Eric Roberts – Net Worth, Age, Movies and Family Facts

Eric Roberts, born April 18, 1956, in Biloxi, Mississippi, is an American actor whose career spans more than four decades. With over 700 film, television, and stage credits, he is recognized as one of the most prolific English-speaking actors in history. He is the older brother of Julia Roberts and the father of actress Emma Roberts.

His breakthrough came with the 1978 film King of the Gypsies, earning his first Golden Globe nomination. He later received an Academy Award nomination for Runaway Train (1985) and a Golden Globe nomination for Star 80 (1983). A serious car accident in 1981 left him in a coma for three days, a turning point in his personal life.

What is Eric Roberts best known for?

Key Insights

• Eric Roberts has accumulated over 700 acting credits, making him one of the most prolific English-speaking screen actors.
• He received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for Runaway Train (1985).
• He earned three Golden Globe nominations for King of the Gypsies, Star 80, and Runaway Train.
• He is the older brother of actress Julia Roberts and father of actress Emma Roberts.
• He played Salvatore Maroni in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight (2008).
• He is the only non-British actor to portray the Master in the Doctor Who television film (1996).

Snapshot Facts

How many movies and TV shows has Eric Roberts appeared in?

What are Eric Roberts’ most recent roles?

Roberts remains active, appearing in HBO’s The Righteous Gemstones (2019) and a steady stream of independent films. His memoir Runaway Train is scheduled for September 2024. Recent credits also include guest spots on Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Hawaii Five-O.

Eric Roberts movies in order (selected highlights)

His filmography includes King of the Gypsies (1978), Star 80 (1983), Runaway Train (1985), The Pope of Greenwich Village, The Dark Knight (2008), and The Expendables. For a complete chronological list, consult his IMDb page.

What TV shows has Eric Roberts guested on?

He has made guest appearances on numerous series, including Heroes, Suits, The Young and the Restless, CSI, Code Black, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Touched by an Angel, Oz, Frasier, The King of Queens, Grey’s Anatomy, Will & Grace, and Entourage. He also played the Master in the 1996 Doctor Who television film.

What is Eric Roberts’ net worth and how did he earn it?

Estimates of Eric Roberts’ net worth vary widely, ranging from $2 million to $10 million, according to entertainment finance sources. Because no publicly available financial disclosure exists, these figures should be treated as rough approximations. His income derives primarily from his immense volume of acting work—hundreds of films, television episodes, and voice-over projects—rather than from endorsements or business ventures, about which little is known.

Who is Eric Roberts’ brother and what is his family background?

Eric Roberts is the older brother of actress Julia Roberts and Lisa Roberts Gillan. Their father, Walter Grady Roberts, was a character actor and playwright. Their mother, Betty Lou Motes Roberts, worked as an acting teacher and secretary. The family moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where Eric grew up and began acting in local theater as a child.

He has a daughter, Emma Roberts, with ex-wife Kelly Cunningham. Emma Roberts is also an established actress.

Did Eric Roberts have a serious accident?

In June 1981, Eric Roberts was involved in a severe car accident that left him comatose for three days. He suffered a bruised brain, multiple broken bones, and extensive facial trauma. The accident is frequently cited as a pivotal event in his life, though Roberts has rarely discussed it publicly. The visible scar on his face is often attributed to this crash.

How tall is Eric Roberts and other physical stats?

According to his IMDb profile, Eric Roberts stands 5 feet 10 inches tall (1.78 m). His weight and eye color are not consistently reported in reliable sources. As of 2024, he is 68 years old.

What is the timeline of Eric Roberts’ life and career?

1. 1956: Born in Biloxi, Mississippi.
2. 1978: Film debut in King of the Gypsies, earning first Golden Globe nomination.
3. 1981: Serious car accident; comatose for three days.
4. 1983: Starred in Star 80, receiving another Golden Globe nomination.
5. 1985: Academy Award nomination for Runaway Train.
6. 2008: Played Salvatore Maroni in The Dark Knight.
7. 2019: Cast in HBO’s The Righteous Gemstones.
8. 2024: Memoir Runaway Train announced for September release.

What facts about Eric Roberts are certain and what remains unclear?

What is the broader context of Eric Roberts’ career and family?

Eric Roberts’ career is a study in versatility and sheer volume. He has worked with legendary directors such as Christopher Nolan and has also maintained a steady presence in low-budget and independent productions. His family connections—particularly his sister Julia Roberts and his daughter Emma Roberts—have often overshadowed his own achievements, yet he has carved out a unique niche as a character actor known for his relentless work ethic.

The 1981 accident remains a topic of curiosity, but Roberts has rarely discussed it, leading to speculation. His upcoming memoir may shed new light on both the incident and his long career.

For a deeper look at another prolific family in entertainment, see Wayans Brothers – Complete Guide to the Family Tree, Net Worth, and Where They Are Now.

What are the most credible sources for information about Eric Roberts?

Reliable facts about Eric Roberts are primarily found on Wikipedia, TV Guide, Biography.com, and TV Insider. These sources, along with Famous Birthdays and People.com, provide verified biographical and career data.

“I have no regrets. I’m a working actor and that’s what I set out to be.”

— Eric Roberts (paraphrased from various interviews)

“Eric Roberts is one of the most prolific actors in film history.”

— Instagram bio, @ericrobertsactor

“He has amassed more than 700 credits and is one of the most prolific English-speaking actors.”

— Wikipedia

What is the key takeaway about Eric Roberts?

Eric Roberts is a remarkably prolific actor with a career spanning over 45 years, defined by an Academy Award nomination, hundreds of credits, and a place in one of Hollywood’s most famous families. While some aspects of his personal life—such as his net worth and the full story of his accident—remain uncertain, his dedication to his craft is undisputed. For more on another large entertainment family, read about Harvey Specter – Actor, Age, Height and Best Quotes.

Frequently Asked Questions