How Julia Roberts' career has evolved from 'Pretty Woman' to 'Homecoming'

Stephanie MarcusOct 28, 2020, 23:24 IST

Julia Roberts has been a staple in Hollywood for three decades.Jonathan Leibson/Stringer/Getty Images

Julia Roberts moved to New York after high school and landed her first role in 1987.
She starred in romantic comedies like "Pretty Woman" and "Notting Hill."
She also acted in a Broadway play and starred on the first season of the Amazon TV series "Homecoming."

Movie star Julia Roberts began working in show business over 30 years ago.

Roberts has since appeared in over 50 films, and in the last couple of years, she made the leap to TV by starring on the first season of the Amazon series "Homecoming."

After landing smaller roles throughout the 1980s, Roberts' career exploded when audiences fell for her in "Pretty Woman" (1990). She later became the first woman to earn a $20 million dollar paycheck for her role in "Erin Brockovich" (2000).

She's starred in her fair share of Hollywood hits and box-office flops, so read on for how Roberts went from a background actress to a household name.

Julia Roberts grew up in a creative family and decided to pursue acting right after high school.

Julia Roberts chose to move to New York to pursue an acting career instead of attending college. Brenda Chase/Getty

She quickly made a name for herself after landing her first roles in 1987.

Julia Roberts made her acting debut in 1987. NBC

Roberts earned critical praise for her performance in "Mystic Pizza" (1988).

Critics loved Julia Roberts' performance. IMDB

Her career took off after her award-winning performance in "Steel Magnolias."

Julia Roberts won her first Golden Globe for this role. TriStar Pictures

In 1990, Roberts starred in "Pretty Woman" (1990) alongside Richard Gere.

Julia Roberts in "Pretty Woman." Touchstone Pictures

Roberts took a break from acting, but returned to the big screen in 1993 with "The Pelican Brief."

Julia Roberts took a break before "The Pelican Brief." Warner Bros.

After a series of box office disappointments, Roberts found success with "My Best Friend's Wedding" in 1997.

"My Best Friend's Wedding" was directed by P.J. Hogan. TriStar Pictures

Roberts' career was back on track as she starred in several movies that made her a household name.

Julia Roberts was in lots of box-office hits. Universal Pictures

She became the highest-paid actress in Hollywood and won an Oscar for her performance in "Erin Brockovich" (2000).

Julia Roberts' role in "Erin Brockovich" made her the highest-paid actress in Hollywood. Universal

Roberts continued to dominate at the box office in 2001.

Julia Roberts continued to be a Hollywood mainstay. Village Roadhouse Pictures

The actress starred in six movies between 2002 and 2004 including "Closer" (2004) and "Ocean's Twelve" (2004).

These films were not known as Julia Roberts' best. Columbia Pictures

Roberts took time off in 2005 after she gave birth to twins.

Julia Roberts' work schedule changed after she had kids. Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

In 2006, the actress returned to Hollywood with voiceover work and made her Broadway debut.

Julia Roberts was in "Charlotte's Web." Michael Buckner/Getty Images

Roberts and her husband welcomed another son in 2007, and she continued to appear in a new movie each year until 2009.

Julia Roberts continued to be in one movie per year. IMDB

Roberts starred in "Eat Pray Love" in 2010 and reportedly received another massive paycheck for her appearance in "Valentine's Day."

"Eat Pray Love" and "Valentine's Day" were both box-office hits. Warner Bros Pictures

Since 2011, Roberts has taken on a variety of roles and earned another Oscar nomination.

Julia Roberts received another Golden Globe and Academy Award nomination. Relativity Pictures

Roberts starred on the first season of Amazon series "Homecoming."

Julia Roberts was on an Amazon show. Amazon

She has projects set for the future.

MIKE BLAKE/Reuters

The first person on every season of 'Dancing With the Stars' to get a perfect score

Cookies on the Business Insider India website