Eric Roberts has opened up about his daughter Emma Roberts, and now, he is focusing on a moment that still defines how he feels about her.
While their relationship has seen distance in the past, the actor shared a nostalgic memory from the day she was born. In his recent interview, Eric revealed that despite everything that happened later, he considers that moment the most complete experience of his life.
Eric Roberts Recalls Emma Roberts’ Childhood Moment That Changed Everything
During Kara Mayer Robinson’s Really Famous podcast on April 1, Eric Roberts went straight to one memory that still stays with him: the day Emma was born. Even after everything that followed in their relationship, he said that moment remains untouched.
Related: Eric Roberts Issues Public Apology To Julia Roberts Over Their Age-Old Sibling Rivalry
He recalled that Emma was “screaming her head off” as a newborn. But when he started singing “Happy Birthday,” something changed. It was a song he had sung many times while Kelly Cunningham was pregnant.
“And [Emma] stopped screaming and tried to find my face with her little blind eyes,” he shared. That instant left a deep emotional impact on him.
Eric described it as “the most complete moment maybe I have ever had in my life,” explaining that it felt incredible to be recognized by “a brand-new creature who had my DNA.” He added, “It was magic. And I’ll always have that.”
He also reflected on how powerful that connection felt, saying, “We recognized each other in her first moments of life. It may be the most incredible thing I’ve ever been through.”
Eric Roberts Says Their Relationship Only Looks “Complicated”
While that moment was special, Eric also spoke honestly about the ups and downs that came later. He addressed how people view his relationship with Emma today. “Because they don’t get any of it,” he said, explaining that outsiders often misunderstand their bond.
In case you missed it: Emma Roberts Reveals Why She Hasn’t Worked With Her Aunt Julia On Screen
He added that people create their own versions of the story, which are not based on real involvement. He described these outside opinions as “thoughts, possibilities, interests, fantasies,” and made it clear that they do not reflect the truth of their relationship.
At the same time, he openly admitted that he was not in a good place when Emma was born in February 1991. “Emotionally, I was a wash rag,” he said, adding that he was “not to be depended on emotionally, whatsoever… but I take full responsibility for it.”
He also connected this to his own upbringing. His troubled relationship with his father affected how he saw himself, and his struggles with depression and drug addiction created distance between him and Emma, as well as his sister Julia Roberts. After getting sober in 1995, he slowly began repairing those relationships.
However, in recent years, Eric has gained a new perspective on his life and relationships, especially after becoming a grandfather. Even now, he says, “I’m still not a father figure.” However, he made it clear that Emma has embraced that role fully. The proud father added that she “certainly knows what that role is” as a mother to her son, Rhodes.
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