25 Fascinating Photos of Julia Roberts From the Late 1980s

In the late 1980s, Julia Roberts (born October 28, 1967) was emerging as one of Hollywood’s most promising new stars. This period marked her breakthrough and the start of her journey to international fame.

Known for her cascading, voluminous curly hair and broad, radiant smile, Roberts embodied a fresh, approachable beauty that resonated with audiences. Her look was effortless, often leaning into relaxed, slightly bohemian styles. Denim, oversized blazers, and minimal makeup were hallmarks of her casual style, which contrasted with the more glam looks she occasionally wore for red carpet events.

She got her first film role in Satisfaction (1988), playing a rock band member alongside Justine Bateman and Liam Neeson. While the film wasn’t a hit, it gave Roberts her first taste of Hollywood visibility. She also appeared in Mystic Pizza, which became her breakout role. Her performance as Daisy Arujo — a spirited, working-class young woman — earned praise for its warmth and charisma. Critics quickly noticed her star quality and magnetic smile.

Roberts earned her first Academy Award nomination for Steel Magnolias (1989), playing Shelby Eatenton Latcherie, a young woman with diabetes who dreams of becoming a mother. Her performance alongside Sally Field, Shirley MacLaine, and Dolly Parton established her as a serious actress.

By 1989, Julia Roberts was being hailed as America’s newest sweetheart — fresh-faced, down-to-earth, and full of charm. Her natural beauty, distinctive laugh, and relatable energy made her stand out from the glamorous Hollywood norm of the time.

By the end of the decade, Julia Roberts was already being courted for major film roles. In 1990, she would catapult to superstardom with Pretty Woman, but her late 1980s years laid the foundation for that success — showing the world her mix of vulnerability, humor, and emotional depth.