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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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.

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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

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.

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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

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.

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