Originally published on E! Online
Eric Roberts talks about his family’s complicated history.
The Runaway train Alum spoke openly about how his long-term battle with cocaine addiction affected his relationship with his 33-year-old daughter Emma Robertswhich he shares with ex Kelly Cunningham.
After Eric – who had tied the knot with his wife – Eliza Roberts In 1992, he separated from Kelly when Emma was still a baby, lost the subsequent custody battle and wrote in his new memoirs Runaway Train: Or the story of my life so far, per People“The worst consequence of my drug use was, of course, that I lost Emma.”
And to make the court’s verdict even more difficult, the 68-year-old remembered his estranged sister Julia Roberts he sided with Kim in the legal battle because he is struggling with his addiction. In fact, her decision to side with Kelly has added more pain to their complicated relationship – although he now agrees that the Pretty woman Star made the right choice.
More from E! Online
“I imagine I will remain Julia’s brother and Emma Roberts’ father for the rest of my life,” he continued. “I want to make amends by stepping aside with pride and dignity. That’s one of the reasons I wrote the book.”
And while Eric – who got sober in 1995 after 18 months of court-ordered rehab – admitted that his relationship with his daughter presented some challenges, Dancing with the stars The candidate couldn’t be prouder of Emma’s acting achievements, which include leading roles in shows Scream Queens And American Horror Storyand in films We are the Millers, Madame Web And Vacation.
“I’m in love with my daughter’s work,” Eric said during a July appearance at Still here, Hollywood Podcast. “I can’t believe how amazing she’s become. I’m so proud of her I can’t see straight anymore.”
And Emma? She hasn’t spoken publicly about her relationship with her father, but she has previously shared how her strong bond with her aunt Julia helped her pursue a career in Hollywood. It all started when the Oscar-winning actress took her to the set of her film in 2000. Erin Brokovich.
“When it got dark, I would run and hide in her makeup trailer and just hear, ‘Where’s Emma? It’s bedtime! She has to go home!'” Emma recalled in a 2016 interview with Lure“I remember it felt like summer camp, just the feeling of creativity.”
For free and confidential help for people with mental health and/or substance use disorders, call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
