One of the most significant peaks in Roberts’s career is her portrayal of the title character in “Erin Brockovich” (2002). This was a moment every Hollywood star waits for, and for Roberts, it wasn’t a long wait.
Based on a true story, her character was an unemployed single mother of three who fought to stop a mega-corporation from harming her town. This role finally turned her from an Oscar nominee to an Oscar winner as Best Actress. Not only did she win an Academy Award for her role, but the film itself got 33 wins in total, so it was a massive success for Roberts and also for the makers of the movie.
Jackie of All Trades
While Roberts portrayed romantic characters beautifully, she soon switched to other genres. There was more than just pretty women to Roberts, and she was about to reveal a much more extensive range in her character portrayals.
Sure, the romantic roles didn't disappear. There were romantic comedies like "Notting Hill" (1999) and "Runaway Bride" (1999). “Notting Hill” is even considered a cult classic today. She dominated the romcoms for a good portion of the 90s but is also an absolute gem in dramas such as "Eat Pray Love" (2010) and "Closer" (2004). No character was too big for her to slip into.
Doing It All
Dramas and romantic comedies are just a drop in the bucket when it comes to Roberts's career. Soon enough, directors and movie producers realized that a jewel landed in Hollywood, and soon enough everyone was eager to work with her and have her star in their flicks.
She has appeared in thrillers (like "The Pelican Brief" and "Conspiracy Theory") and has even done some voice acting, lending her vocal cords to animated characters like in the film "Smurfs: The Lost Village." Some films did better than others, of course, but for the most part her work has been incredibly successful.
Bringing the Titles Home
Roberts's success wasn't limited to critical acclaim. She has also reached unbelievable financial achievements, becoming the highest-paid actress in the world for most of the 1990s. She has kept raking in big bucks ever since.
The star's titles don't just stop there. She has even surpassed her tight homie and fellow Hollywood costar George Clooney, who has only attained the ‘Sexiest Man Alive’ title two times now. She, on the other hand, has earned the title of the most beautiful in the world from People magazine for five consecutive years! She joked about this and stated that she would mention it to the Clooneys in the annual Christmas Card she sends to them.
The Best of the Best
With an acting career in Hollywood that stretches over more than three decades, it's no surprise that Roberts has had the chance to work with the creme de la creme of the Hollywood gentry. She is one of the best faces in Hollywood and therefore, has been paired with no less than the best of the best.
Other than Richard Gere, Roberts's line of impressive co-stars includes Catherine Zeta-Jones and George Clooney ("Ocean's Eleven"), and most recently (“Ticket to Paradise”), Denzel Washington ("The Pelican Brief"), Brad Pitt ("The Mexican"), Owen Wilson (“Wonder”), Natalie Portman (“Closer”), and Tom Hanks ("Charlie Wilson's War").