Who Are Emma Roberts’ Parents? A Look At Eric Roberts And Kelly Cunningham

As an ardent fan of Emma Roberts, I find her journey through Hollywood deeply captivating, but it is her family history that truly sets her apart. The lives of her parents, Eric Roberts and Kelly Cunningham, are as fascinating as any script penned for the silver screen.


Emma Roberts, who has gained fame through her performances in American Horror Story and Scream Queens, is originally from a lineage deeply rooted in the glamour of Tinseltown.

Emma was born on the 10th of February, 1991, to Eric Roberts and Kelly Cunningham. Although they parted ways soon after her birth, both played crucial roles in molding Emma’s life. Here’s a look at the lives of Emma Roberts’ parents.

Eric Roberts and Kelly Cunningham’s relationship

Eric Roberts and Kelly Cunningham started dating back in 1988, and their romance resulted in the arrival of their daughter, Emma, in 1991. At that moment, they were living in New York, but they chose not to tie the knot. However, soon after little Emma was born, the two separated their paths.

Eric advanced his life by marrying actress Eliza Garrett in the year 1992. In an interview with Howard Stern conducted in 1994, Eric disclosed that they first met on a flight and developed a friendship prior to their romantic involvement. “We didn’t initiate kissing until 1991,” he said, “and we tied the knot in ’92.

Simultaneously, Cunningham tied the knot with American bassist Kelly Nickels and welcomed their daughter, Grace Nickels, into the world. Although she’s known for her public ties, Cunningham has opted to keep her personal life under wraps, frequently showcasing her children’s accomplishments on social media instead.

Eric Roberts: A prolific career in Hollywood

Eric Roberts has had an extensive and active career in the entertainment industry spanning over 700 roles across films, television series, and music videos. His breakout performance was in the 1978 movie “King of the Gypsies,” which garnered him a Golden Globe nomination. Subsequently, he featured in numerous projects such as “Runaway Train,” “The Dark Knight,” “Heroes,” and “Suits,” among many others.

Speaking about his work, Eric shared with The Hollywood Reporter that he receives between eight and thirty job proposals each day from various parts of the globe. He finds it incredibly enjoyable to have such a diverse array of offers and to portray such a wide range of characters.

He shared that he typically works for approximately 200 days a year and finds pleasure in the unpredictability of late-hour assignments. “Sometimes I might receive a task proposal on a Friday and start working on it the very next day,” he mentioned. “Each occasion brings excitement.

Although they both work as actors, Eric observed that he and Emma seldom talk about acting. “We haven’t talked about it since she was nine years old,” he disclosed. “Our relationship is quite distinct. To put it simply, I am deeply enamored with every aspect of our connection.

Kelly Cunningham: A private yet supportive mother

As an ardent admirer, I can’t help but sing the praise of none other than the remarkable Kelly Cunningham. Although she maintains a veil of privacy around her personal life, her social media feed is a vibrant testament to her unwavering bond with Emma. From heartwarming photos to touching tributes, it’s clear that Emma holds a special place in Kelly’s heart.

In an interview with PEOPLE in January 2023, Emma expressed gratitude for her mother’s assistance, saying, “I’d be lost without my mom.” On Mother’s Day 2022, she shared on Instagram, “Thank you for showing me the ropes of motherhood. You’re always ready for an adventure, and I can count on you to pick up the phone in the wee hours. No one makes me laugh as heartily as you do.

At times, Cunningham’s affection for her family extends to social media. Yet, this exuberance unwittingly exposed Emma’s pregnancy with their son, Rhodes, back in 2020.

Emma quipped humorously on Jimmy Kimmel Live, “I was trying to keep my pregnancy under wraps, but alas, my mother has Instagram.” Regardless of the slip-up, Emma’s relationship with her mom remains robust, as she often showers affection on her grandson.

Eric Roberts’ relationship with Emma

Eric Roberts is deeply proud of Emma’s success as an actress. Though they prefer to keep their family life private, Eric frequently praises Emma’s skills publicly.

He expressed his admiration for his daughter’s work recently on Still Here Hollywood in July 2024, stating he’s amazed by her progress. He’s so incredibly proud of her that it’s hard for him to focus clearly.

He credits Emma’s success to her natural talent and hard work rather than formal training. “She’s never had any training, so she’s been on-the-job training her whole career,” Eric told The Hollywood Reporter.

Among Emma’s preferred projects, you’ll find “We’re the Millers” and “American Horror Story.” In a 2022 podcast discussion, he expressed his affection for American Horror Story by saying, “I really enjoy that show.

Even though they have a close relationship, Emma seldom discusses her father during interviews or posts pictures of him on social platforms. In fact, the most recent picture of them together was taken during her childhood.

Nevertheless, Eric regularly acknowledges and applauds Emma’s accomplishments, frequently posting heartfelt tributes. An example is the birthday message he penned in February 2023, saying, “The affection on my face, even from this angle, for her is unmistakable. I adore you, Emma.

Eric Roberts’ family ties and Hollywood legacy

Eric is the child of actors-turned-playwrights Betty Lou Bredemus and Walter Grady Roberts. His younger siblings are actresses Julia Roberts and Lisa Roberts Gillan. In 2018, Eric shared with Vanity Fair his close bond with his sisters, saying, “I was utterly smitten by my sisters. I loved them deeply, cherished them immensely.

Emma has a unique connection with her aunt, Julia Roberts. As a child, Emma frequently went to Julia’s film sets, sparking her desire to become an actress herself.

It’s evident that Emma intends to forge her unique journey. As she shared with Tatler in 2022, she never aimed to be like someone else. She holds deep affection for the person and appreciates their work, but she is simply focusing on her own endeavors.

Eric and Kelly’s roles as grandparents

Eric and Kelly Cunningham have a deep affection for their grandson, Rhodes, who was born to Emma and actor Garrett Hedlund in December 2020. The Cunninghams often post photos of Rhodes on social media, expressing their delight and pride as new grandparents.

As a devoted grandparent myself, I can’t help but feel the joy each day is like unwrapping presents on Christmas. The excitement of not knowing what surprises await is truly exhilarating! (This is my personal experience as a loving grandparent.)

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2024-11-12 16:54