Julia Roberts’ Birth Was Paid for by MLK

We love our coincidences, don’t we?

The conversation was from A+E Networks and History Channel’s HISTORYTalks live event in Washington, D.C., in September. In it, King notes that Roberts had two major historical figures in her life, and asked who paid the hospital bill when she was born.
OK,” Roberts smiles, before turning towards the audience and pointing at King. “Her research is very good.”

After a brief exchange (“The King family…” Roberts says, to which King responds “Not my family”) Roberts confirms that MLK and Coretta covered the costs. How did that come to happen?

“Obviously, because my parents couldn’t pay for the hospital,” answered Roberts, who was born in Smyrna, Ga., in 1967. She went on to explain that at the time her parents ran a theater school in Atlanta called the Actors and Writers Workshop.
“And one day Coretta Scott King called my mother and asked if her kids could be part of the school, ’cause they were having a hard time finding a place that would accept her kids, and my mom was like, ‘Sure come on over,’ ” Roberts said. “And so they all just became friends and they helped us out of a jam.”
– Julia Roberts – NPR

The Unlikely Bond

Julia Roberts, known for her roles in “Pretty Woman,” “Erin Brockovich,” and many other acclaimed films, shared a surprising story about her birth. In an interview, Roberts revealed that Martin Luther King Jr. and his wife, Coretta Scott King, paid the hospital bill for her birth in 1967. This act of kindness stemmed from the deep friendship between the Kings and Roberts’ parents, Walter and Betty Lou Roberts.

The Roberts Family’s Influence

Walter and Betty Lou Roberts were prominent figures in the Atlanta theater community, running the Actors and Writers Workshop. The workshop was known for its progressive stance on racial integration, which was a rarity in the segregated South during the 1960s. The Roberts family welcomed black actors and children into their theater, providing a safe space for artistic expression and education.

Among the children who benefited from the Roberts’ inclusive theater were the King children. Yolanda King, the eldest daughter of Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, participated in productions at the Actors and Writers Workshop. This connection fostered a close friendship between the King and Roberts families.

A Gesture of Gratitude

When Julia Roberts was born on October 28, 1967, her parents faced financial difficulties. Recognizing the significance of the Roberts’ support and friendship, Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King stepped in to help. They covered the hospital expenses for Julia’s birth, demonstrating their gratitude and solidarity with the Roberts family.