Julie Fiona Roberts was born in Georgia, the daughter of a vacuum salesman and a church secretary. Aged 17, Julia moved to New York to join her actress sister. She initially worked as a model, taking acting classes.


Julie Fiona Roberts was born in Georgia, the daughter of a vacuum salesman and a church secretary. Aged 17, Julia moved to New York to join her actress sister. She initially worked as a model, taking acting classes.

Following roles in such films as 'Satisfaction' and 'Mystic Pizza', she was recognised with a Best Supporting Actress nomination for her performance in 1989’s 'Steel Magnolias'.

Roberts really hit the big-time the following year with her role as the prostitute, opposite Richard Gere in 'Pretty Woman'. Critics and audiences alike heaped praise on her performance, and she gained a second Oscar Nomination, for Best Actress.

With such films as 'Flatliners' and 'Sleeping With The Enemy', Roberts continued her ascent. However, her roles as Tinkerbell in Spielberg’s 'Hook' and also in 'Dying Young', were poorly received. She regained her feet however with 1997’s 'My Best Friend’s Wedding', for which she won a Golden Globe nomination.

In 1999, she appeared in two summer blockbusters, 'Notting Hill' and 'Runaway Bride'. It was her performance in 'Erin Brockovich', however, the next year, which finally yielded her a Best Actress Oscar.

The world’s highest-paid actress in 2003, Roberts was named by Forbes Magazine as the most powerful celebrity on the planet.