Emma Rose Roberts was born on February 10, 1991, inRhinebeck, New York,[6] to Kelly Cunningham and actorEric Roberts.[7] Her parents divorced when she was seven months old. Through her father's marriage, she is the stepdaughter ofEliza Roberts and step-granddaughter ofDavid Rayfiel andLila Garrett. Through her mother's marriage, she is the stepdaughter of musicianKelly Nickels. She has a younger maternal half-sister, Grace.[8] Her paternal grandmother was acting coach Betty Lou Bredemus, and her aunts are actressesJulia Roberts and Lisa Roberts Gillan. During her childhood, Roberts spent time on the sets of her aunt Julia's films. These experiences sparked a desire to follow her father and aunts into the film industry.[8] Her mother initially wanted her to have a normal childhood.[9] She is of English, Scottish, Irish, Welsh, German, and Swedish descent through her father.[10][11]
Roberts made her acting debut at age nine inTed Demme's 2001 drama filmBlow. It was the first film for which she auditioned.[9] In the film, she portrayed Kristina Jung, the daughter ofJohnny Depp andPenelope Cruz's characters; the older version of her character was played byJaime King. That year, she also had a role inLeif Tilden's 10-minuteshortbigLove, and was an uncreditedextra in some scenes featuring her aunt Julia Roberts inAmerica's Sweethearts.[12] Roberts went on to appear in smaller roles in two family films: in 2002'sGrand Champion, as the sister of the main character Buddy (Jacob Fisher); and in 2006'sSpymate, as the daughter of formersecret agent Mike Muggins (Chris Potter), who tries to rescue her with the help of a spy monkey.Grand Champion had a brief theatrical release in August 2004,[13] whileSpymate was not released until February 2006, when it was given a theatrical run in Canada,[14] followed by its DVD release in April 2006.
In 2004, she began starring as the lead character Addie Singer in theNickelodeon sitcomUnfabulous,[15] which debuted in September of that year. The sitcom earned Roberts severalTeen Choice Award andYoung Artist Award nominations.[16] The series focused on a seventh grader, Addie, and her two best friends. It aired for three seasons (2004–2007). The show also spawned several television films, includingThe Perfect Moment. Also in 2004 at age 13, Robertsguest starred in an episode of the Nickelodeon seriesDrake & Josh titled "Honor Council". After her run onUnfabulous, Nickelodeon had considered giving Roberts a kick start into a music career.[17] In 2005, Roberts released a debut album titledUnfabulous and More. The album was released on September 27, 2005, throughColumbia Records andNick Records. It also served as the soundtrack to the television seriesUnfabulous, in which Roberts starred. The album peaked at number 46 and 10 onBillboard'sHeatseekers Albums andKid Albums charts, respectively.[18] In September 2005, two singles were released from the album: "I Wanna Be" and "Dummy". The album includes several original songs (among them "Dummy" and "I Wanna Be", both of which were also released as music videos, "I Have Arrived" and "This Is Me", which was co-written by Roberts), as well as some of Addie's songs from the first season, including "Punch Rocker" and "New Shoes" (both from the episode "The Party"), "94 Weeks (Metal Mouth Freak)" (from "The Bar Mitzvah") and "Mexican Wrestler" (which had previously appeared onJill Sobule's 2000 albumPink Pearl and in the episode "The 66th Day" fromUnfabulous).
In the same year, Roberts recorded "If I Had It My Way" for thesoundtrack of the 2005 Disney filmIce Princess. In 2006, Roberts covered the song "Island in the Sun", which was originally recorded byWeezer in 2001; she recorded the song for theAquamarinesoundtrack, a film in which she starred as one of the lead actors. Also in 2006, Roberts returned to the big screen, starring alongsideSara Paxton and singerJoJo inAquamarine.[19][20] She won a 2007Young Artist Award for Best Supporting Young Actress in a Feature Film for her role in the film.[21] The filmAquamarine took fifth place at the box office in its opening weekend making $8 million.[22] In early 2006, Roberts finished shooting hertitle role inNancy Drew. The film was released to theaters on June 15, 2007, and grossed over $7 million in its opening weekend,[23] though the film was not well received by critics.[24] Roberts was set to reunite withNancy Drew directorAndrew Fleming on bothRodeo Gal[25] and aNancy Drew sequel in 2007, but these films were never made.[26][27]
Roberts said in a 2007 interview: "Right now I am focusing on movies. I am getting ready to start a new movie this summer so that is taking a lot of my time. I think when I am a little bit older it is definitely something I'd like to pursue."[28] In another interview, she said: "My musical career is indefinitely on hold. I don't like people who become like 'actor slash singer.' I think people should be one or the other because usually you're not going to be great at both. You're going to be better at one, so you might as well stick to the one you're good at. I'm going for acting."[29] In 2008, Roberts starred as the lead in the filmWild Child,[30] about a rebellious teen fromMalibu, California, sent to aboarding school in England. Roberts described her character as "pretty much your typical spoiled-brat Malibu socialite who gets shipped off to a British boarding school."[31] Roberts also appeared in two films:Lymelife, which was premiered at the2008 Toronto International Film Festival, andThe Flight Before Christmas, where she had hervoiceover debut when she voiced the English version of the character Wilma.[32] In 2009, Roberts starred alongsideJake T. Austin inHotel for Dogs,[33] based on the novel byLois Duncan. The film premiered in January 2009, and took fifth place in its opening weekend with over $17 million. The film has to-date grossed over $114 million, and received generally mixed reviews from critics.[34] She also appeared that year inThe Winning Season, portraying Abbie Miller. In 2010, Roberts co-starred as Grace in the filmValentine's Day in which her aunt, Julia Roberts also appeared, although they were never together on-screen. She also appeared that year inTwelve,Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac,4.3.2.1.,It's Kind of a Funny Story, andVirginia.[35]
Roberts at the Denim Habit Event inNYC (October 2011)
In 2011, she starred alongsideFreddie Highmore in the romantic comedyThe Art of Getting By.[36][37] She also played the role ofJill Roberts in theWes Craven filmScream 4.[38][39] Roberts next appeared in the 2012 filmCeleste and Jesse Forever, parodying pop stars such asKesha with her performance as Riley Banks, an incurious blonde singer. Roberts said in an interview that her role as Banks tempted her to write an album of songs using her character as analter ego.[40] On February 7, 2013,The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that Roberts had been cast to star in a pilot forFox calledDelirium, based on theLauren Oliver novels. She portrayed Lena Haloway, the protagonist, but Fox decided not to pick up the show.[41][42] The pilot episode was picked up byHulu and was available to stream for a limited time beginning on June 20, 2014.[43]
Roberts co-starred withJohn Cusack andEvan Peters in the comedy-drama filmAdult World, released on April 18, 2013. Roberts played a recent college graduate who works at asex shop to make ends meet. She has said that most of her lines were ad-libbed so her reactions in the film were completely genuine.[44] Her performance was praised by both Andrew O'Hehir ofSalon and Stephanie Zacharek ofThe Village Voice, who praised Roberts' performance as "both breezy and carefully tuned".[45] In the next month, she guest starred as Amanda Barrington in the animated sitcomFamily Guy, in the episode "No Country Club for Old Men".[46] Roberts then starred in the comedy filmWe're the Millers, alongsideJennifer Aniston andJason Sudeikis. It was released on August 3, 2013. The film received mixed reviews from critics and was a financial success, grossing over $269 million against a budget of $37 million.[47] Roberts played the lead role inGia Coppola's directorial debut,Palo Alto, based onJames Franco's short story collectionof the same name. The film was released on August 29, 2013. It received generally positive reviews, with particular praise for Roberts' performance.Tom Shone ofThe Guardian andIan Freer ofEmpire both called her the "standout" of the film,[48] with Freer praising her performance for being "heartbreaking as she suggests longings and anxieties without over-hyping it. Much like the film itself."[49]
She next appeared inAmerican Horror Story: Apocalypse, where she reprised her role of Madison Montgomery for the crossover season, returning to the main cast.[69] On October 8, 2018, it was announced that Roberts had joined the cast of the animated musical comedy filmUglyDolls, voicing the character Wedgehead. The film was released on May 3, 2019.[70] In the same month, after reports about Roberts being cast as Kat Baker in theNetflix seriesSpinning Out, it was announced that she had exited the series due to scheduling conflicts.[71] In 2019, Roberts starred in the fantasy drama filmParadise Hills, as Uma.[72] The film had its world premiere at theSundance Film Festival on January 26.[73][74] From September through November 2019, Roberts starred in the ninth season ofAmerican Horror Story, subtitled1984, portrayingBrooke Thompson. The season has been described as being heavily influenced by classic horror slasher films such asFriday the 13th andHalloween.[75][76]
Roberts appeared on the March 2022 cover ofTatler, with a photoshoot conducted at theChateau Marmont inThe Hamptons, a locale she has visited since her mother moved there.[90] In the interview, Roberts spoke about her interest in adapting books for film and television as she explores a production career.[90] Additionally, in 2022, Roberts voiced the character Sasha Nutwagon in thestop motion animated film,Saurus City,[91][92] which debuted at the2025 Cannes Film Festival and its worldwide distribution rights were picked up by Archstone Entertainment.[93]
In 2024, Roberts was set to star in the thrillerFourth Wall, from director Alexis Ostrander and a feature script debut from Jerry Kontogiorgis.[94] In early 2025, Roberts was cast in the comedyOld Pals, alongsideHenry Winkler,Evan Rachel Wood, andBrian Cox.[95] She is also set to star alongsideNoomi Rapace,Ben Platt, andLaura Harrier among others, in the psychological thrillerThe Technique, an original script fromHemlock Grove author Brian McGreevy in his feature film directorial debut.[96] In August 2025, she signed on to star inA Murder Uncorked, a rom-com murder mystery withAri Sandel,Karen McCullah, andVincent Newman on board as director, screenwriter, and producer respectively.[97]
Emma Roberts has explored producing, in addition to acting. She established her production company, Belletrist TV and secured a first-look television deal with Hulu, focusing on book adaptations for television.[2] Her debut as an executive producer came with the adaptation of Carola Lovering'sTell Me Lies, which premiered in September 2022.[98][99] In 2024, Roberts produced and starred inSpace Cadet, a romantic comedy film released onPrime Video.[99] Later that year, it was announced that Roberts and her company Belletrist would team withMarci Klein to produce a series based uponCandace Bushnell's novelOne Fifth Avenue,[100] as well as re-teaming with herAmerican Horror Story: Delicate co-starKim Kardashian to produce the seriesCalabasas, based on the Via Blednar novelIf You Lived Here You'd Be Famous By Now.[101]
In 2017, Roberts, along with her friend Karah Preiss, founded the book club Belletrist.[5][102] The initiative aims to foster a community where women can feel confident and empowered, with a broader goal of promoting reading.[103] The first book featured on Belletrist wasJoan Didion'sSouth and West.[104] Belletrist operates on a monthly schedule, where a new book is introduced each month along with some form of interaction with the author, which may vary from videos to interviews or other engaging formats.[104]
In February 2009, Roberts was named the brand ambassador forNeutrogena, appearing in print and television advertisements for the company.[106] She has appeared multiple times as part ofTeen Vogue's Best Dressed list, including in June 2007, September 2008, December 2008, and February 2009.[107]
In January 2021, Roberts paid tribute to her auntJulia Roberts as the new ambassador of the Pretty Woman collection corresponding to the French jewelry firm Fred.[108]
Roberts has been involved in various charitable endeavors and philanthropic activities, focusing on children's welfare, environmental advocacy, women's rights, and public health awareness. She actively supports theChildren's Cancer Research Fund, and has been a frequent participant in fundraising events forSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital.[109] In 2017, Roberts hosted theL.A. Art Show, an event whose proceeds were donated to St. Jude's. She also attended the 2018 edition of the L.A. Art Show, among her other engagements.[109] More recently, in November 2023, Roberts was involved in St. Jude's Giving Tuesday event, where she led a celebrity unboxing segment.[110]
Roberts has worked with organizations likeGirls Inc. to promote women's rights and empowerment. She has been involved in campaigns for gender equality and women's health.[111][112] She collaborated withFree People Movement for a Thanksgiving Day 2023 campaign, focused on performing acts of kindness and assisting those in need, committing to donate all net proceeds to Girls Inc.[111]
In September 2011, Roberts began attendingSarah Lawrence College, but by January 2012 had put her studies on hold to concentrate on work commitments.[113]
An avid reader, she launched her book club onInstagram, titledBelletrist, in March 2017.[104][114]
On a 2023 episode ofFinding Your Roots featuringJulia Roberts, it was revealed that Emma Roberts' biological paternal great-great-great-grandfather's surname was actually Mitchell, not Roberts.[117]
In 2012, Roberts began dating actorEvan Peters, whom she met on the set of the filmAdult World.[119] On July 17, 2013,the police were called to a domestic dispute at the Hotel Le St-James inMontreal,Quebec, where upon arriving and observingthe bloodied nose of Peters, the officers detained Roberts but released her hours later without charging her or Peters.[120][121][122][123][excessive citations] In a joint statement, the couple called the incident "an unfortunate incident and misunderstanding" and said they are "working together to overcome this."[124] Throughout their relationship, they separated and reconciled multiple times.[125] They got engaged in March 2014.[126][127] Their second split reportedly happened in May 2016.[128] After reuniting later that year, they ended their relationship for good in March 2019.[129]
That same month, Roberts began a relationship with actor and musicianGarrett Hedlund.[130] In August 2020, it was announced that the couple was expecting a child.[131] Roberts subsequently appeared as the first pregnant celebrity on the cover ofCosmopolitan magazine that December.[132] Their son was born on December 27, 2020, in Los Angeles.[133][134] Country singer and actorTim McGraw is the godfather of Roberts's son.[135] In January 2022, it was announced that Roberts and Hedlund had ended their relationship.[136]
Roberts began dating actor Cody John in August 2022.[137] On July 16, 2024, Roberts usedInstagram to announce their engagement.[138]
^abElaine Lipworth (2005). "Recognise That Smile?".You Magazine (July 24, 2005):28–31.I'm definitely closer to my mom and stepdad and I don't see my real father much
^Interview conducted by Bonnie Laufer (May 14, 2007)."Emma Roberts one-on-one interview". Tribute Magazine.Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. RetrievedApril 30, 2009.
^Celebrity Interview by Jeanne Wolf (January 14, 2009)."Emma Roberts, Not Your Average 'Tween' Star".Parade: Entertainment, Recipes, Health, Life, Holidays. Parade Magazine.Archived from the original on February 10, 2009. RetrievedMay 7, 2009.
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