Eric Roberts calls himself ‘undependable’ during Emma Roberts’ childhood

Eric Roberts has opened up about his early struggles as a father, describing himself as an undependable “wash rag” when his daughter Emma Roberts was born.

The 69-year-old actor, known for roles in Runaway Train and The Dark Knight, spoke candidly on Really Famous with Kara Mayer Robinson about his relationship with the 35-year-old American Horror Story star, whom he shares with ex Kelly Cunningham. 

Roberts admitted he wasn’t emotionally reliable during Emma’s early years but emphasized there is no lingering bad blood between them.

“It’s only complicated through outside eyes, because they don’t get any of it. So, they have their own take, whatever that is,” he said, addressing public perception of their relationship.

Roberts recalled a profound moment when Emma was a newborn, describing her “screaming her head off” until he sang Happy Birthday — a song he had also sung during Cunningham’s pregnancy. 

“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,” he said, reflecting on the magic of that early connection.

The actor has been open about past struggles, including losing custody of Emma due to a battle with drug addiction, from which he has been clean since 1995. 

Becoming a grandfather to Emma’s son, Rhodes, brought a new perspective: “There’s not a pain, there’s a sadness for the, most likely misunderstandings we’ll all have forever. Because we’re human,” he said.

Despite the challenges, Roberts stressed that their relationship, while occasionally complicated, has moments of deep connection that define their bond.