Pop Culture

Eric Roberts Says His Relationship With Daughter Emma Roberts Isn’t What People Think

He reflects on addiction, emotional struggles, and why outside perceptions of their relationship don’t tell the full story.

Eric Roberts attends premiere of HBO Original Series' "The Righteous Gemstones" in 2025.
Eric Roberts attends premiere of HBO Original Series' "The Righteous Gemstones" in 2025.
Emma McIntyre/Getty Images

Eric Roberts is shutting down speculation that he and his daughter Emma Roberts have a “complicated” relationship.

“It’s only complicated through outside eyes, because they don’t get any of it,” he revealed during the April 1 episode of Really Famous with Kara Mayer Robinson. “So they have their own take… but it’s not a real relationship with the subjects.”

According to Eric, who is the brother of actress Julia Roberts, he and Emma are in a much better place today. However, when Emma was born, Eric admits he was a “car wreck,” as well as far from dependable as a father.

“I was emotionally a wash rag,” he said on the podcast. “I was not to be depended on emotionally whatsoever, because I was a car wreck.” The Dark Night actor concluded his statement by saying, “I take full responsibility for it.”

The 69-year-old confessed that when Emma was young, he was struggling with deep depression and substance abuse, leading to his lack of dependability as a father. Furthermore, the Pope of Greenwich Village star says he was still healing from old wounds regarding his personal relationship with his own dad.

While Eric admits his dynamic with Emma isn’t picture-perfect, he is endlessly proud of all her achievements as an actress. “I’m so proud of my kid,” he told Mayer Robinson. “You know, she didn’t start off as a great actor, but she became a great actor. Fabulous… and I’m so proud of that.”

Emma is currently engaged to actor Cody John, and the two have been linked since 2022. In 2024, the couple announced their engagement, and have been together ever since.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please call the free and confidential treatment referral hotline (1-800-662-HELP) or visit findtreatment.gov.

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