Veteran actor Eric Roberts presented a picture of robust health and stylish flair at the Tuesday evening Hollywood premiere of his forthcoming movie, Clika. The 69-year-old performer, whose career spans decades, arrived at the iconic TLC Chinese Theatre looking remarkably youthful, sporting a black blazer layered over a distinctive shark and key T-shirt, complemented by grey jeans and black sneakers.
His appearance, complete with a fresh Malibu tan and glasses, marked a positive public moment for the actor, who has occasionally been seen with a cane in recent years. Roberts, the elder brother of cinematic icon Julia Roberts, smiled warmly at the gathered crowd, exuding an energy that belied his years.
A Night of Cinematic Celebration
The premiere served as the launchpad for Clika, a film scheduled for release this Friday. The narrative follows a small-town musician whose quest for success in the vibrant Mexican-American music scene ignites after a performance video goes viral. Roberts shares the screen with a talented ensemble cast including Alison Chace, Master P, Peter Greene, and Vivian Lamolli.
Fellow cast members also turned heads on the red carpet. Alison Chace epitomised chic sophistication in a white blazer paired with a black lace top, tailored slacks, and a fedora. The actress, renowned for her roles in television series such as FBI, Law & Order, and Elsbeth, began her career as a model for Marie Claire magazine before honing her craft in New York City theatre.
Star-Studded Guest List
The event attracted a diverse array of personalities from the entertainment world. Laura Lopez graced the occasion in an elegant beaded grey gown, while Danny Trejo made a striking impression in a black coat over a royal blue suit, accessorised with a long DT necklace. Victoria La Mala captivated onlookers in a pale blue gown with white heels and a pearl-encrusted clutch purse, and Cristian Concrete opted for classic formalwear with a three-piece suit, bowtie, and hat.
Reflections on Family and Fame
The glamorous evening coincides with a period of personal reflection for Roberts, who recently addressed his complicated familial relationships in his poignant memoir, Runaway Train: Or, the Story of My Life So Far, released in September 2024. In the publication, the actor offers a public apology to his superstar sister, Julia, for previously claiming credit for her Hollywood success.
"One of the things I'd like to apologise for in this book is for publicly saying on more than one occasion, 'If it wasn't for me, there would be no Julia Roberts,'" Roberts writes. He describes the statement as "not only unfortunate, but it's also untrue" and expresses hope that his sister will accept this more public amends, calling it an "asinine thing to have said."
A Complex Sibling Dynamic
The memoir delves deeply into the siblings' relationship, which Roberts identifies as having been strained by specific actions from his past. He recounts how, during the early years of his career, he falsely claimed that their mother, Betty Lou Bredemus, had died—an act he now describes as "the great undoing of my relationship with my sisters."
Reflecting on the impact, he writes of the profound effect it must have had on Julia and his other sister, Lisa, who were children living with their mother at the time. Roberts attributes this and other public comments to a period of personal struggle, including battles with substance abuse, which he candidly discusses in the book.
Despite past tensions, Roberts has consistently maintained that he and Julia have reconciled. He has described her as a "cool chick" and emphasised that they have rebuilt their bond, particularly after the birth of Julia's children, Hazel and Phinnaeus, in 2004. He also speaks fondly of the relationship between Julia and his daughter, actress Emma Roberts.
The premiere of Clika, therefore, represents not just a professional milestone for Eric Roberts but also a moment of personal equilibrium, as he celebrates a new project while openly acknowledging and seeking to make amends for the complexities of his past.
