Who Are Emma Roberts' Parents? Exploring the Lives of Eric Roberts and Kelly Cunningham

Emma Roberts is the talented American Horror Story and Scream Queens star. She comes from an incredibly famous family. Given her family's legacy in Hollywood, her career in acting was almost inevitable. Emma’s parents, Eric Roberts and Kelly Cunningham, played significant roles in her life and career. Let’s look closer at their lives and their influence on her success.

Who Is Kelly Cunningham?

Kelly Cunningham is a private figure who has largely stayed out of the spotlight. She is known for being the mother of Emma Roberts. While much about her personal life remains private, she has incredibly supported Emma’s career. The bond between Emma and Kelly is undeniable. Emma frequently praises her mother, describing her as “the best mama and mims anyone could ask for.”

Kelly Cunningham’s role as a mother has shaped Emma’s life in more ways than one. Emma has shared that she could not navigate life without her mom’s constant support. The two share a special bond, and Emma has even called Kelly her "bestie" and "queen."

Eric Roberts: Emma’s Famous Father

Eric Roberts is no stranger to the spotlight. He is a prolific actor with an extensive career in film and television. Known for his roles in The Dark Knight and The Young and the Restless, Eric has appeared in over 700 films, TV shows, and music videos. With a career spanning more than four decades, Eric’s acting chops are undeniable. He earned a Golden Globe nomination for his performance in King of the Gypsies in 1978, marking the start of his long and successful career.

Though he is Emma's father, Eric has been entirely private about their relationship. He has expressed pride in Emma’s acting career but has mentioned that they don’t talk much about work. Still, Eric couldn’t be prouder of how far Emma has come. In a recent interview, he stated, "I'm in love with my daughter's work these days... I'm so proud of her I can't see straight."

Despite their limited discussions about their careers, Eric has always supported Emma. He has clarified that he loves her work, especially in We’re the Millers and American Horror Story. Eric has even said he would love to work with Emma in a film in which they play father and daughter.

Eric and Kelly’s Relationship: A Split Early in Emma’s Life

Eric Roberts and Kelly Cunningham’s relationship was short-lived. The couple had Emma on February 10, 1991, but they split shortly after her birth. They had been dating since 1988 but never married. Following their breakup, Eric married actress Eliza Garrett in 1992. Meanwhile, Kelly Cunningham also married American bassist Kelly Nickels, with whom she had another daughter, Emma’s half-sister, Grace Nickels.

Despite their separation, Eric and Kelly played essential roles in Emma’s life. While Eric remarried, Kelly remained a private individual who mainly focused on supporting her children.

Emma’s Close Relationship With Her Mother, Kelly Cunningham

Emma and Kelly share a particularly close bond. Emma has openly expressed her appreciation for her mother’s support. In an interview in 2023, she said, "I'm so lucky my mom helps me a lot. I would die without my mom." She has also praised Kelly for teaching her to be a mother.

Emma's love for her mom is evident from her Instagram tributes and interviews. In 2022, she called Kelly “the best mom anyone could ask for” and mentioned how Kelly always answers her phone, even at night. Emma has expressed her deep admiration for Kelly and regularly shares their fun adventures.

Eric Roberts' Influence on Emma’s Career

While Eric Roberts and Emma do not discuss their work much, Eric has undoubtedly impacted Emma’s acting career. Growing up surrounded by successful actors like Eric and his sister, Julia Roberts, Emma was exposed to the world of Hollywood from a young age. Spending time on set with her aunt Julia while she filmed iconic movies like Erin Brockovich sparked Emma’s interest in acting.

Eric has admitted that he never actively pushed Emma into the industry. But watching her grow into a successful actress has been incredibly fulfilling for him. “She’s been on-the-job training her whole career, and it’s been lovely for me to watch her become an actor,” Eric said.

Though they don’t talk much about their work, Eric takes great pride in his daughter’s success. He has often gushed about Emma’s achievements and praised her dedication to her craft.

Emma and Her Family: A Strong Bond With Her Grandparents

Eric and Kelly are also extremely close to Emma’s son, Rhodes, born in December 2020. Emma often shares photos of her son with her parents, and they enjoy spending time with their grandson. Kelly Cunningham frequently posts about Rhodes, calling him "pure joy," and has mentioned that she is the “best mims ever” to him.

Eric, a two-time grandfather, has also shared his love for being a grandparent. In a recent interview, he humorously compared grandparenting to receiving wrapped gifts filled with surprises. He adores his role as a grandfather, and it’s evident that family is incredibly important to him.

Kelly Cunningham’s Social Media Slip-Up

In one of the more humorous moments, Kelly Cunningham accidentally revealed Emma’s pregnancy on social media before Emma had planned to announce it. Emma, who wanted to keep the news private for a while, later joked about her mother’s slip-up on Instagram. Emma took it in stride despite the mishap, showing a great sense of humor about her mom’s enthusiastic support.

Eric Roberts' Memoir: Reflecting on His Family

In his 2024 memoir Runaway Train: Or the Story of My Life So Far, Eric Roberts opened up about his past, including his struggles with addiction. He wrote about the consequences of his drug use, including losing custody of Emma to Kelly. Despite these challenges, Eric has always maintained a loving relationship with his daughter, and his memoir reflects his journey.

Conclusion

Emma Roberts is lucky to have two parents who, despite their different paths in life, have always been there for her. Kelly Cunningham’s unwavering support and Eric Roberts' pride in his daughter’s success have played an integral part in Emma’s career. Their family dynamic may not always be in the spotlight, but it’s clear that Emma’s upbringing shaped her into the talented actress we see today. Whether through her mother’s love or her father’s encouragement, Emma’s family remains a pillar in her life.