Headlines circulating online suggesting “heartbreaking news” about Julia Roberts appear to be misleading. The images and descriptions referenced are from her performance in the 2013 film August: Osage County, not from a real-life tragedy. During filming in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, Roberts adopted a deliberately understated appearance to portray Barbara Weston, a woman navigating intense family conflict and personal grief.
In contrast to her glamorous image from Pretty Woman, Roberts appeared without heavy makeup and dressed in simple, layered clothing to reflect her character’s emotional strain. Scenes filmed alongside Ewan McGregor included dramatic moments, such as identifying a deceased family member, which required visibly emotional performances. Photos from the set captured her in tears during filming — a testament to the intensity of the role.
However, between takes, reports noted that Roberts was relaxed and laughing with cast members, underscoring that the distress seen in the images was part of the performance. The film also featured a strong ensemble cast including Meryl Streep, Benedict Cumberbatch, Abigail Breslin, and others.
There is no verified report of a personal tragedy involving Julia Roberts connected to these images. The viral framing appears to rely on dramatic language to attract attention, while the content itself simply reflects behind-the-scenes moments from a film production.