Julia Roberts

[princess 1,712]

Julia's Dream Home ExclusiveTMZ knows just what's insideBy TMZ.COM STAFF(Feb. 10, 1:00PM ET) -- TMZ has reviewed the blueprints for the Malibu home Julia Roberts is building -- in a word, it's the "ultimate."Julia bought the property last year (a double lot) for $20 million. She promptly leveled the existing house and began building a new one on a spectular bluff overlooking the Pacific.The plans - which TMZ recently inspected at the Malibu Planning Department, reveal the new structure is 5,232 square feet -- all on one level. It's a stone veneer traditional home with redwood trim.The 286 square foot family room is the focal point of the house -- not surprising, given that Julia and husband Danny Moder have one- year-old twins. The plans show an adjacent "stuff" room, presumably for toys and other "stuff."The master bedroom is the bomb -- 331 square feet, overlooking the ocean. Of course, there's an impressive master bath, huge walk in closet and a powder room.The dining room and kitchen are huge, both with vaulted ceilings.The outside is just as impressive. The new rectangular pool sits next to a large cabana.Not surprisingly, Julia is investing in a high-tech security system with an electronic gate. She's ensuring privacy by landscaping the property with sycamore trees and ficus hedges.The plans say Roberts is spending $600,000 for the new home, but that figure surely low-balls the real cost.One of the big attractions -- there's a private path down to a secluded beach, where surf-crazy Danny can catch some waves.

[MC 1]

How about using the extra attention to distract from a possibly second rate performance and not so glorious reviews?

Oh good point. If she bombs, they can blame it on the stress of her breakup, or the strain of her marriage, etc.

[princess 1,712]

rosiedemario

Late Civil Rights leader Coretta Scott King, the widow of the late Martin Luther King Jr, had a closer relationship to Hollywood star Julia Roberts than most people realise, for it was recently revealed that she paid for the hospital costs when Roberts was born.

 

King, who recently passed away after losing her battle against ovarian cancer, befriended Roberts' actor parents when they agreed to give her children drama lessons.

 

According to a family source, King, on hearing that Roberts' mother had gone into labour, not only went to the hospital but also insisted on covering the costs of the hospital stay as a thank you for the their kindnesses towards black children in Atlanta, Georgia, where they were based.

 

The friend said that Julia Roberts had been touched and surprised when she found out.

 

"Julia was touched and surprised when she found out. Coretta is one of the reasons Julia uses her millions to help charities working with young children and projects to save the environment," Contactmusic quoted the friend, as saying.

[princess 1,712]

Roberts Thrills Husband with Surf Break

sfgate.com

Julia Roberts gave husband Danny Moder a pre-Valentine's Day winter break to remember when she whisked him off to Oahu, Hawaii, to check out the surfing championships he'd always dreamed of being part of.

Moder was thrilled when Roberts arranged a last-minute getaway to Hawaii -- and surprised the cameraman by securing beachfront tickets for the Monster Energy Pipeline Pro Surfing competition.

 

Roberts arranged a private jet to take the couple to the islands -- and she took their twins Hazel and Phinnaeus with them.

 

Moder was so thrilled with the surprise getaway he let everyone know how happy he was when he arrived.

 

A family insider says, "Danny didn't know where they were going until the day of the trip. When he found out he was absolutely thrilled. He showered Julia with kisses of appreciation."

[princess 1,712]

Julia Robert modeling for Gianfranco Ferre, the Italian fashion house

[bittermuch? 0]

wow. not a flattering photo. she never looks good with her hair pulled off her face, I don't think.

[Freckles 79]

I agree. Makes her look horse-faced.

[BobbyD 2]

I agree...Looks like they found the Joker for the batman sequel!

 

[niobe 2]

I agree...Looks like they found the Joker for the batman sequel! 

Good idea, BobbyD, seeing that she's got the same initial! And maybe L'Oréal could come on board as her makeup supplier for the movie, seeing that they've already developed a prototype with their ScarJo campaign...

[Rebelgirl 1]

She looks like a man in drag in that picture.

[BobbyD 2]

Roberts Wows Broadway Theatergoers Julia Roberts enjoyed a successful Broadway debut Tuesday night with the first preview of Three Days Of Rain, although she burst out laughing when a plastic tomato prop bounced all over the stage. The Oscar-winning actress was so popular with New York theatre-goers her first few lines were inaudible over the audience's thunderous applause at the Bernard B. Jacobs theatre. The New York Daily News writes: "A moment that reminded the audience this was the first preview came midway through the second act. (Roberts) had to contend with a runaway prop tomato. The plastic veggie landed on the floor, bounced and echoed like a table tennis ball - a blooper that left Roberts briefly in stitches. She broke character and couldn't help flashing her trademark toothy grin. That smile was in evidence at the curtain call, which showed that Roberts had checked her superstar status at the stage door." Three Days Of Rain officially opens on April 19 after more previews. In late January, it scored $7 million in advance sales in one day. The play was written by Richard Greenberg and was a Pulitzer Prize nominee in 1997.

[kappy22 1]

So from reading this, the audience wasn't clapping wildly because they were wowed by her performance but merely clapping wildly by her presence? Wonder why they don't mention the actual quality of her performance? I feel like the only person on the planet not wowed by the mere sight of this woman. Don't misunderstand me - I really like her as an actress but come on, at least watch the performance first before deciding if she's THAT great in the play.

[colorine 26]

This sounds more like pr to me. I can't stand her.

[BobbyD 2]

Julia Roberts' show has amazing weekStill in previews, 'Three Days of Rain' takes in $988KNEW YORK (AP) -- Julia Roberts was almost the million-dollar baby on Broadway last week."Three Days of Rain," which stars Roberts, Paul Rudd and Bradley Cooper, grossed a whopping $988,298 for its first full week of preview performances, according to figures released Monday by the League of American Theatres and Producers.The eight performances, which began March 28, played to 101 percent of capacity (which includes standing room) at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre, the league said. The Richard Greenberg play -- Roberts' Broadway debut -- opens April 19.Other shows playing to capacity -- or better -- last week included "Wicked," "Monty Python's Spamalot," "The Pajama Game," "The Odd Couple" and "The Phantom of the Opera." Although "Phantom" was helped by discount offers, the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical has demonstrated surprising box-office muscle, particularly after becoming Broadway's longest running show last January.Also playing to virtual capacity were such shows as "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," "Jersey Boys," "The Lion King" and "Tarzan," which is now in previews. Disney's new musical opens May 10 at the Richard Rodgers Theatre

[BobbyD 2]

DIOR RAINS ON JULIA'S PARADEDESPITE selling $7 million worth of tickets for "Three Days of Rain" on Broadway, Julia Roberts' star may be dimming. The Pretty Woman was in negotiations to be the new face of a Christian Dior perfume that would debut in 2007 - but we hear Dior unexpectedly pulled out of the talks. "Not so interested anymore," is all a source would say. Dior declined to comment. An insider said, "We are looking at lots of famous women to maybe be the face." Meanwhile, a misguided fan should learn how to spell Roberts' name. Last week, a theatrical source told us, "A fruit basket came for 'Julie Roberts, Bradley Cooper and Paul Rudd.' [Director] Joe Mantello laughed and said, 'Yes, "Three Days of Rain" starring that wonderful country-western star Julie Roberts!' " While some say Roberts' bristled when Mantello called her "Julie" again, the set source sniffed, "That's the only time he called her that." Roberts' rep declined to comment.

[princess 1,712]

Page SixJULIA Roberts has gone positively goofy over the environment. In the cover story of Vanity Fair's new "Green Issue," writer Evgenia Peretz delivers this sycophantic assessment of the star's suddenly greener-than-thou ways: "An admitted latecomer to environmental concerns, Roberts is proof that it's never too late to start caring for the earth and that it can all start at home. From the Prius she drives and the solar-powered house she's building in California to the metal cup she uses to go out for coffee, the grocery bags she religiously returns to the store for a nickel ... Roberts firmly believes that the little things make a difference ..." Aside from wondering how many private planes Roberts has flown on and how much energy it takes to power her various abodes, we just can't shake the image of the zillionaire actress "religiously" returning grocery bags to the store for pennies.

[BobbyD 2]

Julia Roberts Set for Broadway Debut By MICHAEL KUCHWARA, AP Drama Writer NEW YORK - Julia Roberts, Movie Star, officially becomes Julia Roberts, Stage Star, when the Oscar winner opens Wednesday on Broadway in a revival of Richard Greenberg's "Three Days of Rain." Not that her marquee status was in doubt during the play's three weeks of sold-out preview performances at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre.Each night, as the performance ends, fans gather behind barriers and across 45th Street from the Jacobs to catch a glimpse and get Playbills autographed. The theater's security team has set up an exclusive pen for ticket holders, who can line up on one side of the stage door.Last Thursday, for example, a few hundred people had gathered on either side of the stage door and across the street. A half dozen police officers patrolled the area, shouting, "Off the streets! Everyone up on the sidewalks, now!" But the crowd grew as passers-by joined in. When traffic stopped a bus directly in front of the theater, the crowd across the street broke into loud boos and catcalls, which coincidentally greeted Roberts as she finally emerged from the theater.She signed a couple of programs in haste and jumped into a black SUV.At least one fan forgave Roberts for her brevity. "To be honest, she would have been trampled had she stuck around since people were jumping in front of the bus to get a look," said Erin Rosa. "Julia waved from the van — that's good enough for me."Those demanding more than a quick look at Roberts have pretty much purchased all the tickets for the play's entire run, which ends June 18. The show, which also stars Paul Rudd and Bradley Cooper, could possibly extend for a few more weeks. The theater's next tenant, " Martin Short Fame Becomes Me," begins previews July 22 and opens Aug. 10.For Broadway, Roberts' appearance during one of the theater's busiest springs in years, has been a huge event and a public-relations blessing."A major film or TV star appearing on Broadway, or in any theater for that matter, brings with them a number of assets," said Howard Sherman, executive director of the American Theatre Wing. "First and foremost, there's the talent that has lofted them into the position of being a star."But they also bring with them the often-staggering press attention afforded to celebrities in those other mediums, which is vastly greater than the time and space typically afforded to theater. And, of course, they bring a huge fan base which is national and even international, all of whom are eager to see their favorite star in the flesh."That eagerness created a frenzy during the play's first few previews, in which reporters — and even one critic — purchased tickets to see the show. At Roberts' first performance March 28, it was breathlessly reported that when a prop tomato accidentally fell off a table, the actress broke character and displayed her endearing toothsome grin.Roberts herself has been relatively mum about her Broadway debut, turning down a parade of interview requests, including The Associated Press. However, she did agree to a few TV appearances and did tell the New York Post in an interview last week, "I love being an actor, but sometimes doing this I feel as though I've gone back to square one."For Greenberg, the Tony-winning author of "Take Me Out," this new production is an opportunity for "Three Days of Rain" to reach a wider audience.Commissioned and first performed by South Coast Rep in Costa Mesa, Calif., it tells of a brother and sister who unravel family secrets. New York first saw the play at off-Broadway's Manhattan Theatre Club in 1997 with a cast that included Patricia Clarkson, Bradley Whitford and John Slattery. Elizabeth McGovern starred in the London production two years later.Roberts came aboard for the revival after she read the play at the urging of director Joe Mantello and producer Marc Platt, an old friend who had heard she was interested in doing theater.Greenberg doesn't think that Roberts' presence throws the play. "Because she is a star of such magnitude coming to Broadway, there has been a lot of wacky attention," he says. "But the play itself has stayed really well balanced."Celebrity star power on Broadway is nothing new — and it does carry risks.For the past two seasons, for example, major names have appeared in shows for limited yet profitable runs. In 2004, rap mogul Sean Combs appeared in a revival of Lorraine Hansberry's "A Raisin in the Sun." Although Combs didn't get great notices, he drew crowds to the theater. It was his two co-stars, Phylicia Rashad and Audra McDonald, who received the critical praise and won Tonys. The following year, Denzel Washington, who does have a theater background, came to Broadway in a vaguely modern-dress revival of "Julius Caesar." Again there were crowds and sold-out houses. But Washington's portrayal of Brutus was bested by Colm Feore, a veteran of Canada's Stratford Festival, who portrayed Cassius. "It's funny. `Three Days of Rain' is a very quiet play, and this has been a very noisy event," Greenberg said with a laugh. "But the great thing is that ... it hasn't affected the production."

[BobbyD 2]

Superstar doesn't shine in show Howard Kissel There's almost no point discussing Richard Greenberg's "Three Days of Rain" as a play. With Julia Roberts as its leading lady, it's an event! Think Puffy in "A Raisin in the Sun." Or Liz and Dick in "Private Lives."A celebrity changes theatergoing into an evening of status enhancement. It's not about experiencing a play - it's about telling your friends you saw Her.It's a shame because "Three Days," which is about how we misperceive our parents' lives, may be Greenberg's most thoughtful play. When it was first performed here, in 1997, with Patricia Clarkson, John Slattery and Bradley Whitford, it was quite moving. Here it falls flat. Maybe there just wasn't enough rehearsal time for Roberts and her fellow actors, Bradley Cooper and Paul Rudd, to develop inner lives that might make their onstage actions more than cursory.I know it's a nuisance but I'm afraid I have to tell you the plot. In the first act Roberts and Rudd play Nan and Walker, the children of Theo, a famous architect who has just died. They meet for the first time in over a year for the reading of his will. With them is Pip, the son of their father's long-dead architectural partner, Ned. Pip is a close friend of the emotionally confused Walker, who does not know that many years earlier his sister and Pip had an affair. They meet in a SoHo loft where their parents lived before their children were born. Walker discovers a diary his father kept, which he thinks explains much about Theo's odd behavior.In the second act we jump back 35 years. Roberts plays Lina, the Southern girl whose Zelda Fitzgerald-like charm captured Theo, now played by Rudd. Cooper plays Pip's father, Ned. Virtually none of Walker's assumptions about his parents turns out to be true.A major problem in this production is that there's no chemistry between Roberts and the men. At the end of the first act, for example, she kisses Cooper.Given that Nan and Pip were once lovers, this should be a powerful moment, not just a peck on the forehead. Even if it ends that way the prelude to this kiss should suggest far more. Similarly, in the second act, when Lina decides to betray Ned with Theo, it ought to be more startling than it is here.Part of the problem is Joe Mantello's direction. He never seems to know what to do with Roberts. For much of the first act she simply stands, arms folded, in an admittedly fetching black raincoat. Midway through the act, for no apparent reason, she starts knitting. None of this tells us anything about Nan. Cooper and Rudd give their characters charm, but they often seem to be pushing, perhaps because Roberts projects so little. As mesmerizing as she is onscreen, she has surprisingly little stage presence. The loft Santo Loquasto has designed conveys the two time frames beautifully, and Paul Gallo's lighting should accentuate the drama. Unfortunately, there isn't much. Originally published on April 19, 2006

[BobbyD 2]

Julia soaks up 'Rain' cheer Two opening night curtain calls for Roberts and cast BY JOE DZIEMIANOWICZ, JOANNA MOLLOY and BILL HUTCHINSONDAILY NEWS STAFF WRITERS Movie superstar Julia Roberts made her official Broadway splash last night, receiving a rousing standing ovation for her opening stage performance in "Three Days of Rain."As the curtain rose, the celebrity-studded audience, including Oprah Winfrey, filled the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre with wild applause as the actress flashed her trademark toothy smile and batted her brown eyes.When the play was over, Roberts and her co-stars Paul Rudd and Bradley Cooper took two curtain calls as theatergoers stood and cheered."I'm very happy," the "Pretty Woman" actress said at an after-show party at Cipriani on 42ndSt. to toast the first performance in a 12-week run. "I think it went really well, but I don't want to use the word relieved."But actor Tim Robbins, who was in the audience, said Roberts' acting was outstanding."I think she did great," Robbins said. "I'm very proud of her. It's great for her, it's great for Broadway."Rudd said all the hoopla surrounding the opening night was exciting."It's insane but it's a great insane," Rudd said.Even before the drama got underway, the atmosphere outside the theater was reminiscent of the big-screen premieres Roberts is more accustomed to.About 500 fans who couldn't get seats in the sold-out theater stood behind barricades across W. 45th St. to watch the familiar faces going in for the 6:45 p.m. curtain raiser, which was briefly delayed until Winfrey arrived.Celebrities filling the theater included rock star Dave Matthews, Mayor Bloomberg, "Sopranos" star James Gandolfini, American dramatist Terrence McNally, funnyman Mario Cantone and "Inside the Actors Studio" host James Lipton."I think New York is brighter because she's here," actress Marcia Gay Harden said of Roberts, co-star in the 2003 movie "Mona Lisa Smile."Elaine Stritch, the grand dame of Broadway, predicted Roberts would be a huge success in her first role on the Great White Way."She understands what she's doing," Stritch said.In the Richard Greenberg play, Roberts plays two roles. In the first act, she portrays the daughter of an eccentric New York architect who probes the mystery of her father's life. In the second act, she plays a mom in a flashback to 35 years earlier.While some critics expect the leading lady to flop, her fans applauded her courage for putting her reputation as a top-paid, Oscar-winning star on the line."I think there's nothing like live theater," said veteran Broadway actor Joel Grey. "Everyone wants to be part of it. So why not try it."Actress Claudia Shear said Roberts has all the tools to make a smooth transition from film to stage."I think she's going to be great," Shear said.Even celebrity chef Rocco DiSpirito said he expected Roberts to cook up a great performance. But he quickly added, "I've got no advice for her. I'm a chef."This is Roberts' first high-profile project since she gave birth to twins Phinnaeus and Hazel in November 2004.Roberts is not the first big-bucks Hollywood babe to try her luck on Broadway.Nicole Kidman received rave reviews in the 1998 Broadway run of "The Blue Room." But in her stage debut, Kidman brought the house down by appearing naked for 15 seconds. Originally published on April 20, 2006

[colorine 26]

[BobbyD 2]

(CNN.COM)Julia draws bad reviews for B'way debutBut fans are firmly in star's cornerNEW YORK (AP) -- Amid hoopla more befitting a blockbuster movie premiere, Julia Roberts made her Broadway debut Wednesday night in Richard Greenberg's "Three Days of Rain."Hundreds packed the narrow city block outside the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre on 45th Street in Manhattan. Even parking-lot attendants across the street sat three stories up hoping to catch a glimpse of the Hollywood royalty on hand to support one of their biggest stars."I'm so excited!" exclaimed Oprah Winfrey before dashing into the theater.After plenty of hype and several weeks of preview performances, Roberts had a beautiful spring evening for opening night. She stars alongside Paul Rudd and Bradley Cooper in the revival of Greenberg's play, which is mostly sold-out for its 12-week run.The audience greeted the performance with a standing ovation, which prompted several curtain calls by the cast. Roberts curtsied with her co-stars, but didn't address the packed house.Before the curtain went up, fans (and a horde of photo-snapping press) were treated to a variety of arriving stars, including James Gandolfini, Diane Sawyer, Dave Matthews, Tim Robbins and Susan Sarandon, Marcia Gay Harden, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and baseball legend Cal Ripken Jr.Emphasizing each adjective, Elaine Stritch properly summed up the vibe: "She's a great, big, huge movie star."The transition to the stage by silver-screen beauties is one often fraught with peril. Early critical word on Roberts' performance has been negative or lukewarm."Your heart goes out to her when she makes her entrance in the first act and freezes with the unyielding stiffness of an industrial lamppost, as if to move too much might invite falling," wrote The New York Times' Ben Brantley, a self-described "Juliaholic.""Roberts' portrayal of the mother -- flighty, volatile and edging into alcoholism (the woman is described by her son as 'Zelda Fitzgerald's less stable sister') -- is hampered by surface mannerisms, particularly a shaky Southern accent," observed the AP's Michael Kuchwara, a particularly interesting criticism given that Roberts was raised in Georgia.But most in attendance professed utter confidence in the actress. "I don't even have advice; I have praise," said actor Mario Cantone. "She picked a great play.""Three Days of Rain" first ran off-Broadway in 1997. Greenberg, the playwright, has since won a Tony for writing the acclaimed "Take Me Out."James Lipton, host of Bravo's "Inside the Actor's Studio," also didn't have any notes for Roberts in her first big stage role."Words are words, a part is a part," said Lipton. "Much too much is made of the difference between the screen and the stage."Some fans who had already seen "Three Days of Rain" in preview returned Wednesday night, content to witness what they seemed to feel was an almost historical occurrence.Denise DePew had high marks for Roberts: "She's taken on Broadway real well."It was the first Broadway play for 17-year-old Kari Lynn Cervini, who traveled from Rochester, New York, to see her favorite actress in a preview.She gushed: "It was just really cool to be in the same room as her."

[princess 1,712]

The day after her Broadway debut, Julia Roberts and husband Danny Moder return to their New York City apartment after a walk through Gramercy Park. Her play, Three Days of Rain, opened Wednesday to decidedly mixed reviews.

[Freckles 79]

well, I give her credit for trying something different and out of her comfort range. She could easily rest on her laurels as America's most recent Sweetheart, but she's taking chances by appearing on stage for not a lot of financial rewards (at least, not when compared to her films), so good for Julia.

[WiLdFiRe 0]

I heard all her shows are sold out.

[colorine 26]

I knew she wouldn't leave us alone. She has to be in the spotlight. I believe the bad reviews and I don't believe the positive pr work.