Julia Roberts’ brother, Eric Roberts, openly critiques her performance in ‘Steel Magnolias.’ He expresses a nuanced perspective, not merely dismissing her abilities, but suggesting that her performance didn’t resonate as strongly as others.
In his memoir, titled “Runaway Train: Or, The Story of My Life So Far,” Eric writes, “Julia was good in ‘Mystic Pizza,’ great in ‘Pretty Woman,’ but not so much in ‘Steel Magnolias,’ in my opinion, even though it brought Julia her first Academy Award nomination.” This admission speaks volumes about family dynamics and the weight of expectations placed on siblings.
Eric reflects thoughtfully on his sister’s career, noting, “I don’t want to sound like an actor talking, or a jealous sibling, but I don’t think her performance held up in that movie.” He emphasizes a critical eye, stating that during his viewing of ‘Steel Magnolias,’ he recognized her potential, but felt it was not fully realized. He perceived a slip in authenticity, suggesting that one can be almost good and yet not quite reach the heights of greatness.
His critique continues, delving into the performances of other celebrated actresses featured in the film. He stated, “I think all those brilliant women – Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Olympia Dukakis, Shirley MacLaine, Daryl Hannah – overacted their asses off in ‘Steel Magnolias.’” His candor reflects a comedic awareness of the heightened dramatics that often permeate films, especially those centered around emotional narratives.
“Julia was good in ‘Mystic Pizza,’ great in ‘Pretty Woman,’ but not so much in ‘Steel Magnolias,’ in my opinion.”
As the Academy Awards approached in 1990, they were pivotal for Julia, who would ultimately lose the best supporting actress award to Brenda Fricker for her role in “My Left Foot.” Yet Eric attributed Julia’s nomination to more than acting chops, crediting her “Southern charm.” He observes, “I also think another reason she got an Oscar nod for ‘Steel Magnolias’ was her authenticity as a sweet, small-town Southern girl.” This inflection of personal history ties the family’s origins to the film’s narrative, bringing a layer of intimacy to the critique.
He continues to reflect, stating, “I think that’s a big part of her appeal – along with her boffo good looks and killer smile – her Southern accent and mannerisms.” It is this blend of beauty and relatable authenticity that has endeared her to fans worldwide. Eric sees how she has harnessed her roots, yet struggled to balance them against Hollywood’s grandeur.
“We know that if an actor cries on film, they go to the top of the class. They get the Oscar nod because crying gets a lot of credit.”
In his memoir, Eric asserts he felt neither jealousy nor hostility, although he witnessed a shift in how Hollywood perceived him. “When suddenly this rare and rarefied thing occurred, this worldwide phenomenon of Julia’s stardom, it shoved me into the public eye in a different way,” he wrote. Within this context, he discusses the peculiar nature of their relationship, highlighting the strange whispers and unsubstantiated rumors surrounding them; he peels back the layers of celebrity gossip to reveal a hurt rooted in misunderstanding.
Their family, hailing from a modest suburb near Atlanta, Georgia, might have been perceived under a microscope once Julia rose to fame. Eric expounds, “First, there were all kinds of suspicions cast upon us – even outlandish and creepy rumors of incest.”
Despite familial love, support often came wrapped in complexities. Eric’s feelings became similarly convoluted. “When you rule the world, which she kind of did for a while, and a member of your family is slow to acknowledge that, you hold it against them,” he acknowledges, reflecting an introspective regret. It’s a beautifully haunting sentiment that captures the struggle between brotherly love and rivalry, between support and comparative inadequacy.
This candid reflection on his relationship with Julia revealed layers of emotions that many siblings experience, especially amidst stardom. In a previous interview, Eric claimed responsibility for paving the way for Julia and his daughter, Emma Roberts, stating, “If it wasn’t for me, there would be no Julia Roberts and no Emma Roberts as celebrities.” However, he later acknowledged the absurdity of such an assertion in his book, publicly apologizing for what he deemed an ‘asinine’ comment. This admission demonstrates an evolution of thought, revealing a vulnerable side to the often unnoticed brother of one of Hollywood’s biggest stars.
While critiques, reflections, and sibling dynamics intertwine remarkably throughout this narrative, Eric Roberts’ insights transport readers beyond the simplistic brushstrokes of Hollywood glamor to the nuances of family, individual ambition, and the burdens of fame. In the end, it’s a rich tapestry of love, criticism, acknowledgment, and the shared journeys of two remarkable talents, both navigating the enigmatic realm of show business.
