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Emma Rose Roberts (born February 10, 1991)[1] is an American actress, singer and producer.[2] Known for her performances spanning multiple genres of film and television, her work in the horror and thriller genres have established her as a scream queen. Her accolades include a Young Artist Award, an MTV Movie & TV Award, and a ShoWest Award.[3]

Key Information

After making her acting debut in the crime film Blow (2001), Roberts gained recognition for her lead role as Addie Singer on the Nickelodeon television teen sitcom Unfabulous (2004–2007). For the series, she released her debut soundtrack album, Unfabulous and More, in 2005. She went on to appear in numerous films including Aquamarine (2006), Nancy Drew (2007), Wild Child (2008), Hotel for Dogs (2009), Valentine's Day (2010), It's Kind of a Funny Story (2010), and The Art of Getting By (2011).

Looking for more mature roles, Roberts had starring roles in the films Lymelife (2008), 4.3.2.1. (2010), Scream 4 (2011), Adult World (2013), We're the Millers (2013), and Gia Coppola's Palo Alto (2013). She has since appeared in The Blackcoat's Daughter (2015), Nerve (2016), Who We Are Now (2017), Paradise Hills (2019), Holidate (2020), and the Marvel superhero film Madame Web (2024). She gained further recognition for her starring roles in multiple seasons of the FX anthology horror series American Horror Story (2013–present) and for the lead role of Chanel Oberlin on the Fox comedy horror series Scream Queens (2015–2016).[4]

She is also the co-founder of the book club Belletrist.[5]

Early life

[edit]

Emma Rose Roberts was born on February 10, 1991, in Rhinebeck, New York,[6] to Kelly Cunningham and actor Eric Roberts.[7] Her parents divorced when she was seven months old. Through her father's marriage, she is the stepdaughter of Eliza Roberts and step-granddaughter of David Rayfiel and Lila Garrett. Through her mother's marriage, she is the stepdaughter of musician Kelly Nickels. She has a younger maternal half-sister, Grace.[8] Her paternal grandmother was acting coach Betty Lou Bredemus, and her aunts are actresses Julia 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]

Career

[edit]

2001–2010: Beginnings, from child star to teen idol

[edit]

Roberts made her acting debut at age nine in Ted Demme's 2001 drama film Blow. It was the first film for which she auditioned.[9] In the film, she portrayed Kristina Jung, the daughter of Johnny Depp and Penelope Cruz's characters; the older version of her character was played by Jaime King. That year, she also had a role in Leif Tilden's 10-minute short bigLove, and was an uncredited extra in some scenes featuring her aunt Julia Roberts in America's Sweethearts.[12] Roberts went on to appear in smaller roles in two family films: in 2002's Grand Champion, as the sister of the main character Buddy (Jacob Fisher); and in 2006's Spymate, as the daughter of former secret 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] while Spymate was not released until February 2006, when it was given a theatrical run in Canada,[14] followed by its DVD release in April 2006.

Roberts signing autographs in 2008

In 2004, she began starring as the lead character Addie Singer in the Nickelodeon sitcom Unfabulous,[15] which debuted in September of that year. The sitcom earned Roberts several Teen Choice Award and Young 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, including The Perfect Moment. Also in 2004 at age 13, Roberts guest starred in an episode of the Nickelodeon series Drake & Josh titled "Honor Council". After her run on Unfabulous, Nickelodeon had considered giving Roberts a kick start into a music career.[17] In 2005, Roberts released a debut album titled Unfabulous and More. The album was released on September 27, 2005, through Columbia Records and Nick Records. It also served as the soundtrack to the television series Unfabulous, in which Roberts starred. The album peaked at number 46 and 10 on Billboard's Heatseekers Albums and Kid 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 on Jill Sobule's 2000 album Pink Pearl and in the episode "The 66th Day" from Unfabulous).

In the same year, Roberts recorded "If I Had It My Way" for the soundtrack of the 2005 Disney film Ice Princess. In 2006, Roberts covered the song "Island in the Sun", which was originally recorded by Weezer in 2001; she recorded the song for the Aquamarine soundtrack, a film in which she starred as one of the lead actors. Also in 2006, Roberts returned to the big screen, starring alongside Sara Paxton and singer JoJo in Aquamarine.[19][20] She won a 2007 Young Artist Award for Best Supporting Young Actress in a Feature Film for her role in the film.[21] The film Aquamarine took fifth place at the box office in its opening weekend making $8 million.[22] In early 2006, Roberts finished shooting her title role in Nancy 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 with Nancy Drew director Andrew Fleming on both Rodeo Gal[25] and a Nancy 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 film Wild Child,[30] about a rebellious teen from Malibu, California, sent to a boarding 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 the 2008 Toronto International Film Festival, and The Flight Before Christmas, where she had her voiceover debut when she voiced the English version of the character Wilma.[32] In 2009, Roberts starred alongside Jake T. Austin in Hotel for Dogs,[33] based on the novel by Lois 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 in The Winning Season, portraying Abbie Miller. In 2010, Roberts co-starred as Grace in the film Valentine's Day in which her aunt, Julia Roberts also appeared, although they were never together on-screen. She also appeared that year in Twelve, Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac, 4.3.2.1., It's Kind of a Funny Story, and Virginia.[35]

2011–2019: Mature roles and critical recognition

[edit]
Roberts at the Denim Habit Event in NYC (October 2011)

In 2011, she starred alongside Freddie Highmore in the romantic comedy The Art of Getting By.[36][37] She also played the role of Jill Roberts in the Wes Craven film Scream 4.[38][39] Roberts next appeared in the 2012 film Celeste and Jesse Forever, parodying pop stars such as Kesha 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 an alter ego.[40] On February 7, 2013, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that Roberts had been cast to star in a pilot for Fox called Delirium, based on the Lauren 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 by Hulu and was available to stream for a limited time beginning on June 20, 2014.[43]

Roberts co-starred with John Cusack and Evan Peters in the comedy-drama film Adult World, released on April 18, 2013. Roberts played a recent college graduate who works at a sex 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 of Salon and Stephanie Zacharek of The 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 sitcom Family Guy, in the episode "No Country Club for Old Men".[46] Roberts then starred in the comedy film We're the Millers, alongside Jennifer Aniston and Jason 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 in Gia Coppola's directorial debut, Palo Alto, based on James Franco's short story collection of the same name. The film was released on August 29, 2013. It received generally positive reviews, with particular praise for Roberts' performance. Tom Shone of The Guardian and Ian Freer of Empire 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]

Roberts and Jamie Lee Curtis at the 2015 San Diego Comic-Con

Roberts next appeared in season three of the FX anthology horror series American Horror Story, called American Horror Story: Coven, in a main role from late 2013 through January 2014. Roberts portrayed a self-involved party girl named Madison Montgomery, who also happens to be a telekinetic witch.[50] She then portrayed Maggie Esmerelda, a con artist posing as a fortune teller, in American Horror Story: Freak Show.[51] In 2015, Roberts starred alongside Palo Alto co-star Nat Wolff in Ashby, portraying the supporting role of Eloise. The film had its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival on April 19,[52] and was released on September 25, in a limited release and through video on demand.[53][54] Roberts next appeared in the horror film The Blackcoat's Daughter (also known by its original title February) alongside Kiernan Shipka. Directed by Osgood Perkins, the film premiered at the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival.[55] Roberts played the lead character Chanel Oberlin on Fox's comedy horror series Scream Queens, alongside Jamie Lee Curtis and Lea Michele. The series was created by American Horror Story producers Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, with Glee producer Ian Brennan.[56][57] The show was canceled after two seasons.[58][59]

Roberts starred alongside Dave Franco in Lionsgate's adaptation of the young-adult novel Nerve.[60] The film premiered at the SVA Theater on July 12, 2016, and grossed $85 million worldwide against its $19 million budget.[61][62] In 2017, Roberts played Jess in the drama film Who We Are Now, released on September 9 at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival.[63] Later, Roberts returned to American Horror Story, guest starring as newscast reporter Serena Belinda, in its seventh season, Cult, in the episode "11/9".[64] In March 2018, it was announced that Roberts was set to star in Anya's Ghost, an upcoming supernatural comedy film based on the award-winning graphic novel of the same name, written by Vera Brosgol and published in 2011.[65] From April to August 2018, Roberts starred in three films: In a Relationship, Billionaire Boys Club, and Little Italy.[66][67][68]

She next appeared in American 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 film UglyDolls, 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 the Netflix series Spinning Out, it was announced that she had exited the series due to scheduling conflicts.[71] In 2019, Roberts starred in the fantasy drama film Paradise Hills, as Uma.[72] The film had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 26.[73][74] From September through November 2019, Roberts starred in the ninth season of American Horror Story, subtitled 1984, portraying Brooke Thompson. The season has been described as being heavily influenced by classic horror slasher films such as Friday the 13th and Halloween.[75][76]

Since 2019: more recent roles

[edit]

In March 2019, it was announced that she would star in the romantic comedy film Holidate,[77] which was released on October 28, 2020.[78][79] Roberts appeared in the controversial 2020 thriller film The Hunt.[80][81][82][83] In September 2020, it was announced that she signed a first look television deal at Hulu.[84] In April 2021, Roberts was cast to star alongside Thomas Mann[85] and Lewis Tan in the romantic comedy About Fate, directed by Marius Balčiūnas-Weisberg.[86][87] In October 2021, she was set to star in and produce the thriller film Abandoned with John Gallagher Jr. and Michael Shannon.[88] In 2022, she was cast to star in Madame Web, an installment of Sony's Spider-Man Universe.[89]

Roberts appeared on the March 2022 cover of Tatler, with a photoshoot conducted at the Chateau Marmont in The 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 the stop motion animated film, Saurus City,[91][92] which debuted at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival and its worldwide distribution rights were picked up by Archstone Entertainment.[93]

Future projects

[edit]

In 2024, Roberts was set to star in the thriller Fourth Wall, from director Alexis Ostrander and a feature script debut from Jerry Kontogiorgis.[94] In early 2025, Roberts was cast in the comedy Old Pals, alongside Henry Winkler, Evan Rachel Wood, and Brian Cox.[95] She is also set to star alongside Noomi Rapace, Ben Platt, and Laura Harrier among others, in the psychological thriller The Technique, an original script from Hemlock Grove author Brian McGreevy in his feature film directorial debut.[96] In August 2025, she signed on to star in A Murder Uncorked, a rom-com murder mystery with Ari Sandel, Karen McCullah, and Vincent Newman on board as director, screenwriter, and producer respectively.[97]

Work as producer

[edit]

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's Tell Me Lies, which premiered in September 2022.[98][99] In 2024, Roberts produced and starred in Space Cadet, a romantic comedy film released on Prime Video.[99] Later that year, it was announced that Roberts and her company Belletrist would team with Marci Klein to produce a series based upon Candace Bushnell's novel One Fifth Avenue,[100] as well as re-teaming with her American Horror Story: Delicate co-star Kim Kardashian to produce the series Calabasas, based on the Via Blednar novel If You Lived Here You'd Be Famous By Now.[101]

Belletrist book club

[edit]

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 was Joan Didion's South 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]

Belletrist extends its recommendations to both established and emerging authors. Through the platform, Roberts has recommended a variety of books including Octavia E Butler's Fledgling, Lisa Taddeo's Animal, Ariel Levy's The Rules Do Not Apply, The Impossible Lives of Greta Wells by Andrew Sean Greer, Eileen Myles' Chelsea Girls and When Watched by Leopoldine Core, among others.[104][105]

Public image

[edit]
Roberts at San Diego Comic Con in 2016.

In February 2009, Roberts was named the brand ambassador for Neutrogena, appearing in print and television advertisements for the company.[106] She has appeared multiple times as part of Teen 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 aunt Julia Roberts as the new ambassador of the Pretty Woman collection corresponding to the French jewelry firm Fred.[108]

Charity

[edit]

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 the Children's Cancer Research Fund, and has been a frequent participant in fundraising events for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.[109] In 2017, Roberts hosted the L.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 like Girls 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 with Free 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]

Personal life

[edit]

In September 2011, Roberts began attending Sarah 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 on Instagram, titled Belletrist, in March 2017.[104][114]

In June 2016, the Human Rights Campaign released a video in tribute to the victims of the Orlando nightclub shooting; in the video, Roberts and others told the stories of the people who were murdered there.[115][116]

Ancestry

[edit]

On a 2023 episode of Finding Your Roots featuring Julia Roberts, it was revealed that Emma Roberts' biological paternal great-great-great-grandfather's surname was actually Mitchell, not Roberts.[117]

Emma Roberts is a distant relative of fellow actor Edward Norton.[118]

Relationships

[edit]

In 2012, Roberts began dating actor Evan Peters, whom she met on the set of the film Adult World.[119] On July 17, 2013, the police were called to a domestic dispute at the Hotel Le St-James in Montreal, Quebec, where upon arriving and observing the bloodied nose of Peters, the officers detained Roberts but released her hours later without charging her or Peters.[120][121][122][123][124][125][126][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."[127] Throughout their relationship, they separated and reconciled multiple times.[128] They got engaged in March 2014.[129][130] Their second split reportedly happened in May 2016.[131] After reuniting later that year, they ended their relationship for good in March 2019.[132]

That same month, Roberts began a relationship with actor and musician Garrett Hedlund.[133] In August 2020, it was announced that the couple was expecting a child.[134] Roberts subsequently appeared as the first pregnant celebrity on the cover of Cosmopolitan magazine that December.[135] Their son was born on December 27, 2020, in Los Angeles.[136][137] Country singer and actor Tim McGraw is the godfather of Roberts's son.[138] In January 2022, it was announced that Roberts and Hedlund had ended their relationship.[139]

Roberts began dating actor Cody John in August 2022.[140] On July 16, 2024, Roberts used Instagram to announce their engagement.[141]

Filmography

[edit]
Key
† Denotes film or TV productions that have not yet been released

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2001 BigLove Delilah Short
Blow Kristina Sunshine Jung
America's Sweethearts Girl in Purple T-shirt Uncredited role
2002 Grand Champion Sister
2006 Spymate Amelia Muggins
Aquamarine Claire Brown
2007 Nancy Drew Nancy Drew
2008 Wild Child Poppy Moore
Lymelife Adrianna Bragg
The Flight Before Christmas Wilma (voice)
2009 Hotel for Dogs Andi
The Winning Season Abbie Miller
2010 Twelve Molly Norton
Valentine's Day Grace Smart
Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac Alice Leeds
4.3.2.1. Joanne
It's Kind of a Funny Story Noelle
Virginia Jessie Tipton
2011 The Art of Getting By Sally Howe
Scream 4 Jill Roberts
2012 Celeste and Jesse Forever Riley Banks
2013 Empire State Nancy Michaelides Direct to video
Adult World Amy Anderson
We're the Millers Casey Mathis / Casey Miller
Palo Alto April May
2015 I Am Michael Rebekah Fuller
Ashby Eloise
The Blackcoat's Daughter Joan Marsh
2016 Nerve Venus "Vee" Delmonico
2017 Who We Are Now Jess
2018 In a Relationship Hallie Also executive producer
Billionaire Boys Club Sydney Evans
Little Italy Nicoletta "Nikki" Angioli
Time of Day[142] Herself Short film
2019 Paradise Hills Uma
UglyDolls Wedgehead (voice)
2020 The Hunt Yoga Pants
Holidate Sloane Benson
2022 Abandoned Sara Davis Also producer
About Fate Margot Hayes
2023 Maybe I Do Michelle
2024 Madame Web Mary Parker
Space Cadet Tiffany "Rex" Simpson Also executive producer
2025 Saurus City Sasha Nutwagon (voice)
2026 Hot Mess † Laurel Mack Post-production
TBA The Technique † TBA Post-production

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2004–2007 Unfabulous Addie Singer Main role
2004 Drake & Josh Episode: "Honor Council"
2006 & 2012 Punk'd Herself 2 episodes
2007 The Hills Episode: "Young Hollywood"
2010 Jonas L.A. Episode: "House Party"
2011 Take Two with Phineas and Ferb Episode: "Emma Roberts"
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Episode: "The Brown Family"
2013 Family Guy Amanda Barrington (voice) Episode: "No Country Club for Old Men"
2013–2014 American Horror Story: Coven Madison Montgomery Main role
2014 Delirium Lena Haloway Unsold TV pilot
2014–2015 American Horror Story: Freak Show Maggie Esmerelda Main role
2015–2016 Scream Queens Chanel Oberlin
2017 American Horror Story: Cult Serena Belinda Episode: "11/9"
2018 American Horror Story: Apocalypse Madison Montgomery Main role
2019 American Horror Story: 1984 Brooke Thompson
2021 RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars Herself Episode: "Rumerican Horror Story: Coven Girls"
2023–2024 American Horror Story: Delicate Anna Victoria Alcott Main role

Internet

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2017 The Postman's Diaries 2 Herself Episode: "The Bogey"[143]

Producer

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2011 Easy Snappin Executive producer Short film
2022 First Kill
2022–present Tell Me Lies

Music videos

[edit]
Year Title Artist Director Ref.
2011 "Go Outside" Cults Isaiah Seret [144]
2012 "Testosterone" Haziq and the Giggles Petro [145]
2018 "Nice for What" Drake Karena Evans [146]
2024 "BBA" Paris Hilton

Discography

[edit]

Soundtrack albums

[edit]
List of albums, with selected chart positions
Title Album details Peak chart position
US
Heat.
[18]
Unfabulous and More
  • Released: September 27, 2005[147]
  • Formats: CD, digital download
  • Label: Columbia
 46

Singles

[edit]
List of singles
Title Year Album
"I Wanna Be"[148] 2005 Unfabulous and More
"Dummy"[149]
"Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town"[150] Non-album single

Other appearances

[edit]
Title Year Album Notes
"If I Had It My Way" 2005 Ice Princess
"Island in the Sun" 2006 Aquamarine
"Strangely Sexy Though" 2010 4.3.2.1.
"Do It on My Face" 2012 Celeste and Jesse Forever[151]
"Always & Forever" 2019 Arcadia Co-writer[152]

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Main article: List of awards and nominations received by Emma Roberts

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Emma Roberts

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Emma Roberts (born February 10, 1991) is an American actress and singer recognized for her roles in television series such as Unfabulous (2004–2007) and the horror anthology American Horror Story (2013–present), as well as films including Nancy Drew (2007), We're the Millers (2013), and Scream 4 (2011).[1][2] Born in Rhinebeck, New York, to actor Eric Roberts and Kelly Cunningham, her parents separated shortly after her birth, leading her to be raised primarily by her mother amid her father's struggles with drug addiction.[3][4] As the niece of actress Julia Roberts, she entered the industry as a child but pursued independence from family connections early on.[2] Roberts transitioned from teen-oriented projects like the Nickelodeon series Unfabulous, where she also released a soundtrack album, to adult roles in Ryan Murphy productions, earning Teen Choice Award nominations for her work in Scream Queens (2015–2016) and American Horror Story.[5][1] Her film career includes supporting parts in comedies and thrillers, though she has yet to receive major industry awards despite critical notice for dramatic turns. In personal life, Roberts has been involved in high-profile relationships, including with actor Evan Peters, during which she faced a 2013 arrest for domestic battery after allegedly biting and injuring him, with charges ultimately dropped at his request.[6][7]

Early life

Family background and ancestry

Emma Roberts was born on February 10, 1991, in Rhinebeck, New York, to actor Eric Roberts and Kelly Cunningham.[4] The couple, who never married, separated seven months after her birth amid Roberts' struggles with cocaine addiction, which he later detailed in his 2024 memoir Runaway Train: Or, The Story of My Life So Far, including an admission that he was under the influence of cocaine during the delivery itself.[8] This early instability contributed to Roberts losing custody, with Cunningham assuming primary responsibility for their daughter.[4] Roberts' paternal lineage ties into a Hollywood dynasty, as her father is the older brother of actress Julia Roberts, making Julia her aunt; their mother, Betty Lou Bredemus (1934–2015), served as an acting coach whose influence extended across the family.[9] Bredemus' professional background in theater training provided a foundational connection to the industry, though Emma Roberts' own entry into acting stemmed from self-initiated auditions rather than direct orchestration by relatives. Eric Roberts' career, marked by over 700 film and TV credits but hampered by his substance abuse issues—including a 1981 car accident-induced coma and subsequent addiction—limited his involvement in her early life.[10] Emma Roberts was raised primarily by her mother in Southern California, with contact with her father remaining sporadic due to his ongoing personal challenges and the custody arrangement favoring Cunningham.[1] Eric Roberts has publicly acknowledged the resulting estrangement, describing it as the "toughest period" of his life and attributing much of the rift to his inability to overcome addiction at the time.[11] This dynamic underscored a pattern of familial proximity to entertainment success contrasted by paternal absence driven by verifiable self-destructive behaviors.

Childhood and upbringing

Emma Roberts was born on February 10, 1991, in Rhinebeck, New York, to actor Eric Roberts and Kelly Cunningham, who separated shortly after her birth when she was a few months old. She was raised primarily by her mother in a single-parent household, with her father's involvement limited by his struggles with substance abuse and personal challenges that he later acknowledged impaired his parenting capabilities.[4][8][11] From an early age, Roberts gained incidental exposure to film production through family connections, including visits to sets like that of her aunt Julia Roberts' Erin Brockovich (2000), where she observed the filmmaking process firsthand. This environment, combined with her innate interest, prompted her to actively seek acting opportunities by around age 9, overriding her mother's initial preference for a conventional childhood. Her mother's eventual support proved crucial in facilitating these early steps, providing stability amid the demands of nascent professional pursuits.[12] To align education with her acting schedule, Roberts transitioned to homeschooling for approximately six years, encompassing her high school period starting around age 12 or 13, which allowed her to maintain flexibility without the rigidity of traditional schooling. This arrangement, centered in Los Angeles after an early relocation from New York to access industry opportunities, fostered a disciplined routine that emphasized self-directed learning and work ethic over unstructured leisure typical of many peers. Such adaptations reflected pragmatic responses to causal pressures of career entry, enabling sustained focus while mitigating risks like social isolation through family oversight rather than institutional defaults.[13][14][3]

Career

Early roles and child stardom (2001–2010)

Roberts began her acting career with a small role as the young daughter of George Jung (played by Johnny Depp) in the crime drama Blow, released on April 5, 2001. At age 10, this marked her screen debut, following early modeling and commercial work that capitalized on her family ties to actors Eric Roberts (her father) and Julia Roberts (her aunt).[3] She achieved her first major breakthrough in television as Addie Singer, a middle-school songwriter navigating adolescence, in the Nickelodeon teen sitcom Unfabulous, which premiered on September 12, 2004, and ran for three seasons until December 16, 2007. The series, which Roberts also executive-produced in later seasons, featured original music integrated into episodes, reflecting Addie's creative pursuits. For her performance, Roberts earned multiple Young Artist Award nominations, including for Best Performance in a TV Series (Comedy or Drama) – Leading Young Actress in 2005 and 2007.[15] Unfabulous led to music releases, including the soundtrack album Unfabulous and More on October 4, 2005, comprising 10 tracks performed by Roberts, such as covers and originals tied to the show's themes. These efforts, including promotional singles, achieved limited commercial traction, with the album peaking modestly on youth-oriented charts but not attaining mainstream success.[16] In film, Roberts co-starred as Claire in the teen fantasy comedy Aquamarine (2006), alongside Joanna Levesque, portraying friends discovering a mermaid; the production, budgeted at $12 million, grossed $18.6 million domestically and $23 million worldwide.[17] She followed with supporting roles in Nancy Drew (2007) and Wild Child (2008), building toward leads in youth-market fare. Her prominence peaked with the family adventure Hotel for Dogs (2009), where she starred as Andi, a teen fostering stray dogs in an abandoned hotel alongside Jake T. Austin; budgeted at $35 million, it earned $73 million in North America and $117 million globally, demonstrating strong appeal in the children's entertainment sector. These roles solidified her status as a child star in accessible, family-friendly projects, distinct from the dramatic intensity of her Blow entry point.

Transition to mature roles and horror genre (2011–2019)

In 2011, Emma Roberts transitioned toward more mature roles with her portrayal of Jill Roberts, Sidney Prescott's cousin and the mastermind behind the Ghostface killings, in the horror film Scream 4.[18] Her performance as the unhinged antagonist was noted for its intensity, contributing to the film's effort to revitalize the franchise with a focus on social media-era scares.[19] This role marked a departure from her earlier child-star image, showcasing her ability to handle complex, villainous characters in the slasher genre.[20] Roberts continued exploring independent cinema with Adult World in 2013, where she played Amy, a aspiring poet working in an adult bookstore while seeking mentorship from a reclusive writer portrayed by John Cusack.[21] The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival on April 18, 2013, receiving attention for Roberts' depiction of a naive yet determined young woman navigating disillusionment and creativity.[22] Critics highlighted her energetic performance and chemistry with co-stars Evan Peters and Cusack, positioning it as a step in her shift to adult-oriented narratives, though the film's overall reception was mixed with a 53% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.[23] Her involvement in the horror genre deepened with recurring roles in Ryan Murphy's anthology series American Horror Story, beginning in 2013. In the third season, Coven, she portrayed Madison Montgomery, a telekinetic witch and former child star, earning praise for embodying the character's acerbic wit and vulnerability.[24] She reprised her collaboration with Murphy in Freak Show (2014) as fortune teller Maggie Esmerelda and later in 1984 (2019) as final girl Brooke Thompson, roles that solidified her association with supernatural and slasher elements.[25] These performances contributed to her recognition as a modern "scream queen," a label stemming from her repeated success in horror projects emphasizing psychological tension and campy terror.[26] Roberts took a leading role in the horror-comedy series Scream Queens (2015–2016), playing Chanel Oberlin, the ruthless president of a sorority targeted by a campus killer.[27] The show, which blended satire with slasher tropes, featured her alongside Jamie Lee Curtis and received a 77% approval on Rotten Tomatoes for its first season, with Roberts' portrayal of the narcissistic "mean girl" central to its appeal.[28] During this period, she also starred in horror films like The Blackcoat's Daughter (2015), where she depicted a troubled woman entangled in demonic occurrences at a boarding school, earning the project a 77% Rotten Tomatoes score for its atmospheric dread.[29] In 2016, she appeared in the thriller Nerve as Venus, a participant in a risky online dare game, further diversifying her genre work with high-stakes digital-age suspense.[1] This phase highlighted her specialization in horror, balancing critical notice with commercial viability through versatile antagonistic and survivalist characters.

Recent projects and producing ventures (2020–present)

In 2020, Roberts appeared in the satirical thriller The Hunt, directed by Craig Zobel, where she portrayed a character known as "Yoga Pants," one of the early victims in a story depicting elite liberals hunting conservatives for sport, a premise that drew controversy for its political commentary prior to release.[30] The film, produced by Blumhouse, grossed $14.7 million against a $14 million budget amid pandemic-related delays but received mixed reviews for its provocative tone.[31] That year, she also starred in the Netflix romantic comedy Holidate as Sloane, a single woman entering a platonic holiday-dating pact, which achieved moderate streaming success with over 34 million household views in its first 28 days. Roberts maintained her association with American Horror Story, returning for Season 10 (Double Feature, 2021) in a supporting role and leading Season 12 (Delicate, 2023–2025) as aspiring actress Anna Victoria Alcott, a character entangled in a psychological horror narrative involving pregnancy and industry conspiracies, co-starring Kim Kardashian.[24] The two-part season, adapted from Delicate Condition by Danielle Valentine, premiered in September 2023 with Part 2 airing in 2025, earning praise for Roberts' performance amid criticisms of pacing and effects.[32] In 2024, Roberts featured in Sony's Madame Web, playing the mother of a future Spider-Woman in a prequel spin-off that underperformed commercially, grossing $100.3 million worldwide against a $80–100 million budget, marking it as a box office disappointment attributed by some, including Roberts herself, to pre-release internet memes and backlash rather than inherent quality issues.[33] The film holds a 11% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes, with detractors citing convoluted plotting and weak scripting. Later that year, she starred in and executive-produced the Prime Video comedy Space Cadet as Rex "Rexy" Simpson, a unqualified bartender faking credentials to join NASA's astronaut program; the film received lukewarm reception, scoring 5/10 on IMDb and criticism for its implausible premise and lack of depth despite Roberts' energetic lead.[34][35] Roberts expanded her producing role through Belletrist Productions, co-founded in 2019 with Karah Preiss from their book club of the same name, focusing on literary adaptations; credits include Netflix's First Kill (2022 vampire series) and Hulu's Tell Me Lies (2022–present psychological drama), with the company securing development deals for book-to-screen projects emphasizing female-driven narratives.[36] This entrepreneurial shift includes first-look television agreements, such as a 2020 Hulu deal, signaling a pivot toward behind-the-camera control amid her acting versatility across horror, comedy, and thriller genres.[37] As of October 2025, Roberts is attached to star in and produce the Amazon MGM Studios adaptation of Rebecca Serle's Expiration Dates, a romantic drama about a woman receiving slips predicting relationship end dates, announced on October 15.[38] In August 2025, she was cast in A Murder Uncorked, a rom-com mystery based on Michele Scott's A Wine Lover's Mystery series, playing a former TV detective solving a winery killing, with production slated for 2026.[39] She is also set for the thriller Fourth Wall, though details remain limited.

Public image

Achievements and recognition

Roberts earned a Young Artist Award for her performance as Nancy Drew in the 2007 film adaptation, recognizing her as Best Performance in a Feature Film - Leading Young Actress.[5] Her role in the Nickelodeon series Unfabulous (2004–2007) garnered multiple Young Artist Award nominations for Best Performance in a TV Series - Leading Young Actress, highlighting her early breakthrough in family-oriented programming.[15] Overall, she has accumulated six awards and 29 nominations across various bodies, including Teen Choice Awards for roles in comedies like We're the Millers (2013).[5] In film, Roberts starred in the family adventure Hotel for Dogs (2009), which grossed $117 million worldwide against a $45 million budget, marking a commercial success in her child-actor phase.[40] Her horror and thriller work, including multiple seasons of American Horror Story, has positioned her as a genre staple, with a pending Fandom Award nomination in 2024 for Best Main Protagonist in American Horror Story: Delicate. She received an MTV Movie & TV Award nomination for Best Kiss in 2014, tied to her Scream Queens role.[41] As a producer, Roberts co-founded Belletrist TV, securing a first-look deal with Hulu in 2020 to develop literary adaptations, resulting in series like Tell Me Lies (2022–present).[42][43] The associated Belletrist book club, launched in 2017, has influenced selections leading to screen projects, underscoring her pivot to behind-the-scenes contributions amid a career spanning child stardom to adult genre leads.[44]

Criticisms and controversies

In July 2013, Roberts was arrested in Montreal, Canada, on charges of domestic battery following an altercation with her then-boyfriend, actor Evan Peters. [45] Police responded to a hotel room where Roberts allegedly punched Peters in the nose, causing it to bleed, and bit his arm during the argument. [46] Peters sustained visible injuries but declined to press charges, leading prosecutors to drop the case without formal charges being filed against Roberts. [47] In September 2023, transgender actress Angelica Ross accused Roberts of transphobia on the set of American Horror Story: 1984 (filmed in 2019), claiming Roberts intentionally misgendered her during a conversation and mocked her voice, which made Ross self-conscious about her presentation. [48] Ross detailed the incident on Instagram Live, stating it occurred amid discussions about wardrobe and character portrayal. [49] Roberts responded by calling Ross to apologize privately, an action Ross acknowledged publicly as sincere, though she described the exchange as "bumpy." [50] No further legal or professional repercussions followed the allegations. Roberts faced backlash in July 2024 after stating in interviews that her familial connections—niece to Julia Roberts and daughter to Eric Roberts—had cost her jobs rather than secured them, claiming she had "never gotten a job because of nepotism." [51] Critics on platforms like TikTok labeled the remarks tone-deaf and disconnected, arguing they overlooked the inherent advantages of her "nepo baby" status in accessing auditions and industry networks unavailable to non-connected actors. [52] Roberts maintained that the nepotism discourse disproportionately targets women and has amplified scrutiny of her career. [53] Regarding the 2024 film Madame Web, in which Roberts appeared, the project grossed approximately $100 million worldwide against a $80–100 million budget but received widespread criticism for its script, editing, and execution, contributing to its commercial underperformance. [54] Roberts attributed much of the negative reception to a broader "hate culture" toward celebrities and media online, stating it had cultivated undue hostility that overshadowed the film's merits. [55] This perspective drew counterarguments emphasizing inherent production flaws over external blame. [56]

Personal life

Relationships

Roberts was rumored to have been involved romantically with actor Hayden Christensen around 2010, amid speculation of an affair while Christensen was in a long-term relationship with Rachel Bilson; however, the depth and confirmation of any dating remain unverified.[57][58] Roberts began dating actor Evan Peters in summer 2012 after meeting on the set of Adult World.[59] The relationship was marked by volatility, with multiple on-and-off periods over seven years, culminating in an engagement announced in January 2014.[59] In July 2013, Roberts was arrested in Montreal for domestic battery following an altercation with Peters, who had minor injuries; charges were dropped after Peters declined to prosecute, and sources described the incident as mutual, though it highlighted patterns of reported toxicity in their dynamic.[60] The couple split permanently in 2019, with Roberts later reflecting on the challenges without excusing the instability.[59] In March 2019, Roberts started dating actor Garrett Hedlund.[61] Their relationship ended in January 2022 after several rocky months, described by sources as amicable despite prior ultimatums from Roberts regarding commitment; the split emphasized her agency in prioritizing stability post-separation.[62][63] Roberts began dating actor Cody John in August 2022, debuting the relationship on Instagram that month.[64] Their engagement was announced on July 16, 2024, via Instagram, marking a notably low-profile partnership compared to her prior high-visibility romances.[64]

Family and children

Emma Roberts was born on February 10, 1991, to actor Eric Roberts and Kelly Cunningham, who separated when Roberts was seven months old.[4] Her mother primarily raised her in Los Angeles, providing stability amid her father's struggles with cocaine addiction, which Roberts has described as contributing to early family instability.[3] Eric Roberts has publicly acknowledged in his 2024 memoir that his addiction led to him abandoning Cunningham and losing custody of Roberts, calling it the "biggest consequence" of his drug use and the "toughest time" of his life.[65] [66] He has reflected on being under the influence even at her birth but falling in love with her immediately, though the relationship remained strained for years due to his ongoing battles.[8] Roberts gave birth to her son, Rhodes Robert Hedlund, on December 27, 2020, with then-partner Garrett Hedlund.[67] The couple separated in early 2022 but have maintained an amicable co-parenting arrangement, with both sharing rare public glimpses of Rhodes, such as photos from his fourth birthday on December 27, 2024, and Hedlund noting in September 2025 that the child has him "wrapped around his finger" while attending pre-K.[68] [69] Roberts has emphasized the financial independence of supporting Rhodes solo as "very freeing," while prioritizing low-key family moments like a 2024 Disneyland trip.[70] As of October 2025, Roberts has no additional children.[71]

Other pursuits

Philanthropy

Roberts has participated in fundraising events for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, including a Giving Tuesday collaboration with influencers on November 21, 2023, aimed at raising awareness and funds for pediatric treatment and research.[72] She also attended the Power of Youth Street Fair in Los Angeles, which benefited the hospital's efforts to support children with serious illnesses.[73] Her involvement with the Children's Cancer Research Fund includes attending the Kids 4 Kids Run/Walk event on April 26, 2009, in Los Angeles to promote awareness and fundraising for pediatric cancer support services.[74] Roberts has cited personal connections, such as a family friend's experience with leukemia, as motivation for her support of the fund's initiatives.[75] Additional engagements encompass promotional activities for Girls Inc. in November 2023, focusing on empowerment programs for young girls, and affiliations with organizations like The Art of Elysium and Kiss For A Cause Foundation, which provide art therapy and pediatric care respectively.[76][77] These efforts emphasize event-based participation over founding initiatives, with documented activities centered on amplifying established charities' causes through public appearances and social media.[77]

Book club and music

In 2017, Roberts co-founded Belletrist, an online reading community dedicated to promoting books and authors, alongside her friend and producer Karah Preiss.[78][79] The club selects a new title each month for members to read and discuss, emphasizing diverse narratives including novels, memoirs, and essays.[80] Belletrist operates via its website, Instagram account (@belletrist), and partnerships with independent bookshops, where it curates recommendations and hosts virtual events.[81][82] Recent selections have included Patricia Lockwood's Will There Ever Be Another You for October and various 2025 picks announced annually to sustain reader engagement.[83][78] Roberts briefly pursued music in conjunction with her Nickelodeon series Unfabulous, releasing her debut and only studio album, Unfabulous and More, on September 27, 2005, through Columbia Records.[84][85] The 12-track pop rock and teen pop record features original compositions such as "Dummy," "I Wanna Be," and "Mexican Wrestler," alongside a cover of Weezer's "Island in the Sun," with songs tied to the show's episodes.[16] Issued as a soundtrack companion, the album did not lead to further independent music releases, as Roberts shifted focus to acting.[86] Occasional later features, like her contribution to "Bbz (Rock the Boat)" in 2023, remain outliers rather than a dedicated career pivot.[86]

References

  1. Emma Roberts (II) - IMDb
  2. Emma Roberts Movies & TV Shows List | Rotten Tomatoes
  3. Emma Roberts - Biography - IMDb
  4. All About Emma Roberts' Parents, Eric Roberts and Kelly Cunningham
  5. Emma Roberts - Awards - IMDb
  6. Emma Roberts Arrested: Allegedly Bloodied Boyfriend's Nose - IMDb
  7. Emma Roberts arrested for assaulting boyfriend American Horror ...
  8. Emma Roberts' dad Eric reveals he was 'coked up' when she was born
  9. Emma Roberts | Because The Gold Standard Is Whatever You ...
  10. Meet Emma Roberts' mum Kelly Cunningham, who the American ...
  11. https://ew.com/eric-roberts-reflects-on-parenting-emma-roberts-8715033
  12. The Untold Truth Of Emma Roberts - Nicki Swift
  13. Emma Roberts Reveals What She'd Change About Teen Years ...
  14. I was homeschooled for many years: Emma Roberts | Hollywood News
  15. Unfabulous (TV Series 2004–2007) - Awards - IMDb
  16. https://www.discogs.com/master/837903-Emma-Roberts-Unfabulous-And-More
  17. Aquamarine (2006) - Box Office Mojo
  18. 'Scream 4's Emma Roberts Scored Her Role Because of This 2001 ...
  19. The Movie That Helped Emma Roberts Land Her Ghostface Role In ...
  20. 'Scream 4' actress Emma Roberts dishes about her experience
  21. Adult World: Tribeca Review - The Hollywood Reporter
  22. Adult World | Reviews - Screen Daily
  23. Adult World (2013) - Rotten Tomatoes
  24. Emma Roberts as Anna Alcott | American Horror Story: Delicate
  25. Emma Roberts | American Horror Story Wiki - Fandom
  26. Emma Roberts in 'Scream Queens': On Her Mean Girl Character
  27. Scream Queens (TV Series 2015–2016) - IMDb
  28. Scream Queens - Rotten Tomatoes
  29. The Blackcoat's Daughter | Rotten Tomatoes
  30. The Hunt (2020) - IMDb
  31. The Hunt | Rotten Tomatoes
  32. 'American Horror Story' Season 13: Plot Details, Cast, Premiere Date ...
  33. Emma Roberts Says 'Internet Culture' Caused 'Madame Web' To Bomb
  34. Space Cadet (2024) - IMDb
  35. Emma Roberts on Space Cadet, Madame Web and Being a ... - Variety
  36. About - BELLETRIST
  37. Emma Roberts and Karah Preiss' Belletrist Partners With BookClub
  38. Emma Roberts Cast In Rebecca Serle's Expiration Dates Adaptation
  39. Emma Roberts To Star In 'A Murder Uncorked' Rom-Com Movie
  40. Hotel for Dogs (2009) - Box Office and Financial Information
  41. Emma Roberts - Awards & Nominations
  42. Emma Roberts Sets First-Look TV Deal at Hulu - Variety
  43. Emma Roberts Inks First-Look Deal At Hulu & Sets 'Tell Me Lies ...
  44. https://ew.com/books/2017/03/23/emma-roberts-book-club-belletrist/
  45. Emma Roberts arrested for domestic violence in Canada - USA Today
  46. Emma Roberts Arrested After Violent Fight With Boyfriend Evan Peters
  47. Emma Roberts Arrested for Domestic Violence - IMDb
  48. Angelica Ross says Emma Roberts misgendered her on 'AHS' set
  49. Angelica Ross Says Emma Roberts Intentionally Misgendered Her ...
  50. Emma Roberts apologized to Angelica Ross after allegedly ... - CNN
  51. Emma Roberts Says She Lost Jobs Because of Her Famous Relatives
  52. TikTok Is Destroying Emma Roberts After She Claims Being A Nepo ...
  53. Emma Roberts slams sexism around Hollywood's nepo baby backlash
  54. What could be the reason for the bad reviews of 'Madame Web'?
  55. Emma Roberts Talks Space Cadet and How Online Hate Caused ...
  56. Emma Roberts Opens Up About Madame Web Flopping, And Why ...
  57. Emma Roberts' Rollercoaster Romance Timeline - Facebook
  58. What Happened Between Emma Roberts And Hayden Christensen?
  59. Emma Roberts and Evan Peters' Relationship Timeline - People.com
  60. Emma Roberts and Evan Peters' Rollercoaster Relationship
  61. Who Is Emma Roberts Dating? Boyfriend & Relationship History
  62. Emma Roberts and Garrett Hedlund Split: 'It's Been Hard,' Sources
  63. Emma Roberts Gave Garrett Hedlund Ultimatums Before Split
  64. Who Is Emma Roberts' Fiancé? All About Cody John - People.com
  65. Eric Roberts Says Addiction Led to Him "Losing" Daughter Emma ...
  66. Emma Roberts' Dad Eric Roberts Addresses Their "Loss ... - E! News
  67. Emma Roberts Celebrates Son Rhodes' 4th Birthday with Sweet ...
  68. Emma Roberts and Garrett Hedlund's Son Rhodes Celebrates 4th ...
  69. Garrett Hedlund Says Son Rhodes, 4, Has Him 'Wrapped Around ...
  70. Emma Roberts Says Financially Supporting Son on Her Own Is 'Very ...
  71. https://www.facebook.com/61557345522999/posts/on-october-20-2025-actress-emma-roberts-34-and-her-four-year-old-son-rhodes-shar/122263419116244850/
  72. Emma Roberts, Santa J Claus, and influencers unite for Giving ...
  73. Emma Roberts Power of Youth Street Fair benefitting St. Jude's ...
  74. Emma Roberts To Attend Charity Fun Run - Look to the Stars
  75. Emma Roberts - Moves | Fashion & Lifestyle... Online
  76. Emma Roberts is stunning in vibrant red ensembles as she ...
  77. Emma Roberts: Charity Work & Causes - Look to the Stars
  78. Belletrist: All of Emma Roberts and Karah Preiss' 2025 Book Club ...
  79. BELLETRIST
  80. BELLETRIST (108 books) - Goodreads
  81. Belletrist (@belletrist) • Instagram photos and videos
  82. Belletrist Bookshop
  83. Emma Roberts' Book Club Belletrist: See all of Her 2024 Picks
  84. Unfabulous and More - Emma Roberts | Album - AllMusic
  85. When did Emma Roberts release Unfabulous and More? - Genius
  86. Emma Roberts - Apple Music
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