Eric Roberts may not always make the headlines, but he’s been in more movies than almost anyone else in Hollywood — over 700, to be exact. Born on April 18, 1956, in Biloxi, Mississippi, the actor has spent decades carving out a career that’s equal parts impressive and unpredictable.
Many know him for his memorable turn as the Master in the 1996 Doctor Who TV movie, where he brought a deliciously villainous energy to the long-running sci-fi franchise. It’s a role fans still talk about today — partly for how unexpected and theatrical it was.
But Eric’s life hasn’t been all smooth sailing. In the '80s, he was on a clear path to major stardom, earning an Oscar nomination for Runaway Train and Golden Globe nods for King of the Gypsies and Star 80. Then, in 1981, a serious car accident left him in a coma and changed the course of his life. Personal struggles followed, including substance abuse and industry fallouts. But through it all, he kept acting — sometimes in big-budget films, sometimes in low-key indies, sometimes in projects so obscure, only diehard fans can track them down.
Now 69, Roberts is still going strong, showing up in everything from action thrillers to sci-fi flicks. He’s been married to actress and casting director Eliza Roberts since 1992, and he’s the father of American Horror Story star Emma Roberts. His off-screen life has had its share of drama too, including high-profile relationships and family tensions, but these days, he seems to have found a rhythm.
Eric Roberts might not be the first name that comes to mind when you think of Hollywood royalty, but with a career this vast — and still growing — he’s definitely earned his place in the conversation.
