of genres, including drama, legal thrillers, and historical films, such as Erin Brockovich, The Pelican Brief (1993), and August: Osage County (2013). Her ability to seamlessly transition between genres showcases her range as an actress.