Walter Grady Roberts gained notoriety as the father of the renowned Academy Award-winning actress, Julia Roberts. Born on December 25, 1933, in Atlanta, Georgia, Walter had a brief career in acting and playwriting before focusing on teaching. As an acting teacher, he even mentored Yolanda King, the daughter of the iconic civil rights leaders, Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King.
Walter married Betty Lou Bredemus in 1955, and together, they ran a short-lived acting workshop. Although leaving the limelight early in his career, Walter’s influence continued to be felt by his children, who went on to achieve considerable success in the entertainment industry. His legacy lives on through the accomplishments of his famous daughter, Julia.
Story Stages
Early Life and Family Background
Ancestry in Smyrna, Georgia
Walter Grady Roberts was born on December 25, 1933, in Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia. He was the son of Walter Thomas Roberts and Beatrice M. Beal. Growing up in the suburb of Smyrna, Georgia, Walter Grady Roberts was part of a diverse ancestry, including English, Scottish, Irish, Welsh, German, and Swedish descent.
Influence of Betty Lou Bredemus
In 1955, Walter Grady Roberts married Betty Lou Bredemus, and together they had three children: Eric, Lisa, and Julia. All of their children have pursued careers in the entertainment industry, showcasing the strong artistic influence of their parents on their lives.
- Eric Roberts (born 1956), an accomplished actor with a deep-rooted career in the film and television industry.
- Lisa Roberts Gillan (born 1965), who has made her mark as an actress and producer.
- Julia Roberts (born 1967), a Hollywood actress who gained immense popularity and international recognition for her acting prowess.
This successful lineage demonstrates the lasting impact of both Walter Grady Roberts and Betty Lou Bredemus on their children’s artistic pursuits.
Career Highlights and Achievements
Breakthrough with ‘Pretty Woman’
In 1990, Julia Roberts, the daughter of actor and playwright Walter Grady Roberts, became a Hollywood sensation with her role in the romantic comedy Pretty Woman. Starring opposite Richard Gere, Roberts played Vivian Ward, a spirited and charming escort. The film was a massive success, grossing over $460 million at the box office worldwide. This breakthrough role garnered Julia her second Golden Globe Award and solidified her status as a leading lady in the film industry.
Oscar-Winning Performance in ‘Erin Brockovich’
Julia Roberts reached another milestone in her acting career in 2000, when she portrayed the real-life environmental activist Erin Brockovich in the eponymous film. Her captivating and powerful performance earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress, as well as a Golden Globe Award. At the time, Julia’s salary for the film, reported at $20 million, set a new record for the highest amount paid to an actress for a single role.
Diverse Roles in Film Industry
Throughout her career, Julia Roberts has established herself as a versatile actress, exploring various genres and characters. Some of her notable roles include:
- Shelby Eatenton Latcherie in Steel Magnolias (1989)
- Tinkerbell in Hook (1991)
- Julianne Potter in My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997)
- Anna Scott in Notting Hill (1999)
- Tess Ocean in Ocean’s Eleven (2001) and its sequel, Ocean’s Twelve (2004)
- Elizabeth Gilbert in Eat Pray Love (2010)
Additionally, Julia’s impressive acting career has contributed to her significant net worth, estimated at over $250 million. Apart from acting, she also established her own production company, Shoelace Productions, which has allowed her to further expand her influence in the film industry.
Legacy and Personal Life
Relationships and Marital Status
Walter Grady Roberts, born on December 25, 1933, in Georgia, United States, was a passionate actor and playwright. He married Betty Lou Bredemus in 1955, whom he met while performing in the play “George Washington Slept Here”. The couple had three children together: Eric Roberts, Lisa Roberts Gillan, and the well-known Julia Roberts.
Walter and Betty’s marriage, however, eventually led to a divorce. Each of their children followed in their parents’ footsteps and entered the entertainment industry. Lisa Roberts Gilan, born in 1965, established herself as both an actress and producer. Eric Roberts, the father of Emma Roberts, also managed to create a successful acting career. The entire family’s accomplishments showcase the artistic genes and strong legacy that Walter Grady Roberts left behind.
Involvement in Social Causes
Walter Grady Roberts, as the celebrity father of Julia Roberts, indirectly influenced various social causes through his famous daughter. Julia Roberts is known for her humanitarian efforts and her long-term support for UNICEF. She has worked alongside UNICEF to raise awareness about children’s needs worldwide and has participated in initiatives such as the World Tomorrow, a series produced by Richard Gere featuring interviews with global leaders on critical global issues.
Julia’s involvement in UNICEF and other social causes, together with her successful acting career, reflects the impact Walter Grady Roberts had on her life. His influence as an actor and playwright contributed to the dedication and passion she demonstrates in both her personal and professional work.
Even though Walter Grady Roberts may not have had direct participation in social causes, his legacy lives on through his accomplished actress daughter, who continues to carry his spirit by making impactful contributions to society.
Reflecting on the rich narratives of individuals whose lives have been interwoven with the entertainment industry, Walter Grady Roberts’ legacy offers a poignant backdrop to similar stories. In this context, the life and contributions of Robert Charles Hunter, married to Dianne Ladd, present a compelling story of personal and professional endeavors.
Notable Relationships and Family Impact
Walter Grady Roberts, born on December 25, 1933, had a significant impact on his family members, many of whom have become successful in the entertainment industry.
Influence of Eric Roberts
Walter’s first child, Eric Roberts, born in 1956, followed in his father’s footsteps by pursuing a career in acting. As a talented American actor, Eric has appeared in numerous films and TV shows. Some of his notable works include “Runaway Train,” “Star 80,” and “King of the Gypsies.” Eric’s career in Hollywood was undoubtedly influenced by his father, Walter Grady Roberts, who had been an acting coach.
Progression of Emma Roberts’ Career
Emma Roberts, born in 1991, is the daughter of Eric Roberts and the niece of Julia Roberts. Emma began her career in the entertainment industry at a young age and has made a name for herself as an American actress. She has starred in prominent roles in hit television shows like “Unfabulous,” “American Horror Story,” and “Scream Queens,” as well as movies like “Nancy Drew” and “We’re the Millers.” The artistic genes running deep in the family could be attributed to Walter Grady Roberts and his early impact on his children’s careers.
Walter also had two other children, Lisa Roberts Gillan (born in 1965), who joined the entertainment industry as an actress and producer, and Julia Roberts (born in 1967), a renowned Hollywood actress who has bagged an Academy Award for her exceptional performances. His children’s and grandchildren’s successes in the industry serve as a testament to the legacy that Walter Grady Roberts left behind, influencing and shaping their lives and careers.
