logo
Julia Roberts. | Source: instagram.com/juliaroberts
Julia Roberts. | Source: instagram.com/juliaroberts

Girl in This Photo ‘Feared and Despised’ Stepdad Growing Up Yet Is a Famous Actress Now & Raises 3 Kids on Ranch

Milly Wanjiku Ndirangu
Aug 05, 2023
08:45 A.M.

She is one of the most iconic and beloved actresses of our time, but her dazzling smile hides a painful past. She endured a childhood of abuse at the hands of an alcoholic stepfather who tormented her and her family. From obscurity to stardom, this is the remarkable journey of a woman who conquered the odds and became an inspiration to many.

Advertisement

This girl has a captivating smile that conceals the scars of a turbulent home life marked by an alcoholic stepfather. She is a star who rose from a difficult childhood, navigating through the trials of loss and abuse. Though she was born into a family of actors, she dreamed of a different path as a vet.

But fate had different plans. Her parents got divorced, and her mother remarried. Her violent stepfather, Michael Motes, made her life a misery. Losing her father at the tender age of 10 and facing abuse from her supposed father figure, she managed to hide her pain behind her beautiful smile.

Advertisement

From an Ordinary Girl to a Devoted Mother, an Enduring Icon, and the World's Most Beautiful Woman

Despite the hardships she faced in her past with her stepfather, whom she "feared and despised," she did not let them define her or limit her potential. She pursued her passion for acting and landed her breakthrough role in "Pretty Woman," which catapulted her to stardom and earned her an Oscar nomination.

She has also been recognized for her beauty and charm. In 2017, at the age of 49, she was named People's World's Most Beautiful Woman for a record fifth time, a testament to her lasting allure and timeless appeal. She told People:

"I'm very flattered."

Julia Roberts in the 1990s. | Source: Getty Images

Julia Roberts in the 1990s. | Source: Getty Images

Advertisement

Her first appearance on the magazine's cover was back in 1991 when she was just 23 years old. Since then, she has graced the cover in 2000, 2005, and 2010, surpassing even her friend and fellow Hollywood star George Clooney, who has received the Sexiest Man Alive title twice.

Julia Roberts shares her life with her husband, Danny Moder, and their three children, 18-year-old twins Hazel and Phinnaeus, and youngest child Henry, 16. Their family dynamics are enriched by the bond they share across several stunning properties, each offering a unique haven for the family to call home.

Julia Roberts at the 26th Annual People's Choice Awards on January 9, 2000 in Pasadena, California. | Source: Getty Images

Julia Roberts at the 26th Annual People's Choice Awards on January 9, 2000 in Pasadena, California. | Source: Getty Images

Advertisement

Their main family residence is a sprawling Malibu compound, a picturesque sanctuary overlooking the ocean with its own skate park and private courtyard. This place holds cherished memories of togetherness and joy for the family.

Her heart finds solace at her 32-acre ranch in Taos, New Mexico. This charming property holds special significance as it is where she and Moder exchanged vows in 2002. It is in the midst of these tranquil mountains that she feels most authentic, appreciating the serenity that surrounds her and her loved ones.

Julia Roberts on December 14, 2007. | Source: Getty Images

Julia Roberts on December 14, 2007. | Source: Getty Images

Advertisement

Her property portfolio extends to other locations as well. A stunning Victorian-style home in San Francisco, offering ample space for their family to thrive, adds another dimension to their wonderful life. Additionally, their investment property in Malibu, a three-bedroom cottage on Point Dume, showcases her keen eye for real estate ventures.

Through their various properties, she and Moder craft an enriching life for their children, allowing them to experience different environments and appreciate the beauty of diverse surroundings.

Julia Roberts on January 6, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

Julia Roberts on January 6, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

Advertisement

Roberts' journey as an icon has been marked by diverse roles in Hollywood. From her success in romantic comedies like "Pretty Woman" to her Oscar-winning performance in "Erin Brockovich," she has proven her unparalleled talent, defying the shadows of her past and breaking barriers for women in the film industry.

As an advocate for gender equality, she courageously demanded equal pay, paving the way for other women to challenge the gender pay gap. Her authenticity and unapologetic approach to life have made her an accidental feminist, inspiring women to embrace their true selves without fear of judgment.

Julia Roberts on January 15, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Julia Roberts on January 15, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

In more recent years, she has made a remarkable comeback in the critically acclaimed series "Homecoming," showcasing her acting prowess and further solidifying her status as an enduring Hollywood legend.

Subscribe to AmoMama on Google News!

Advertisement
Advertisement
Related posts

Meet All 5 of Hunter Biden's Kids – One Was Confirmed Through DNA Testing

April 16, 2026

Charlize Theron, 50, Shares Bold Getting-Ready Photo Before 'The Odyssey' Premiere, Sparking Reactions from Fans — Photos

July 09, 2026

Mother Still Talks About Her Children Following Shreveport Incident – Her Heartbreaking Words

April 23, 2026

Vanna White, 69, Grabs Attention at Golf Event, Igniting Buzz Over Her Look – Photos

May 08, 2026

Queen Latifah Shines on the 2026 AMAs Red Carpet With Rarely-Seen Family Member — Photos

May 26, 2026

Heather Locklear, 64, Stuns as a 'Proud Mama' – Fans Say Her Daughter, 28, Is Her 'Twin'

April 23, 2026

Inside Burt Reynolds' past Romances: The Love of His Life and the Marriage He Admitted Was 'A Really Dumb Move' – Photos & Details

July 28, 2026

This '60s Star Devoted Herself to Her Wheelchair-Bound Husband Until the End – She Still Turns Heads Today

May 01, 2026

Kai Trump, 19, Turns Heads in a Gold Gown at the 2026 ESPY Awards — and Her Walk Has Everyone Talking

July 17, 2026

Judy Finnigan, 77, Stuns Netizens in 15+ Photos – Former TV Host Now Living a Quiet, Family-Centered Life 13 Years After Leaving Screens

April 16, 2026

Lindsey Graham's Funeral: JD Vance's Casket Moment Catches Eyes — and His Niece's Words Leave No Dry Eye in the Cathedral

July 29, 2026