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Julia Roberts | Source: Getty Images
Julia Roberts | Source: Getty Images

Meet Julia Roberts' Only Daughter Who Rarely Appears in Public and Looks Like the 'Image of Her Dad' – Her Photo Transformation

Milly Wanjiku Ndirangu
Jan 15, 2025
10:47 A.M.

Award-winning actress Julia Roberts often emphasizes that her greatest achievements lie beyond Hollywood. At the heart of her life is a family she has fiercely protected from the spotlight, allowing her children to grow up with little public scrutiny.

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While Julia Roberts has enjoyed a storied career in Hollywood, her family life has remained largely out of view. Married to Daniel Moder for over two decades, the couple has created a family life defined by privacy.

Julia Roberts and Daniel Moder at the CORE Gala on January 15, 2020 | Source: Getty Images

Julia Roberts and Daniel Moder at the CORE Gala on January 15, 2020 | Source: Getty Images

In a rare public appearance, their only daughter accompanied her father to Cannes, drawing attention for her resemblance to him. Julia's commitment to protecting her family has remained steadfast, even as her children have grown.

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Julia Roberts' Focus on Family and Marriage

Julia and Daniel have built their lives on a foundation of love and privacy since their wedding in July 2002. The ceremony, held at Julia's ranch in Taos, New Mexico, was an intimate gathering attended by close friends and family.

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The couple exchanged handwritten vows under a starry sky with the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the background. Julia wore a pale pink cotton halter dress embroidered with pearls, while Daniel wore a red ruffled shirt and tan pants.

The couple first met in 2000 on the set of "The Mexican," where Julia starred alongside Brad Pitt. Reflecting on that time, Julia recalled Daniel and Brad bonding immediately.

Julia Roberts and Brad Pitt on the set of "The Mexican" on June 7, 2000 | Source: Getty Images

Julia Roberts and Brad Pitt on the set of "The Mexican" on June 7, 2000 | Source: Getty Images

"I think he and Brad were crushing on each other. I felt like I was constantly interrupting their conversations. They would sit there and they'd be talking about music. And I'd be, like, 'Oh, I like that song!'" she narrated.

Danny Moder, Brad Pitt, and Julia Roberts attend the 20th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on January 18, 2014 | Source: Getty Images

Danny Moder, Brad Pitt, and Julia Roberts attend the 20th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on January 18, 2014 | Source: Getty Images

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Now married for over 22 years, Julia and Daniel share three children: twins Hazel and Phinnaeus, born in November 2004, and their younger son, Henry, born in 2007. Julia has expressed how her family life has become her greatest source of happiness.

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While Julia values her acting career, she has made it clear that her family takes priority. "It's just never consumed me, being an actor. It is my dream come true. But it is not my only dream come true," she stated.

Julia Roberts at the Los Angeles premiere of Universal Pictures' "Ticket To Paradise" in Los Angeles, California on October 17, 2022 | Source: Getty Images

Julia Roberts at the Los Angeles premiere of Universal Pictures' "Ticket To Paradise" in Los Angeles, California on October 17, 2022 | Source: Getty Images

Asked what her other dreams were, she answered, "The life that I've built with my husband. The life that we've built with our children. And that's the best stuff, to come home at the end of the day triumphantly to them."

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Maintaining the tone they set with their private wedding, Julia and Daniel have kept their home life private, choosing to shield their children from the pressures of public attention.

Danny Moder and Julia Roberts at the Gala in the Garden sponsored by Bottega Veneta in Los Angeles on October 10, 2015 | Source: Getty Images

Danny Moder and Julia Roberts at the Gala in the Garden sponsored by Bottega Veneta in Los Angeles on October 10, 2015 | Source: Getty Images

Julia once explained, "We try to protect our kids. We just want to have our family life and not have that intruded upon." This perspective has shaped how Julia navigates her role as a mother while continuing to value her career.

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Julia's Parenting Philosophy and Family Life Today

After achieving tremendous career success early in her life, Julia expresses gratitude for being able to prioritize her family without feeling the need to choose between work and home. When her children were young, she was able to take a break from work to care for them.

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Speaking about her journey, she said, "By the time I had the success of my family life and had a husband and children who wanted to stay home, I had been working for 18 years. I didn't have to pick one or the other."

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Julia has always emphasized the importance of balance in her life and the lessons she imparts to her children. She has described how going outside the home to work is not only a creative outlet for her but also a way to set an example for her kids.

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"There's something to my kids seeing that my creative life is meaningful to me. I want them to understand that," she shared. She added that pursuing her creative passions outside the home enhances, rather than detracts from, her devotion to her family.

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As of 2023, Hazel and Phinnaeus are in college, leaving their younger brother as the only child still at home. Julia once shared that while Henry enjoyed being the center of attention, he also missed his older siblings.

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Despite the changes, the family continues to emphasize togetherness and simple joys. Daniel occasionally shares glimpses of their family life on social media, such as photos of the children swimming or playing outdoors, offering a rare peek into their close-knit bond.

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Hazel grew up in a household shaped by these values. Her low-profile childhood ensured a sense of normalcy, even as the daughter of one of Hollywood's most famous stars.

Julia Roberts at the 73rd Annual Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California, on March 25, 2001 | Source: Getty Images

Julia Roberts at the 73rd Annual Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California, on March 25, 2001 | Source: Getty Images

Hazel Moder's Quiet Upbringing

Hazel Moder, born in November 2004 alongside her twin brother, Phinnaeus, spent her childhood largely out of the public eye. Although Hazel and her siblings lived a low-profile life, Julia occasionally shared anecdotes that provided a glimpse into her daughter's personality.

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For instance, Julia revealed that Hazel stumbled upon her iconic Valentino dress, which she wore to accept her Academy Award for "Erin Brockovich" in 2001 while searching for a prom outfit. "It was too big for her, but she looked so lovely," Julia recounted.

Julia Roberts' iconic Valentino dress as seen on March 25, 2001 | Source: Getty Images

Julia Roberts' iconic Valentino dress as seen on March 25, 2001 | Source: Getty Images

Surprisingly, Hazel had no clue that it was the dress her mother wore to the Oscars. Moments like this reflect Hazel's modest upbringing, where even her mother's legendary career was a subtle presence in her life. Julia has also shared how her children reacted when they began to understand her celebrity status.

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Surprised they asked, "Are you more famous than Taylor Swift?"—a question that humorously highlighted the family's grounded perspective on fame. Julia explained that she wanted her children to grow up with a healthy sense of self, far removed from the pressures of being the children of a Hollywood icon.

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Hazel's Bond with Julia and Finding Her Voice

Julia has spoken about the close bond she shares with her daughter, Hazel, and how she has encouraged her to develop her own voice. After the 2016 presidential election, Julia took Hazel to the Women's March in Washington.

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Reflecting on the experience, Julia said, "I wanted her to feel like she still had a place in the world… that she could still believe in what she believed in." Julia described the experience as powerful and shared that it was Hazel who inspired her to participate.

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Julia has also emphasized the importance of staying present in her children's lives in an era dominated by technology. In a 2023 interview, she shared that while her children are mindful of their device usage, she encourages balance for everyone in the household.

Danny Moder, Julia Roberts, Kelly Slater, Phinnaeus, Henry, and Hazel Moder at a celebration of the launch of Outerknown in Malibu, California, on August 29, 2015 | Source: Getty Images

Danny Moder, Julia Roberts, Kelly Slater, Phinnaeus, Henry, and Hazel Moder at a celebration of the launch of Outerknown in Malibu, California, on August 29, 2015 | Source: Getty Images

"We've never had an issue with [device dependence]," Julia said. "A little self-monitoring of it." She admitted to spending too much time on crossword puzzles herself but made it clear that family time always comes first.

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Through these moments, Julia has supported Hazel in developing independence while ensuring that her values and priorities remain grounded in family and personal growth.

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Hazel's Cannes Film Festival Debut and Fan Reactions

In 2021, Hazel made her first major public appearance alongside her father, Daniel, at the Cannes Film Festival. The then-16-year-old accompanied Daniel to the premiere of his film, stepping onto the red carpet for the first time.

Hazel Moder and Daniel Moder at the screening of "Flag Day" at the 74th annual Cannes Film Festival on July 10, 2021 | Source: Getty Images

Hazel Moder and Daniel Moder at the screening of "Flag Day" at the 74th annual Cannes Film Festival on July 10, 2021 | Source: Getty Images

Hazel wore a simple but elegant button-down dress paired with black shoes, reflecting her low-key and understated style. While her rare appearance caused a stir in the media, much of the attention focused on her striking resemblance to her father.

Social media was flooded with reactions, with comments such as, "She definitely looks like her dad," "Image of her dad," and "What a pretty girl! Looks like her dad." Other remarks included, "I don't think she looks anything like her mom[…] I just see her dad" and "Wow, she is beautiful."

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Danny Moder and Hazel Moder arrive at the premiere of "Flag Day" during the 74th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, on July 10, 2021. | Source: Getty Images

Danny Moder and Hazel Moder arrive at the premiere of "Flag Day" during the 74th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, on July 10, 2021. | Source: Getty Images

Julia has shared playful observations about her children's resemblance to both parents. "I always think they all look like me, and then Danny comes home from work, and I go, 'Oh, you—that's who they look like,'" she joked during a 2022 interview.

For Julia, her role as a mother is her proudest accomplishment. While her children may occasionally step into the spotlight, her unwavering dedication to their privacy and personal growth ensures they can forge their own paths.

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