Emma Roberts facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Emma Roberts
Roberts in 2016
Born	Emma Rose Roberts (1991-02-10) February 10, 1991 (age 34) Rhinebeck, New York, U.S.
Occupation	Actress singer producer
Years active	2001–present
Partner(s)	Evan Peters (2012–2019) Garrett Hedlund (2019–2022) Cody John (2022–present; engaged)
Children	1
Parents	Eric Roberts (father) Kelly Cunningham (mother)
Relatives	Julia Roberts (aunt)
Awards	Full list

Emma Rose Roberts (born February 10, 1991) is an American actress, singer, and producer. She is known for her roles in many different movies and TV shows. Emma has starred in horror and thriller movies, earning her the nickname "scream queen" because she often plays characters who are in scary situations.

Emma has won several awards, including a Young Artist Award, an MTV Movie & TV Award, and a ShoWest Award.

She started her acting career in the crime film Blow (2001). Emma became well-known for playing Addie Singer in the Nickelodeon TV show Unfabulous (2004–2007). She also released a soundtrack album for the show called Unfabulous and More in 2005.

Emma has appeared in many popular films like Aquamarine (2006), Nancy Drew (2007), Wild Child (2008), and Hotel for Dogs (2009). Later, she took on more grown-up roles in movies such as Scream 4 (2011), We're the Millers (2013), and Nerve (2016). She also starred in the Marvel superhero film Madame Web (2024).

She is also famous for her roles in the FX horror series American Horror Story (2013–present) and the lead role of Chanel Oberlin in the Fox comedy horror series Scream Queens (2015–2016). Emma is also the co-founder of a book club called Belletrist.

Early Life and Family

Emma Roberts was born on February 10, 1991, in Rhinebeck, New York. Her parents are Kelly Cunningham and actor Eric Roberts. Her parents separated when she was very young.

Through her father's marriage, she gained a stepmother, Eliza Roberts. Through her mother's marriage, she gained a stepfather, musician Kelly Nickels. She also has a younger half-sister named Grace. Emma's aunts are famous actresses Julia Roberts and Lisa Roberts Gillan.

When Emma was a child, she often visited the sets of her aunt Julia's movies. These visits made her want to become an actress, just like her father and aunts. Her mother initially wanted her to have a regular childhood. Emma has a mixed background, with English, Scottish, Irish, Welsh, German, and Swedish roots from her father's side.

Career Highlights

Starting as a Child Star (2001–2010)

Emma Roberts began her acting career at age nine in the 2001 drama film Blow. This was the first movie she ever auditioned for. In the film, she played Kristina Jung, the daughter of characters played by Johnny Depp and Penelope Cruz. That same year, she appeared in a short film called bigLove. She was also an uncredited extra in some scenes with her aunt Julia Roberts in America's Sweethearts.

Emma later had small roles in family films. She was in Grand Champion (2002) and Spymate (2006), where she played the daughter of a former secret agent.

In 2004, Emma started her lead role as Addie Singer in the Nickelodeon sitcom Unfabulous. The show began in September 2004 and ran for three seasons until 2007. For her role, Emma received several nominations for Teen Choice Awards and Young Artist Awards. The show was about a seventh grader, Addie, and her two best friends. It also led to some TV movies.

In 2005, Emma released her first music album, Unfabulous and More. It was the soundtrack for the Unfabulous TV series. The album reached number 46 on Billboard's Heatseekers Albums chart. Two singles from the album, "I Wanna Be" and "Dummy," were released in September 2005.

Emma also recorded "If I Had It My Way" for the soundtrack of the 2005 Disney film Ice Princess. In 2006, she sang a cover of "Island in the Sun" for the Aquamarine soundtrack. She also starred in the movie Aquamarine alongside Sara Paxton and JoJo. For her role in Aquamarine, she won a 2007 Young Artist Award for Best Supporting Young Actress.

In early 2006, Emma finished filming her lead role in Nancy Drew. The movie was released in June 2007. Emma later said in an interview that she wanted to focus on movies and had put her music career on hold.

In 2008, Emma starred in Wild Child, playing a rebellious teenager from Malibu, California, who is sent to a boarding school in England. She also appeared in Lymelife and voiced a character named Wilma in the animated film The Flight Before Christmas.

In 2009, Emma starred with Jake T. Austin in Hotel for Dogs, a film based on a novel. The movie was released in January 2009 and earned over $114 million. She also appeared in The Winning Season that year. In 2010, Emma co-starred as Grace in Valentine's Day, where her aunt Julia Roberts also appeared, though they were not in scenes together. She also appeared in several other films that year, including Twelve and It's Kind of a Funny Story.

Taking on Mature Roles (2011–2019)

Emma Roberts in New York City (2011)

In 2011, Emma starred with Freddie Highmore in the romantic comedy The Art of Getting By. She also played Jill Roberts in the horror film Scream 4, directed by Wes Craven.

Emma then appeared in the 2012 film Celeste and Jesse Forever, where she played Riley Banks, a pop singer. She said this role made her want to create an album of songs using her character as a different personality.

In 2013, Emma was cast in a TV pilot for Fox called Delirium, based on the Lauren Oliver novels. She played the main character, Lena Haloway, but Fox decided not to make the show into a full series.

Emma co-starred with John Cusack and Evan Peters in the comedy-drama film Adult World, released in April 2013. Her performance in the film was praised by critics. The next month, she voiced Amanda Barrington in an episode of the animated show Family Guy.

Emma then starred in the comedy film We're the Millers with Jennifer Aniston and Jason Sudeikis. The movie was released in August 2013 and was a big success, earning over $269 million. Emma also played the lead role in Palo Alto, which was based on James Franco's short stories. Her acting in this film also received positive reviews.

Emma Roberts and Jamie Lee Curtis at Comic-Con (2015)

Emma then joined the cast of the FX horror series American Horror Story. She played Madison Montgomery, a powerful witch, in the third season, American Horror Story: Coven (2013–2014). She returned to the series as Maggie Esmerelda, a fortune teller, in American Horror Story: Freak Show.

In 2015, Emma starred in Ashby and the horror film The Blackcoat's Daughter. She also played the main character Chanel Oberlin in Fox's comedy horror series Scream Queens, alongside Jamie Lee Curtis and Lea Michele. The show was created by the producers of American Horror Story. Scream Queens ran for two seasons.

Emma starred with Dave Franco in the 2016 film Nerve, based on a young-adult novel. The movie earned $85 million worldwide. In 2017, she played Jess in the drama film Who We Are Now. She also made a guest appearance in the seventh season of American Horror Story, Cult.

From April to August 2018, Emma starred in three films: In a Relationship, Billionaire Boys Club, and Little Italy. She then returned to American Horror Story: Apocalypse, playing Madison Montgomery again. In 2019, Emma voiced the character Wedgehead in the animated musical comedy film UglyDolls. She also starred in the fantasy drama film Paradise Hills. From September to November 2019, Emma starred in the ninth season of American Horror Story, titled 1984, playing Brooke Thompson. This season was inspired by classic horror slasher films.

Recent Roles (2019–Present)

In March 2019, it was announced that Emma would star in the romantic comedy film Holidate, which was released in October 2020. She also appeared in the 2020 thriller film The Hunt. In September 2020, she signed a deal with Hulu to develop TV projects.

In April 2021, Emma was cast to star in the romantic comedy About Fate. In October 2021, she was set to star in and produce the thriller film Abandoned. In 2022, she was cast in Madame Web, a movie in Sony's Spider-Man Universe. Emma was featured on the cover of Tatler magazine in March 2022. She also voiced Sasha Nutwagon in the animated film Saurus City.

Work as a Producer

Emma Roberts has also started working as a producer. She created her own production company, Belletrist TV. She has a deal with Hulu to adapt books into TV shows. Her first project as an executive producer was the TV series Tell Me Lies, which premiered in September 2022. Emma is also set to produce and star in Space Cadet, a romantic comedy film for Prime Video.

Belletrist Book Club

In 2017, Emma Roberts and her friend Karah Preiss started a book club called Belletrist. Their goal is to create a community where women feel confident and strong, and to encourage more people to read. The first book featured by Belletrist was Joan Didion's South and West.

Each month, Belletrist introduces a new book and often includes interactions with the author, like videos or interviews. Belletrist recommends books by both well-known and new authors. Some books Emma has recommended include Fledgling by Octavia E Butler and Animal by Lisa Taddeo.

Charity Work

Emma Roberts is involved in many charitable activities. She supports organizations that help children, protect the environment, and promote women's rights and health. She often participates in fundraising events for the Children's Cancer Research Fund and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. In 2017, Emma hosted the LA Art Show, which raised money for St. Jude's. She also took part in St. Jude's Giving Tuesday event in November 2023.

Emma has worked with groups like Girls Inc. to support women's rights and empowerment. She has been part of campaigns for gender equality and women's health. In November 2023, she collaborated with Free People Movement for a Thanksgiving campaign focused on helping those in need, donating all profits to Girls Inc.

Personal Life

In September 2011, Emma Roberts started attending Sarah Lawrence College, but she paused her studies in January 2012 to focus on her acting career. She is an enthusiastic reader and launched her book club, Belletrist, on Instagram in March 2017.

In June 2016, Emma was part of a video tribute by the Human Rights Campaign for the victims of the Orlando nightclub shooting. In the video, she and others shared the stories of those who lost their lives.

In 2023, on an episode of Finding Your Roots featuring Julia Roberts, it was revealed that Emma Roberts is distantly related to actor Edward Norton.

Relationships

In 2012, Emma Roberts began dating actor Evan Peters after they met on the set of the film Adult World. They were engaged in March 2014 but separated and reunited multiple times before ending their relationship in March 2019.

In March 2019, Emma started a relationship with actor and musician Garrett Hedlund. In August 2020, they announced they were expecting their first child. Their son was born on December 27, 2020. Country singer and actor Tim McGraw is her son's godfather. In January 2022, Emma and Garrett ended their relationship.

On July 16, 2024, Emma Roberts announced her engagement to actor Cody John on Instagram. They began their relationship in August 2022.

Filmography

Film

Year	Title	Role	Notes
2001	Blow	Kristina Sunshine Jung
	BigLove	Delilah	Short film
	America's Sweethearts	Girl in Purple T-shirt	Uncredited role
2002	Grand Champion	Sister
2006	Spymate	Amelia Muggins
	Aquamarine	Claire Brown
2007	Nancy Drew	Nancy Drew
2008	Wild Child	Poppy Moore
	Lymelife	Adrianna Bragg
	The Flight Before Christmas	Wilma (voice)
2009	Hotel for Dogs	Andi
	The Winning Season	Abbie Miller
2010	Twelve	Molly Norton
	Valentine's Day	Grace Smart
	Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac	Alice Leeds
	4.3.2.1.	Joanne
	It's Kind of a Funny Story	Noelle
	Virginia	Jessie Tipton
2011	The Art of Getting By	Sally Howe
	Scream 4	Jill Roberts
2012	Celeste and Jesse Forever	Riley Banks
2013	Adult World	Amy Anderson
	We're the Millers	Casey Mathis / Casey Miller
	Palo Alto	April May
	Empire State	Nancy Michaelides	Direct-to-video film
2015	I Am Michael	Rebekah Fuller
	Ashby	Eloise
	The Blackcoat's Daughter	Joan Marsh
2016	Nerve	Venus "Vee" Delmonico
2017	Who We Are Now	Jess
2018	In a Relationship	Hallie	Also executive producer
	Billionaire Boys Club	Sydney Evans
	Little Italy	Nicoletta "Nikki" Angioli
	Time of Day	Herself	Short film
2019	Paradise Hills	Uma
	UglyDolls	Wedgehead (voice)
2020	The Hunt	Yoga Pants
	Holidate	Sloane Benson
2022	Abandoned	Sara Davis	Also producer
	About Fate	Margot Hayes
2023	Maybe I Do	Michelle
2024	Madame Web	Mary Parker
	Space Cadet	Tiffany "Rex" Simpson	Also executive producer
0TBA	Saurus City	Sasha Nutwagon (voice)	Post-production

Key

Denotes films that have not yet been released

Television

Internet

Producer

Music Videos

Discography

Soundtrack Albums

Singles

Other Appearances

Awards and Nominations

Images for kids

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  Emma Roberts signing autographs in 2008

See also

In Spanish: Emma Roberts para niños