Eric Roberts has made headlines with a heartfelt public apology to his sister, Julia Roberts, in his new memoir, Runaway Train: Or, The Story of My Life So Far. The memoir, released recently, delves into the complexities of their relationship and reflects on their troubled upbringing.

In the book, the 68-year-old actor recounts a challenging childhood marked by a dysfunctional family dynamic, describing their father, Walter Roberts, as a “screwed-up individual” who harbored jealousy towards Eric’s career. While Eric lived with their father following their parents’ divorce, Julia was raised by their mother, Betty Lou Bredemus, who later remarried.

Roberts details his career journey, including his role in the 1985 film Runaway Train, which earned him critical acclaim, and his regret over turning down a role in Martin Scorsese’s The Last Temptation of Christ. He also opens up about the struggles he faced with drug addiction, which negatively impacted his relationships with Julia and his half-sister, Nancy Motes.

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In a candid moment, Eric reflects on his past comments regarding Julia’s success, notably stating, “If it wasn’t for me, there would be no Julia Roberts.” He now describes this statement as “asinine” and expresses hope that Julia will accept his public apology.

The memoir also addresses the repercussions of his addiction, including the loss of custody of his daughter, Emma Roberts, a situation that strained his relationship with Julia as she supported Emma’s mother, Kim Cunningham. Eric acknowledges that this was the right choice, stating, “I imagine I will remain as Julia’s brother and Emma’s dad for the rest of my life. I’d like to make good on that, to move aside proudly and with grace.”

In previous interviews, Eric has been hesitant to discuss Julia and Emma, emphasizing that they have requested privacy. However, he has expressed immense pride in Emma’s career, stating, “I can’t believe how great she’s become. I’m so proud of her I can’t see straight.”