Eric Roberts, American actor
Eric Roberts, born on April 18, 1956, is a highly recognizable and incredibly prolific American actor whose career spans well over four decades. Known for his intense performances and an extraordinary volume of work across various mediums, Roberts has cemented his place as a versatile and enduring presence in Hollywood.
Early Career and Critical Acclaim
Roberts's journey into acting began with significant impact, making his leading role debut in the 1978 drama King of the Gypsies. His powerful portrayal garnered immediate attention, earning him his very first Golden Globe Award nomination, signaling the arrival of a formidable talent. This early success was followed by continued critical recognition, including another Golden Globe nomination for his compelling performance in Bob Fosse's 1983 biographical drama, Star 80.
However, it was his unforgettable role as the fiery prison escapee Buck McGeehy in Andrei Konchalovsky's 1985 thriller, Runaway Train, that truly marked a pinnacle in his early career. This performance not only secured him a third Golden Globe nomination but also earned him an esteemed nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, solidifying his reputation as a dramatic force.
A Family of Stars
Beyond his individual accomplishments, Eric Roberts is also widely recognized as the older brother of Academy Award-winning actress Julia Roberts, linking him to one of Hollywood's most celebrated acting families.
An Unprecedented Volume of Work
What truly sets Eric Roberts apart in the annals of Hollywood is the astonishing breadth and volume of his acting career. Spanning well over 40 years, he has amassed an unprecedented number of credits, exceeding 609—a figure that places him among a very select group of actors in history. Since the 1970s, he has tirelessly contributed to an incredibly diverse array of projects, including major blockbusters, independent films, animated features, television series, animated series, short films, and even student films. This sheer output underscores his dedication and versatility, allowing him to explore a vast range of characters and genres.
Notable Film and Television Roles
Roberts's filmography is a testament to his prolific nature and willingness to tackle diverse projects. Key cinematic appearances include:
- Raggedy Man (1981)
- The Pope of Greenwich Village (1984)
- The critically acclaimed Runaway Train (1985)
- The action thriller The Specialist (1994)
- Quirky independent features like Cecil B. Demented (2000) and A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints (2006)
- Mainstream hits such as National Security (2003), Christopher Nolan's acclaimed The Dark Knight (2008), and the ensemble action film The Expendables (2010)
- More recent works like Paul Thomas Anderson's Inherent Vice (2014), The Institute (2017), and Head Full of Honey (2018)
His presence on the small screen has been equally significant and varied. Television audiences will recognize him from:
- Three seasons as a regular on the sitcom Less than Perfect
- Recurring dramatic roles in the popular NBC series Heroes and the long-running CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless
- Appearances in other notable series such as Saved by the Light, the popular legal drama Suits, and Fox's crime procedural The Finder
- A culturally significant role as the only non-UK actor to portray the iconic villain The Master in the 1996 Doctor Who television movie, a detail that holds particular weight among fans of the long-running British science fiction series.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eric Roberts
- When was Eric Roberts born?
- Eric Roberts was born on April 18, 1956.
- What was Eric Roberts's breakthrough role?
- His career truly began with a leading role in the 1978 film King of the Gypsies, which earned him his first Golden Globe nomination.
- Has Eric Roberts been nominated for an Academy Award?
- Yes, he received a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Buck McGeehy in the 1985 film Runaway Train.
- Is Eric Roberts related to Julia Roberts?
- Yes, Eric Roberts is the older brother of acclaimed actress Julia Roberts.
- How many acting credits does Eric Roberts have?
- With a career spanning over 40 years, Eric Roberts has amassed an extraordinary number of acting credits, exceeding 609 across various film and television projects.
- What is a unique fact about Eric Roberts's television career?
- He is notably the only non-UK actor to have played the iconic villain The Master in the 1996 Doctor Who television movie.