The 33-year-old actress Emma Roberts, who has been in TV shows like American Horror Story and movies like Adult World, finds the idea of celebrity to be “really scary.” Emma is still afraid of the spotlight, even though she starred with Johnny Depp and Penélope Cruz in the 2001 film “Blow” at the tender age of nine. Her observations of her aunt Julia Roberts, one of Hollywood’s most well-known actresses, had a big impact on her dread. Emma opened out to Bruce Bozzi in an open discussion on the “Table for Two” podcast about her thoughts on celebrity..
Emma explained that she witnessed firsthand the true nature of fame through Julia Roberts’ experiences. She stated, “I saw very up close what being famous really looks like with Julia. It’s obviously fun and it’s great, but there is a part of it that’s really scary. Fame has never been the goal for me, because fame at a certain level is kind of scary… when you’ve seen fame like that up close and you see what that really does to people and their families.” This insight into the darker side of fame has shaped Emma’s approach to her own career, making her cautious of the potential pitfalls that come with being in the limelight.
Emma, the daughter of Julia’s actor older brother Eric Roberts, has always been open about her relationship with her aunt. Despite Julia’s monumental success, Emma never felt pressured to achieve the same level of fame. In a 2022 interview with Tatler, she expressed her admiration for Julia but emphasized her own career path. “I never aspired to be Julia. I love her so much, I love her work, but I’m just doing my own thing,” she said. This sentiment reflects Emma’s determination to forge her own path in the entertainment industry, separate from her aunt’s illustrious career.
Over the years, Emma has successfully carved out a niche for herself, balancing roles in mainstream and indie movies while surprising audiences with her performances on television. She highlighted one of her career-defining moments during her podcast appearance, saying, “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. Ryan gave me that opportunity, and I’d love to do that for others.” This role allowed Emma to showcase her versatility and break away from the typecasting that had previously limited her opportunities.
Emma also addressed the criticism surrounding Hollywood’s growing number of “nepo baby” actors, a term used to describe the children of celebrities who follow their parents into the entertainment industry. She believes the scrutiny often unfairly targets women more than men. “Everybody loves the kind of overnight success story. 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…’. And I always joke like, ‘Why is no one calling out George Clooney for being a nepo baby? Rosemary Clooney was an icon’. 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… not that they should be called out,” she remarked. Emma’s comments highlight the gender bias that often accompanies discussions about nepotism in Hollywood.
Emma’s insights reflect her nuanced understanding of the complexities of fame and the entertainment industry. Despite her apprehensions, she continues to thrive and make a name for herself, distinguishing her career from the illustrious legacy of her aunt Julia Roberts. Her experiences and observations shed light on the often-overlooked challenges that come with being born into a family of celebrities, particularly for women in the industry.
Emma’s journey in Hollywood showcases her versatility and resilience. From her early beginnings in films to her breakout roles in television, she has consistently proven her talent and dedication. Her ability to navigate the pressures of fame while staying true to her own career aspirations is a testament to her strength and individuality.
As Emma continues to evolve as an actress, she remains a source of inspiration for many. Her willingness to tackle diverse roles and her commitment to supporting other actors reflect her passion for the craft and her desire to contribute positively to the industry. Emma Roberts’ story is not just about overcoming the shadow of her famous relatives, but also about forging her own path and making a lasting impact in Hollywood.
Emma’s career decisions have often been guided by her desire to explore different facets of her talent. She has taken on roles in both mainstream and independent films, balancing commercial success with artistic fulfillment. This balance has allowed her to build a diverse portfolio of work that demonstrates her range as an actress. Her performance in ‘American Horror Story’ was particularly significant as it marked a departure from her earlier roles and showcased her ability to take on more complex and challenging characters.
Emma’s determination to pave her own way in Hollywood is also evident in her choice of projects. She has not shied away from taking risks and has often chosen roles that defy expectations. Her work in independent films has allowed her to collaborate with a variety of filmmakers and explore different storytelling styles. This willingness to experiment and push boundaries has helped her grow as an actress and has earned her critical acclaim.
Emma’s commitment to her craft is matched by her dedication to supporting others in the industry. She has spoken about the importance of giving opportunities to emerging talents and using her platform to uplift others. Her experience with Ryan Murphy, who cast her in ‘American Horror Story’, has inspired her to create similar opportunities for other actors. This commitment to fostering talent and supporting her peers underscores her passion for the industry and her desire to contribute to its growth and evolution.
Emma has persevered in pursuing her own goals in spite of the difficulties and attention that come with belonging to a well-known family. Her resilience is demonstrated by the way she managed the demands of celebrity without sacrificing her uniqueness or morality. She has succeeded in carving out a great career for herself, winning the respect and admiration of both peers and fans.
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