Let’s talk about Julia Roberts, shall we? The radiant Oscar-winning actress, who has lit up our screens for decades, isn’t just a Hollywood star. She’s a mom, a wife, and someone who, like all of us, seeks reassurance in her career choices. A few years ago, something extraordinary happened that changed her perspective. She stumbled upon R.J. Palacio’s Wonder, a deeply moving story about a boy living with a craniofacial condition. So moved by the book, she did what any mom would do—she brought it to her kids.
“I said to my kids, ‘I’ve just read the most fantastic book,’” Julia recalls, speaking about sharing the story with her twins, Hazel and Phinnaeus, now 13, and her youngest, Henry, who’s 10. “They all loved it. They were asking interesting questions. It sparked so many good family conversations.” Those chats weren’t just about the book; they were about life, compassion, and the importance of kindness. It was clear that Wonder had touched their hearts, and Julia knew she wanted to be a part of bringing that story to life on the big screen.
Fast forward a year, and Julia found herself on the set of Wonder, playing the role of the mother. “I said, ‘I would love to [play] the mom,’” she shares. “It was a year later that we were all on the set shooting.” This decision wasn’t just about her career—it was about her family. A close friend of Julia’s told Closer, “That book affected her whole family,” and it became clear that this film wasn’t just a job for Julia—it was a passion project. “It helped teach them all the importance of kindness and compassion.” At 50, Julia realized she’s in a wonderful phase of life and career. “She’s at a point where she doesn’t need the money and awards aren’t important,” the friend says. “Next to her family, acting is her passion, and she knows she can take on projects that interest her, challenge her, and that she loves.”
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Life’s Challenges and Lessons
Julia’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Her sister Nancy Motes tragically took her own life in 2014, followed by the loss of their mother, Betty Lou Motes, who passed away from lung cancer a year later. “Julia took a little bit of a break to regroup after those losses to grieve,” the friend explains. These experiences taught her to prioritize her family and cherish every moment with her husband, Danny Moder, and their children. “It taught her to value her family above everything else and to make spending time with Danny and the kids her priority.”
Despite recent tabloid rumors questioning the strength of her 15-year marriage, Julia remains unfazed. “Rumors used to annoy her,” the friend says, “but she’s immune to them now. She just jokes and says, ‘Looks like I’m divorcing Danny for the 46th time.’” The reality is far from the gossip. “Their relationship is more solid than ever,” the friend adds. Danny is a rock for Julia, and she returns the support, visiting him on set with home-baked goodies and cheering him on in his work.
A Mom Who Participates
Julia isn’t just a mom who loves her kids—she’s a mom who participates fully in their lives. “People at their school know Julia and love her because she participates in all the parent events,” the friend shares. Before taking on a new project, Julia always considers her children’s schedules and plans. It’s not just about her career; it’s about balancing her life and ensuring her family comes first.
Looking Ahead
Julia’s next film, Ben Is Back, is set to release later this year, and her new Amazon series, Homecoming, will begin filming in LA this spring. This means more quality time at home with Danny, 49, and the kids. “I love them unconditionally,” Julia gushes. “They all have a very keen sense of humor. I really hope they get that from me, because that’s what I tell everybody!”
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