Addiction, Accountability, and a Long Road Back

For years, Eric Roberts floated through life — half-remembered roles, strained relationships, and a family kept at a careful distance. Emma grew into a rising star, appearing in American Horror Story, Scream Queens, and numerous films. When asked whether she was close to her father, she answered honestly:
“Um… how do I say this? No, we’re not.”

But Eric didn’t stay trapped in the chaos forever. Eventually, he faced his addiction head-on. He got sober. He rebuilt his marriage to Eliza Roberts. He took consistent work — big projects, small roles, anything that kept him grounded and moving forward. Most importantly, he learned to speak about his past without excuses.

“For many years, I was a practicing drug addict,” he admitted.
“A lot of people were alienated — especially the family. I owe them a lot because they love me.”

Though his relationship with Emma never became the traditional father-daughter bond he once lost, the affection never vanished. In a rare, tender post, he shared a photo of himself watching baby Emma with unmistakable love in his eyes.
“I am clueless about the task,” he wrote, “but the love on my face for her is undeniable.”

Today, at 69, Eric speaks with clarity earned the long, painful way. He’s proud of Emma, certain she’s stronger than he ever was.
“I love this business,” he said. “I didn’t realize how much it beats you up, but Emma has more tools than I ever did.”

For a man who once walked away from his baby at seven months old, Eric Roberts has built a new life from honesty, humility, and the determination to live differently. Emma may not have grown up with him by her side, but he never stopped loving her — even from a distance.

From the spotlight he once chased to the quiet steadiness he values now, Eric Roberts stands as a man who finally understands what matters, even if it took losing everything to learn it.