Emma Roberts has always been candid about her experiences in Hollywood, especially when it comes to the daunting side of fame she witnessed through her aunt, Julia Roberts. In a recent episode of iHeartPodcasts’ “Table for Two” with Bruce Bozzi, Emma opened up about the “really scary” aspects of fame and how it has shaped her career choices and personal aspirations.
Emma, now 33, has been in the public eye from a young age, thanks to her famous family. Her father, Eric Roberts, is a well-known actor, and her aunt, Julia Roberts, is an Oscar-winning superstar. Emma’s early exposure to the entertainment industry came through her aunt, as she often accompanied Julia on film sets like “Erin Brockovich” and “America’s Sweethearts.” This early immersion inspired Emma to pursue acting, leading to her first role in the movie “Blow” at just nine years old.
Despite her early start and familial connections, Emma has always been determined to carve out her own path. She has starred in a variety of roles, from teen movies like “Aquamarine” and “Nancy Drew” to more mature projects like “Scream Queens” and “American Horror Story.” However, she has consistently emphasized that she never aspired to replicate her aunt’s career. “I love her so much, I love her work, but I’m just doing my own thing,” she told Tatler magazine.
During her conversation with Bozzi, Emma delved deeper into the complexities of fame. “It’s obviously fun, and it’s great, but there is a part of it that’s really scary,” she said. She recalled seeing “very up close” what mega-fame looks like through Julia, and it left a lasting impression. “Fame at a certain level is kind of scary,” she reiterated. “I remember [thinking] as a kid, even in my later teens, 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.”
Emma’s perspective on fame is not just shaped by her aunt’s experiences but also by her own journey in the industry. She has faced the pressures and scrutiny that come with being part of a famous family, often labeled as a “nepo baby.” The term “nepo baby” refers to celebrities who have family connections in the industry, and Emma has had her fair share of critics. However, she believes that the conversation around “nepo babies” is often one-sided, focusing more on young women than men.
“I always joke, ‘Why is no one calling out George Clooney for being a nepo baby? [His aunt] Rosemary Clooney was an icon,'” she said. “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 pointed out that people often overlook the hard work and rejection that come with pursuing a career in acting, regardless of family connections. “People only see your wins because they only see when you’re on the poster of a movie — they don’t see all the rejection along the way,” she explained.
Emma also highlighted the double-edged sword of having a famous family. While it might open some doors, it also comes with higher expectations and the need to prove oneself. “People like to say, you know, you have a leg up because you have family in the industry. But then the other side to that is, you have to prove yourself more. Also, if people don’t have good experiences with other people in your family, then you’ll never get a chance,” she said.
Despite these challenges, Emma has managed to build a successful career on her own terms. She has taken on diverse roles and worked with renowned creators like Ryan Murphy, who cast her in “American Horror Story” and “Scream Queens.” These opportunities allowed her to break away from the “nice, teen girl” image and take on edgier, more complex characters.
Emma’s approach to her career is also influenced by her desire for creative fulfillment rather than just fame. “I’ve always wanted to kind of carve my own path of not just like straight ahead be a big movie star,” she said. She aims to take on projects that are creatively satisfying and allow her to grow as an artist.
In addition to her professional aspirations, Emma is also focused on her personal life. She recently became a mother and has been open about the joys and challenges of balancing her career with motherhood. Her experiences have given her a unique perspective on fame and success, one that prioritizes personal happiness and creative fulfillment over public adulation.
Emma Roberts’ journey in Hollywood is a testament to her resilience and determination. While she acknowledges the advantages of her famous lineage, she is also acutely aware of the pitfalls of fame. By staying true to herself and focusing on her work, Emma has managed to navigate the complexities of the entertainment industry while maintaining her own identity.
Source: Entertainment Tonight, PEOPLE
