Eric Roberts is a highly acclaimed actor known for his versatile performances in both movies and TV shows. With a career spanning several decades, he has showcased his talent and charisma in numerous roles across various genres. In this article, we will explore some of Eric Roberts’ most notable movie and TV show appearances, highlighting his early life, career milestones, and iconic performances.
Early Life and Career
Born on April 18, 1956, in Biloxi, Mississippi, Eric Roberts grew up in a family of actors. His parents, Betty Lou Bredemus and Walter Grady Roberts, were both actors who inspired him to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. Roberts’ sister, Julia Roberts, is also a renowned actress.
Roberts’ acting journey began in the late 1970s when he made his debut in the film “King of the Gypsies” (1978).
King of the Gypsies (1978)
In “King of the Gypsies,” Eric Roberts portrayed the character of Dave Stepanowicz, the grandson of a powerful Gypsy king. His performance earned critical acclaim and garnered attention for his exceptional acting skills at a young age.
Raggedy Man (1981)
In “Raggedy Man,” a drama film directed by Jack Fisk, Roberts portrayed the character of Naylor, a sailor who forms a bond with a divorced woman and her two sons. The film showcased Roberts’ ability to deliver emotionally charged performances and established him as a versatile actor.
Star 80 (1983)
In “Star 80,” a biographical drama film directed by Bob Fosse, Eric Roberts portrayed the character of Paul Snider, the husband of Playboy model Dorothy Stratten. The film delves into the dark side of the entertainment industry and Roberts’ portrayal of Snider received critical acclaim.
Runaway Train (1985)
In “Runaway Train,” a thrilling action film directed by Andrei Konchalovsky, Eric Roberts portrayed the character of Buck McGeehy, a convict who escapes from a maximum-security prison. The film earned Roberts an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, solidifying his position as a talented actor in Hollywood.
Best of the Best (1989)
In “Best of the Best,” a martial arts film directed by Robert Radler, Eric Roberts played the role of Alex Grady, a skilled martial artist selected to represent the United States in a prestigious karate tournament. Roberts’ performance showcased his dedication to his craft and his ability to excel in physically demanding roles.
Final Analysis (1992)
In “Final Analysis,” a psychological thriller directed by Phil Joanou, Eric Roberts portrayed the character of Jimmy Evans, a troubled patient with a complex past. The film explores the intricate relationship between Roberts’ character and the psychiatrist played by Richard Gere, resulting in a gripping and intense narrative.
The Specialist (1994)
In “The Specialist,” an action thriller directed by Luis Llosa, Eric Roberts played the role of Tomas Leon, a dangerous and cunning hitman. Roberts’ portrayal of the antagonist showcased his ability to bring depth and complexity to villainous characters, earning him critical acclaim.
The Cable Guy (1996)
In “The Cable Guy,” a dark comedy film directed by Ben Stiller, Eric Roberts made a memorable cameo appearance as himself. The film starred Jim Carrey as a deranged cable television installer, and Roberts’ comedic timing added to the overall entertainment value of the movie.
Doctor Who: The Movie (1996)
In “Doctor Who: The Movie,” a television film based on the popular British sci-fi series, Eric Roberts portrayed the iconic role of The Master, the Doctor’s arch-nemesis. Roberts’ portrayal of the villainous character added a new layer of intensity and intrigue to the Doctor Who universe.
The Dark Knight (2008)
In “The Dark Knight,” a superhero film directed by Christopher Nolan, Eric Roberts played the role of Salvatore Maroni, a mob boss in Gotham City. Roberts’ performance in this critically acclaimed film showcased his ability to excel in ensemble casts and his versatility in adapting to different genres.
The Expendables (2010)
In “The Expendables,” an action film directed by Sylvester Stallone, Eric Roberts portrayed the character of James Munroe, a corrupt CIA agent. Roberts’ performance added depth and complexity to the film’s storyline, elevating the overall quality of the movie.
Lovelace (2013)
In “Lovelace,” a biographical drama film directed by Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman, Eric Roberts played the role of Nat Laurendi, a lie detector expert. The film explores the life of adult film actress Linda Lovelace, and Roberts’ portrayal showcased his ability to bring authenticity to real-life characters.
Inherent Vice (2014)
In “Inherent Vice,” a neo-noir comedy-drama film directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, Eric Roberts portrayed the character of Michael Z. Wolfmann, a wealthy real estate developer. Roberts’ performance added a touch of mystery and intrigue to the film, captivating audiences with his nuanced portrayal.
The Human Centipede III (Final Sequence) (2015)
In “The Human Centipede III (Final Sequence),” a horror film directed by Tom Six, Eric Roberts played the role of Governor Hughes, a corrupt politician. Roberts’ portrayal of the morally ambiguous character added depth to the film’s unsettling narrative.
The Condemned 2 (2015)
In “The Condemned 2,” an action film directed by Roel Reiné, Eric Roberts portrayed the character of Frank Tanner, a ruthless businessman. Roberts’ performance showcased his ability to bring charisma and intensity to antagonistic roles, captivating audiences with his on-screen presence.
The Sector (2016)
In “The Sector,” a sci-fi action film directed by Josh Ridgway, Eric Roberts played the role of The Captain, the leader of a group of mercenaries. Roberts’ performance added gravitas and authority to the film, elevating the overall intensity of the action sequences.
The Night Visitor 2: Heather’s Story (2016)
In “The Night Visitor 2: Heather’s Story,” a horror thriller directed by Brianne Davis, Eric Roberts portrayed the character of The Detective. Roberts’ performance added suspense and intrigue to the film, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.
The Hollywouldn’ts (2016)
In “The Hollywouldn’ts,” a comedy film directed by Robert Fontaine, Eric Roberts played the role of The Director. Roberts’ comedic timing and larger-than-life personality added to the film’s entertainment value, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
The Immortal Wars (2018)
In “The Immortal Wars,” a sci-fi action film directed by Joe Lujan, Eric Roberts portrayed the character of President Lincoln. Roberts’ performance added gravitas and authority to the film’s dystopian narrative, capturing the attention of audiences with his commanding presence.
Inside the Rain (2019)
In “Inside the Rain,” a romantic drama film directed by Aaron Fisher, Eric Roberts played the role of Dr. Holloway. Roberts’ portrayal added depth and empathy to the film’s exploration of mental health, showcasing his ability to bring vulnerability to his characters.
The Killer Clown Meets the Candy Man (2019)
In “The Killer Clown Meets the Candy Man,” a horror film directed by Manny Velazquez, Eric Roberts portrayed the character of Detective Edwards. Roberts’ performance added suspense and tension to the film, contributing to its chilling atmosphere.
The Wrong Todd (2019)
In “The Wrong Todd,” a sci-fi comedy film directed by Rob Schulbaum, Eric Roberts played the role of Todd. Roberts’ comedic timing and versatility added to the film’s entertainment value, showcasing his ability to excel in diverse genres.
The Last Full Measure (2019)
In “The Last Full Measure,” a war drama film directed by Todd Robinson, Eric Roberts portrayed the character of Jim Burr. Roberts’ performance added emotional depth and resonance to the film’s exploration of heroism and sacrifice.
The Gateway (2021)
In “The Gateway,” a crime thriller film directed by Michele Civetta, Eric Roberts played the role of Parker. Roberts’ portrayal added complexity and intensity to the film’s narrative, captivating audiences with his nuanced performance.
The Birthday Cake (2021)
In “The Birthday Cake,” a crime thriller film directed by Jimmy Giannopoulos, Eric Roberts portrayed the character of Uncle Angelo. Roberts’ performance added gravitas and authenticity to the film’s exploration of family loyalty and organized crime.
The Devil’s Child (2021)
In “The Devil’s Child,” a horror film directed by David Bohorquez, Eric Roberts played the role of Detective Smith. Roberts’ performance added suspense and intrigue to the film, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.
The Seventh Day (2021)
In “The Seventh Day,” a horror film directed by Justin P. Lange, Eric Roberts portrayed the character of Father Louis. Roberts’ performance added depth and complexity to the film’s exploration of exorcism and the battle between good and evil.
The Rise of Sir Longbottom (2021)
In “The Rise of Sir Longbottom,” a fantasy adventure film directed by Clay Moffatt, Eric Roberts played the role of King Blackthorn. Roberts’ performance added regality and authority to the film, capturing the essence of a royal character.
The Midway Zone (2022)
In “The Midway Zone,” a sci-fi thriller film directed by Tom Romero, Eric Roberts portrayed the character of Dr. Leland. Roberts’ performance added intrigue and mystery to the film, contributing to its suspenseful atmosphere.
The Young and the Restless (2022)
In “The Young and the Restless,” a popular soap opera, Eric Roberts made a guest appearance as Vance Abrams. Roberts’ portrayal added drama and intensity to the show, captivating the audience with his compelling performance.
Forgiven This Gun4hire (2022)
In “Forgiven This Gun4hire,” a western film directed by Robert Conway, Eric Roberts played the role of William. Roberts’ performance added authenticity and depth to the film’s exploration of justice and redemption.
The Last of the Manson Girls (2022)
In “The Last of the Manson Girls,” a drama film directed by Lonnie Martin, Eric Roberts portrayed the character of Charles Manson. Roberts’ performance delved into the darkness and complexity of the infamous cult leader, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.
The War of the Worlds (TV series) (1988)
In “The War of the Worlds,” a sci-fi television series, Eric Roberts appeared in the episode “Breeding Ground.” Roberts’ guest appearance showcased his ability to bring intensity and charisma to his roles, leaving a memorable impression on the viewers.
Oz (TV series) (2003)
In “Oz,” a critically acclaimed prison drama series, Eric Roberts portrayed the character of Patrick Keenan. Roberts’ performance added depth and complexity to the character, earning him praise for his exceptional acting skills.
Heroes (TV series) (2006)
In “Heroes,” a popular superhero drama series, Eric Roberts played the role of Thompson, a powerful and manipulative agent. Roberts’ portrayal showcased his ability to bring nuance and intensity to morally ambiguous characters, captivating the audience with his captivating performance.
Entourage (TV series) (2007)
In “Entourage,” a comedy-drama series, Eric Roberts made a guest appearance as himself. Roberts’ cameo added a touch of authenticity to the show, highlighting his status as a respected actor in the industry.
Crash (TV series) (2008)
In “Crash,” a television series based on the critically acclaimed film, Eric Roberts portrayed the character of Seth Blanchard. Roberts’ performance added depth and complexity to the character, contributing to the show’s exploration of race, class, and identity.
The Cleaner (TV series) (2008)
In “The Cleaner,” a crime drama series, Eric Roberts played the role of Eddie, a recovering addict. Roberts’ performance showcased his ability to bring vulnerability and authenticity to his characters, contributing to the show’s exploration of addiction and redemption.
CSI: Miami (TV series) (2009)
In “CSI: Miami,” a popular crime procedural series, Eric Roberts portrayed the character of Ken Kramer. Roberts’ appearance added suspense and intrigue to the episode, leaving the audience on the edge of their seats.
Eric Roberts is a highly acclaimed actor known for his versatility and ability to bring depth and authenticity to every role he takes on. With a career spanning several decades, Roberts has appeared in numerous movies and TV shows, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at some of his most notable performances in TV series, exploring the characters he portrayed and the impact he made on the small screen.
The L Word (TV series) (2009):
Roberts joined the cast of “The L Word” in 2009, playing the role of Gabriel McCutcheon, a wealthy and influential businessman.
His character brought a complex dynamic to the show, adding intrigue and tension to the storyline.
Roberts’ portrayal showcased his ability to bring depth and nuance to a character, making Gabriel a memorable presence in the series.
Suits (TV series) (2011):
In 2011, Roberts made a guest appearance in the hit TV series “Suits” as Charles Forstman, a powerful billionaire with a ruthless streak.
His performance as Forstman was captivating, showcasing his ability to portray both charm and menace.
Roberts’ portrayal added a new layer of complexity to the show, elevating the tension and drama of the storyline.
Hawaii Five-0 (TV series) (2012):
Roberts joined the cast of “Hawaii Five-0” in 2012, playing the recurring role of Ian Adams, a master manipulator and criminal mastermind.
His character brought an element of mystery and danger to the show, challenging the main characters and keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
Roberts’ portrayal of Ian Adams was praised for its intensity and captivating presence, solidifying his status as a talented actor.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine (TV series) (2014):
Roberts appeared in “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” in 2014, playing the role of Jimmy “The Butcher” Figgis, a notorious mob boss.
His character added a new level of danger and excitement to the show, creating memorable moments of suspense and humor.
Roberts’ portrayal of Jimmy “The Butcher” Figgis showcased his ability to bring charm and menace to a character, earning him praise from both critics and viewers.
Code Black (TV series) (2015):
In 2015, Roberts joined the cast of “Code Black” as Dr. Samuel Larkin, a seasoned and respected physician.
His character brought a sense of wisdom and experience to the show, serving as a mentor to the younger doctors.
Roberts’ portrayal of Dr. Samuel Larkin was praised for its authenticity and emotional depth, further establishing his versatility as an actor.
Grey’s Anatomy (TV series) (2016):
Roberts made a guest appearance in “Grey’s Anatomy” in 2016, playing the role of Robert Avery, the father of one of the main characters.
His character brought a complex family dynamic to the show, exploring themes of forgiveness and redemption.
Roberts’ portrayal of Robert Avery showcased his ability to convey a range of emotions, making his character’s journey resonate with viewers.
Will & Grace (TV series) (2018):
In 2018, Roberts appeared in “Will & Grace” as Martin Adler, the estranged father of one of the main characters.
His character brought a mix of humor and drama to the show, exploring themes of family and reconciliation.
Roberts’ portrayal of Martin Adler was praised for its comedic timing and heartfelt moments, adding depth to the storyline.
The Simpsons (TV series) (2019):
Roberts lent his voice to an episode of “The Simpsons” in 2019, playing the character of Bart’s lawyer.
His voice acting added a unique touch to the show, showcasing his versatility in different mediums.
Roberts’ performance in “The Simpsons” demonstrated his ability to bring humor and personality to his characters, even in animated form.
Conclusion:
Eric Roberts has proven himself as a versatile and talented actor through his impressive body of work in both movies and TV shows. From intense and complex characters to comedic and light-hearted roles, Roberts has consistently delivered captivating performances that have left a lasting impact on audiences. His contributions to the TV series mentioned above have elevated the storytelling and added depth to the overall narrative.
Eric Roberts continues to be a respected figure in the entertainment industry, and his legacy as a versatile actor remains strong. You should read another article i wrote about >>>> What Was Eric Roberts’ Childhood Like? to learn more.
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