Eric Roberts Says His Family Will 'of Course' Support Him DuringDancing with the StarsJourney (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo:Olivia Wong/Getty

Eric Roberts attends the 7th Annual HAPA Awards at Alex Theatre on October 07, 2023 in Glendale

Olivia Wong/Getty

Eric Robertsknows his family will be rooting for him when he hits the ballroom forDancing with the Stars.

Shortly after theDWTSseason 33 cast news went public, the actor, 68, who is father toEmma Robertsand sister toJulia Roberts, exclusively told PEOPLE that he didn’t know how his family would react to his upcoming stint on the competitive dance show.

“I’ll have to ask them,” he said with a laugh.

When asked if he thought they’d be tuning in to watch him bust a move, he replied, “Of course, they will!”

(L-R) Eric, Emma and Julia Roberts.Todd Williamson/January Images/Shutterstock ; Kristina Bumphrey/Variety via Getty; Phillip Faraone/Getty

Eric Roberts attends the Lumina Los Angeles Premiere; Emma Roberts at the Space Cadet New York Premiere; Julia Roberts attends the Julia Roberts' Chopard Collection launch and dinner at Chateau Marmont

Todd Williamson/January Images/Shutterstock ; Kristina Bumphrey/Variety via Getty; Phillip Faraone/Getty

Eric also opened up about how excited he was to make his debut with proBritt Stewart. According to theDark Knightalum, he was the “first person” the producers behindDancing with the Starsasked to partake in the show nearly two decades ago.

“I couldn’t do it,” he recalled. “I was making a movie in China and it overlapped and they wouldn’t let me go. 19 years later they said, ‘Come on back!'”

Over the years, Eric has kept relatively quiet about his famous family members.

Eric Roberts, Eliza Roberts, and Emma Roberts.Gregg DeGuire/WireImage

Eric Roberts, Eliza Roberts, and Emma Roberts.

Gregg DeGuire/WireImage

While speaking on the July 8 episode of theStill Here Hollywoodpodcast, the Oscar-nominated actor fielded a question about Julia, to which he replied, “You’ll have to ask her.”

“I love my sister, but I can’t talk about her,” he said of thePretty Womanstar, 56. “She doesn’t want to talk about it.”

Eric then admitted that his actress daughter had also “told me not to talk about her, but I stumbled and do.” He added, “I’m not supposed to talk about either of them. But I do.”

Eric welcomed daughter Emma on Feb. 10, 1991 withKelly Cunningham, whom he dated from 1988 until 1991.

Emma followed in her father’s (and aunt’s) footsteps and got into the acting business.

“I’m in love with my daughter’s work these days,” Eric said during his appearance onStill Here Hollywood. “I can’t believe how great she’s become.I’m so proudof her I can’t see straight.”

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He told theBehind the Velvet Ropepodcast in 2022 that his favorite projects of Emma’s have beenWe’re the MillersandAmerican Horror Story. “I love [AHS], I love that series, of course I do,” he said. “[Those are] my two favorites.”

source: people.com