Emma Roberts Unpacks the ‘Scary’ Reality of Julia Roberts’ Fame and Forging Her Own Hollywood Legacy
For many, growing up with a legendary aunt like Julia Roberts might seem like a dream come true, offering an instant gateway into the dazzling world of Hollywood. However, for actress Emma Roberts, this unique upbringing presented a complex set of challenges and aspirations. Recently, the 33-year-old star opened up about the profound impact of her aunt’s immense celebrity on her own life and career, revealing a candid perspective on the pressures, expectations, and personal drive that have shaped her journey in the entertainment industry.
Speaking on the “Table for Two” podcast, released on Tuesday, June 25, Emma Roberts delved into what she described as the “scary” aspects of her aunt Julia’s unparalleled level of fame. “I saw very up close what that really looks like with my aunt Julia… It’s fun and it’s great, but there is a part of it that’s really scary,” she shared with host Bruce Bozzi. This intimate glimpse into the reality of superstardom highlights not just the glamour, but also the relentless scrutiny and loss of privacy that comes with being one of the most recognizable faces on the planet. For Emma, witnessing this firsthand instilled a cautious approach to her own celebrity, fostering a deep desire to build a career on her own terms, distinct from the long shadow cast by her iconic family name.
Navigating a Famous Family: The Desire to Carve Her Own Path
Emma Roberts’ connection to Hollywood runs deep, extending beyond her famous aunt to include her father, acclaimed actor Eric Roberts. Despite being immersed in the industry from a young age – she began her acting career at just nine years old – Emma always felt a strong imperative to forge an independent path. This wasn’t merely about avoiding comparisons; it was about cultivating a genuine professional identity and earning her place based on merit and hard work.
Her ambition was clear: to ensure her work consistently outweighed her fame. “Even in my later teens, I was like, I never want my fame to outweigh my work…Because there’s nothing scarier to me than being so famous that you’re never left alone, but also you’re not getting good jobs,” Emma explained. This sentiment reflects a mature understanding of Hollywood’s volatile landscape, where fleeting celebrity can often eclipse true talent. Her goal was to build a sustainable, respected career grounded in compelling performances rather than mere notoriety, a conscious choice to prioritize artistic integrity over the more superficial trappings of stardom.
The “Nepo Baby” Label: A Gendered Critique?
Growing up with such prominent figures in her family inevitably meant Emma Roberts would be labeled a “nepo baby” – a term often used to describe individuals who benefit from their relatives’ connections in their chosen industry. This label, she observed, comes with its own set of pressures and biases, particularly for women.
“I feel like young girls get it harder with the nepo baby thing…Like, I don’t really see people calling out sons of famous actors,” Emma candidly stated. Her observation sheds light on a perceived gender disparity in how the “nepo baby” conversation plays out in the public sphere, suggesting that women navigating inherited privilege often face harsher scrutiny than their male counterparts. This double standard adds another layer of complexity to building a career in the public eye, where success is often questioned and attributed solely to family connections rather than individual effort.
Emma also touched upon the world’s fascination with the “overnight success story.” For someone like her, who had early access to the industry, this narrative simply doesn’t apply. “And so if you’re kind of not the girl from the middle of nowhere that broke into Hollywood, there’s kind of an eye roll of like, ‘Well, your dad was this,’” she elaborated. This ‘eye roll’ can diminish hard-earned achievements, creating a unique challenge for those born into Hollywood dynasties to prove their worth. Despite the criticisms and the label, the Scream Queens actress firmly believes that “no one should be called out for wanting to follow their dream,” regardless of their lineage. This perspective underscores a broader plea for understanding and empathy, acknowledging that ambition and talent can exist independently of, or even in conjunction with, family connections.
Breaking Typecasting: From Nickelodeon Star to American Horror Story Icon
Emma Roberts’ career trajectory offers a compelling narrative of evolving talent and strategic choices. Starting her journey on Nickelodeon, she quickly became known for her roles as a teen idol. While successful, this early success led to a period where she felt creatively constrained, typecast into playing younger characters. “My favorite parts have been ones that people don’t expect — when Ryan Murphy cast me in American Horror Story, for example…People saw me as this nice, teen girl and I couldn’t get older, edgier roles at the time,” she recalled in an interview with Tatler.
The turning point arrived with her collaboration with acclaimed producer and writer Ryan Murphy. Murphy, renowned for pushing boundaries and subverting expectations, recognized Emma’s potential beyond her innocent teen persona. Casting her in American Horror Story allowed her to shed the clean-cut image and embrace darker, more complex, and often deliciously villainous roles. This pivotal move not only diversified her filmography but also showcased her versatility as an actress, proving her capability to tackle mature and challenging characters. Her work with Murphy, including subsequent roles in other series like Scream Queens, solidified her reputation as an actress unafraid to explore the edgier side of storytelling, a stark contrast to her earlier family-friendly roles.
This transition was instrumental in Emma Roberts carving out the distinct identity she had always sought. It demonstrated her commitment to evolving as an artist and her willingness to step outside her comfort zone to pursue roles that genuinely excited her. By taking on characters that challenged public perception, she effectively began to disentangle her professional persona from the expectations set by her family name, proving her prowess and passion for acting.
Beyond the Shadow: Emma Roberts’ Enduring Legacy
Emma Roberts’ journey in Hollywood is a testament to resilience, self-awareness, and a fierce dedication to her craft. While she acknowledges the unique circumstances of her upbringing within a celebrated acting dynasty, she has consistently strived to define success on her own terms. Her candid discussions about the “scary” reality of extreme fame, the gendered nuances of the “nepo baby” label, and her deliberate efforts to break free from typecasting illustrate a thoughtful and determined approach to her career.
From navigating the immense shadow of her aunt Julia Roberts’ fame to strategically choosing roles that push her artistic boundaries, Emma has meticulously constructed a career that stands on its own merits. Her evolution from a teen star to a versatile actress capable of commanding both comedic and dramatic roles, particularly her memorable performances in Ryan Murphy’s productions, highlights her adaptability and commitment. Emma Roberts continues to prove that while family connections might open doors, it is individual talent, strategic choices, and unwavering hard work that ultimately forge a lasting legacy in the demanding world of Hollywood.