‘Sad’ Eric Roberts detailed his relationship ‘loss’ with daughter Emma years before missing her wedding

Eric Roberts pulled back the curtain on his and daughter Emma Roberts’ strained relationship years before missing the actress’ wedding to Cody John. When asked what was the “toughest time” of his life during an October 2024 podcast episode, the actor replied, “Probably the loss of a relationship with my daughter.” The 70-year-old, however, denied to “Inside of You” listeners that there was “pain” surrounding their connection. Eric Roberts discussed his “loss of a relationship” with daughter Emma Roberts before missing her wedding. WireImage The actor shared the “sadness” in an October 2024 podcast episode. Inside of You with Michael Rosenbaum/Youtube He described it, instead, as “a sadness for the most likely misunderstandings we’ll all have forever because we’re human.” Eric noted at the time that becoming a grandpa brought this feeling to light because his eldest grandchild, who “looks like Emma,” has taken “a liking” to him — and “reminded” him of “what [he] didn’t have.” Earlier this year, the Golden Globe nominee clarified that he and Emma, 35, are not estranged while appearing on “Really Famous With Kara Myer Robinson.” Eric (pictured above with Emma’s mom, Kelly Cunningham, in February 1988) said being a grandparent has highlighted “what [he] didn’t have” with his child. Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images In April, Eric clarified he and Emma are not estranged. Really Famous with Kara Mayer Robinson/Youtube Want more celebrity and pop culture news? Start your day with Page Six Daily. Thanks for signing up! He explained in April that his relationship with the “Unfabulous” alum is “only complicated through outside eyes … because they don’t get any of it.” Eric did confess during the interview to being a “wash rag” and “car wreck” of a dad when Emma was growing up. “I was not to be depended on emotionally whatsoever,” the Oscar nominee admitted, taking “full responsibility” for this. The Oscar nominee (pictured above in January 1989 with Cunningham) confessed to being a “car wreck” of a father. Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images He missed Emma’s Idaho nuptials to Cody John on Saturday. Dsanchez/CPR / BACKGRID However, Eric said he’ll “always have” a sweet moment he and Emma shared when she was a newborn and he soothed her by singing “Happy Birthday.” He recalled, “She stopped screaming and tried to find my face with her little blind eyes. It was the most complete moment maybe I have ever had in my life. That something I did was recognized by a brand-new creature who had my DNA. “And there she was, and she already knew me,” Eric continued. “She tried to find me. It was magic.” Eric was noticeably missing from Page Six’s photos of Emma’s star-studded Saturday wedding to John, while his sister Julia Roberts was present. His sister Julia Roberts was present at the ceremony. Instagram/Emma Roberts On Monday, Eric told Page Six, “It is perfectly wonderful for [Emma] to celebrate however she wants, with whomever she wants.” Dsanchez/CPR / BACKGRID The “Runaway Train” star, who was photographed in Los Angeles over the weekend, exclusively told us in a statement Monday that he “love[s his] daughter, always have and always will.” He added, “It is perfectly wonderful for her to celebrate however she wants, with whomever she wants.” Emma’s rep has yet to respond to Page Six’s request for comment. Community Guidelines Welcome to the Page Six Community! Our community is about connecting people through open and thoughtful conversations. We want our readers to share their views and exchange ideas in a safe space. In order to do so, we've created a simple set of rules that will improve your experience. Simply put, keep it civil. Your post will/might be rejected if it contains: Spam Insults, profanity, incoherent, obscene or inflammatory language and threats of any kind Attacks on the identity of other commenters or the article's author User accounts will/might be blocked if we notice: Continuous attempts to re-post comments that have been previously moderated/rejected Racist, sexist, or homophobic comments Attempts or tactics that put the site security at risk So, how can you be a power user? Stay on topic and share your passion. Feel free to elaborate to get your point across. 'Like' or 'Dislike' when you are filled with emotions! Protect your community. Use the report tool to alert us when someone breaks the rules. Thanks for reading our community guidelines. Don't forget, freedom of speech is not the freedom of reach!