Here are a few genuine acts of kindness and philanthropy by Julia Roberts—demonstrating her generosity both on and off the screen:
On-Set Kindness & Personal Support
Myha’la Herrold, Roberts’ co-star in Leave the World Behind, shared how Jules gently massaged her hand during a particularly painful headache on set. She recalled: “She grabbed my hand and massaged [a trigger point right here]. … It was such a clear gesture to say, ‘We are safe here together’.”
People.com
Julia Stiles, who worked with Roberts on Mona Lisa Smile, praised her for her maternal instincts, recalling how Julia “took care of all the girls” on set, creating a nurturing and kind environment.
In a more recent reflection, Stiles revealed that Roberts offered her inspiring and compassionate advice during a difficult time around body image. Julia encouraged self-acceptance, reminding her that youth often overlooks its own beauty—a deeply caring gesture.
Charitable Campaigns & Causes
Julia partnered with Omaze on a “Choose Kind” t-shirt campaign to raise funds for PACER, a nonprofit dedicated to ending bullying and supporting people with disabilities. She lent her voice and popularity to promote kindness and inclusion.
A longtime supporter of GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network), Roberts has auctioned lunches to benefit their Respect Awards, encouraged donations on her birthdays, and used her platform to emphasize the importance of safe, affirming schools for all students.
Broader Philanthropic Work
In 1995, Roberts visited Port-au-Prince, Haiti, to learn firsthand about UNICEF’s work—a move that encouraged a $10 million aid push. She’s also narrated a documentary about Rett syndrome to raise awareness and served as spokesperson and advisory board member for Earth Biofuels.
She has participated in charity events honoring Paul Newman, including performances in San Francisco to benefit The Painted Turtle, a specialty camp for children with life-threatening illnesses.
Her humanitarian efforts include supporting The Normal Heart on HBO and receiving the Award of Courage at an amfAR Gala for her work in raising AIDS awareness and kindness.
In a deeply touching memory, Roberts revealed that Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King paid for her parents’ hospital bill after her birth. This act was rooted in friendship and mutual trust—her parents ran a theater school that the Kings’ children attended. As Julia reflected, “It sort of lays the groundwork for who you are.”
In Summary
Julia Roberts’ kindness spans personal gestures—like comforting actors on set and offering guidance to younger colleagues—to major philanthropic efforts including anti-bullying campaigns, LGBTQ+ advocacy, documentary narration, global relief, and honoring humanitarian legacies. Her story even reflects a foundational act of compassion that influenced her own compassion: the generosity shown to her family at birth.
More About Julia Roberts
Her Smile Is Insured – Julia Roberts’ famous smile is reportedly insured for $30 million!
She Wasn’t the First Choice for Pretty Woman – The role of Vivian was initially offered to Molly Ringwald, who turned it down.
Julia’s middle name is Fiona.
As a child, Julia originally dreamed of becoming a veterinarian, but later discovered acting.
Julia is part of the 10% of the world’s population that is left-handed.
She’s Terrified of Water – Despite filming underwater scenes in Ben Is Back, she’s admitted to having a fear of being submerged.
Julia converted to Hinduism after working on Eat Pray Love.
She often wears prescription glasses but prefers contact lenses in public appearances.
Julia Roberts loves knitting and even knits on movie sets to relax.
Before fame, she worked at Baskin-Robbins.
She’s the First Woman to Earn $20 Million for a Movie. She made history with her paycheck for Erin Brockovich.
Julia prefers a quiet life and owns a ranch in Taos, New Mexico.
Unlike many Hollywood stars, Julia doesn’t drink coffee due to allergies.
She Once Lived in a Haunted House – Julia and her family experienced eerie happenings in an old house they rented.
Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King paid for Julia’s hospital birth expenses when her parents couldn’t afford them.
She Was Once Hollywood’s Highest-Paid Actress – In the early 2000s, she topped the list.
She’s Never Had Plastic Surgery – She embraces natural aging and has said she’d rather let her face show her life’s experiences.
Julia took clarinet lessons as a child.
She’s a Huge Beatles Fan – Julia has said The Beatles are her favorite band of all time.
She Met Her Husband on a Movie Set – She met Danny Moder, a cinematographer, while filming The Mexican.
For more than 20 years, Julia has been battling Thrombocytopenic Purpura, a rare blood disease that can result in bruises on one’s body. It can also cause anemia, fever, kidney problems, headaches, confusion and sometimes seizures. The prognosis is good as long as one is receiving treatments which can include removing one’s blood and replacing it with healthy donor transfusions.
She’s Afraid of Tarantulas – Julia has a deep fear of large spiders. On the other hand, Billie Eilish has a pet tarantula.
Her parents named her after Julia Lennon, John Lennon’s mother.
Instead of displaying her Oscar for Erin Brockovich in a flashy case, it stays on an ordinary bookshelf.
