Julia Roberts, known for her iconic Hollywood roles and radiant smile, has always kept her family life private, choosing to protect her children from the media’s spotlight. Alongside her husband, cinematographer Daniel Moder, Roberts welcomed twins, Hazel and Phinnaeus, in 2004, followed by their son Henry three years later. Although the couple generally avoids publicizing their family life, they occasionally share glimpses that reveal just enough to satisfy fans’ curiosity. Recently, fans were captivated by a specific detail as Hazel appeared in the public eye.
In 2021, 19-year-old Hazel made a memorable debut on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival, joining her father at the premiere of Flag Day. Directed by and starring Sean Penn, the film also featured Penn’s daughter, Dylan Frances Penn, in a lead role, with Daniel Moder as the cinematographer. Hazel chose to support her father by walking the red carpet at this high-profile event, marking her first official public appearance. Her poised presence and fashion choice—a long yellow button-up dress paired with classic black Mary-Jane shoes—were widely admired, and her appearance alongside her father drew a warm reception.
However, what stood out most to fans was the undeniable resemblance between Hazel and her mother. Many couldn’t help but point out that Hazel seems to have inherited her mother’s striking features and charm, noting the same radiant smile and a natural elegance reminiscent of Roberts in her early days. Fans marveled at how Hazel embodies the timeless beauty of her mother, commenting on the grace and poise that seemed to mirror Roberts’ own red-carpet presence.
Julia Roberts, a committed mother, has always taken an approach that values privacy and quality time with her children, seldom sharing photos or updates on social media. She has emphasized the importance of face-to-face connections, especially in an age where digital interactions dominate. One of her household guidelines involves setting boundaries with technology. “We had a charging station where everyone’s phones go when you get home,” Roberts shared in 2023. “There’s no phones at the table.” She believes that these moments without devices help her family stay genuinely connected, allowing them to discuss their days and maintain close bonds.
In one interview, she fondly recalled the days when people couldn’t always be reached immediately. “I think of a family coming together at the end of the day, and you actually have things to talk about at dinner because you haven’t been in contact all day long a hundred times or a busy signal,” Roberts explained. This emphasis on a close, authentic family life is a priority for Roberts, who strives to foster a nurturing and grounded environment for her children.
Both Hazel and Phinnaeus are now in college, a fact that Roberts finds deeply rewarding. “It’s really thrilling, and I wasn’t lucky enough to have a college experience. So to see how it’s happening for them is really fascinating. And yeah, I’m just, I’m excited for them,” Roberts shared enthusiastically. During a lighthearted December 2023 appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, she mentioned that supporting her children’s colleges has become a major part of her life, joking about how she’s fully invested in the experience, even adopting the school colors. When Fallon asked if her youngest, Henry, was disappointed to be the last one at home, Roberts replied that he does miss his siblings but also enjoys his time as the only child in the house. “I think it’s a good 50/50 split. He’s loving it. And I think he misses his people,” she said with a smile.
Even as her children grow older, Roberts remains a deeply involved parent. On the Today show, she shared how her commitment to parenting hasn’t wavered, regardless of her children’s age or their physical distance. “I parent them the same way out of the house that I parented them in the house,” Roberts explained. She continues to check in on them, whether it’s to ask if they’re getting enough rest or remind them to stay hydrated. “And I have an immense amount of appreciation for both of my older kids because they still allow me to be the same mom to them, and it’s not eye-rolling. There’s a huge amount of understanding.” This open and understanding relationship, Roberts shared, has allowed her to stay connected to her children, even if they’re miles away.
Balancing her life as a dedicated mother and an internationally recognized actress, Roberts is grateful for the work-life balance she’s managed to create. In a recent interview with British Vogue, she reflected on how achieving early success in her career allowed her to shift focus to her family when her children were young. “I think that the luckiest aspect of my work life/family life is that the success of my work life came earlier. So by the time I had the success of my family life and had a husband and children who wanted to stay at home, I had been working for 18 years,” she shared.
Her approach to family and career showcases her dedication to both, allowing her to immerse herself in her children’s lives and to support them fully.