Julia Roberts (born 1967) is a glamorous American movie star. She shot to fame in the early 1990s after starring in the romantic comedy ‘Pretty Woman’. She won an Oscar for best actress in 2001 for her role in ‘Erin Brockovich’. She is one of the highest-paid actresses in the world. In 2007, she was estimated to be worth $140 million.

 

Roberts was born in Atlanta. Her father was a vacuum cleaner salesman and her mother was a secretary. They were both one-time actors. Julia wanted to follow her parents into acting. After graduating from high school, she headed to New York to pursue a career in acting. She signed with a modeling agency and enrolled in acting classes.

 

Roberts made her film debut in a role opposite her brother. She had just two words to say. Her television appearances include a sketch with Elmo on Sesame Street. Roberts’ big break came with her performance in the film ‘Mystic Pizza’ in 1988. She caught the attention of Hollywood. The following year she starred in ‘Steel Magnolias’ and received her first Oscar nomination.

 

Her role in ‘Pretty Woman’ in 1990 earned her worldwide acclaim and movie offers came pouring in. She was hot property in Hollywood and starred in many blockbusters. Her films have earned box office receipts of over US$2 billion, making her the most profitable female actor ever. She is also the first actress to appear on the front cover of ‘Vogue’.