For decades, Julia Roberts has been one of Hollywood’s most beloved actresses. Her radiant smile, glamorous presence, and effortlessly captivating performances made her a global star. From Pretty Woman to Erin Brockovich, she has carried an unmistakable charm that audiences instantly recognize. Yet, in 2013, Roberts made a striking choice that surprised many: she shed her glamorous image to play Barbara Weston in August: Osage County.
This role was unlike anything her fans had seen before. Far from the polished red carpets of Los Angeles or the romantic comedy settings where she often shined, Julia embraced a raw, subdued look and personality. The decision was not about physical appearance alone—it was about fully embodying a complex character burdened with family struggles, grief, and unresolved tension. In doing so, she demonstrated once again why she remains one of the most respected performers in the film industry.
A Different Kind of Julia Roberts
When audiences think of Julia Roberts, the first images that often come to mind are dazzling gowns, elegant hairstyles, and her signature magnetic smile. But Barbara Weston was a very different figure. As the eldest daughter of a deeply troubled family in rural Oklahoma, Barbara carried the weight of fractured relationships and hidden pain. To bring her to life, Roberts set aside every trace of Hollywood shine.
Instead of designer gowns, her wardrobe consisted of ordinary jeans, layered tops, and muted tones. On set, she was frequently dressed in a plain blue shirt with brown trousers—an outfit that reflected Barbara’s exhaustion and simplicity rather than celebrity status. Even her hair, usually styled in polished waves, was tied back in a simple ponytail. This was not an accident; every detail was designed to strip away the glamour, leaving only the raw emotional truth of the character.
By transforming her appearance so drastically, Roberts reminded audiences that great acting isn’t about beauty or star power—it’s about disappearing into a role so completely that the character, not the actor, takes center stage.
The Story Behind August: Osage County
The film itself was adapted from Tracy Letts’ Pulitzer Prize-winning play. It tells the story of the Weston family, whose lives unravel after the disappearance of patriarch Beverly Weston. The narrative explores grief, dysfunction, and the hidden resentments that surface when family members are forced back under one roof.
Set in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, the location added authenticity to the story. The small-town backdrop and rural landscapes reflected the claustrophobic tension within the Weston household. Director John Wells created an environment where the actors could thrive, focusing on the emotional weight of dialogue and character interaction rather than flashy visuals.
For Julia Roberts, this environment provided the perfect canvas to step outside her comfort zone. Rather than playing a likable heroine or a glamorous star, she played a woman worn down by life—sharp, conflicted, and at times unlikable, but always real.
A Star-Studded Ensemble
One of the remarkable aspects of August: Osage County was its ensemble cast. Alongside Julia Roberts was the legendary Meryl Streep as Violet Weston, Barbara’s mother. Their dynamic became the emotional core of the film. Streep delivered a powerhouse performance as a matriarch consumed by bitterness and addiction, while Roberts played the daughter torn between love, resentment, and responsibility.
The film also featured an impressive supporting cast:
-
Benedict Cumberbatch as Little Charles Aiken, whose vulnerability added depth to the family dynamic.
-
Juliette Lewis as Karen Weston, Barbara’s sister, who brought energy and contrast to the role.
-
Ewan McGregor as Bill Fordham, Barbara’s estranged husband.
-
Abigail Breslin as Jean Fordham, Barbara’s teenage daughter navigating her own struggles.
Interestingly, the casting process saw several changes before filming began. Renée Zellweger and Andrea Riseborough were initially considered for key roles. However, scheduling conflicts led Riseborough to withdraw, opening the opportunity for Juliette Lewis. Similarly, young actress Chloë Grace Moretz auditioned for Jean Fordham, but the role eventually went to Abigail Breslin, whose performance added the right balance of innocence and rebellion.
This mixture of established stars and rising talents gave the film richness and balance. The ensemble dynamic allowed Roberts to shine in a new way—not as the sole focus, but as one thread in a larger tapestry of performances.
Julia Roberts’ Dedication to Authenticity
What made Roberts’ portrayal so compelling was her willingness to strip away all the qualities audiences usually expect from her. Barbara Weston was not meant to be glamorous, charming, or instantly likable. She was complicated—a woman caught in the crossfire of family dysfunction, struggling with personal grief, and carrying the heavy responsibility of holding her family together.
Roberts brought an understated intensity to the role. Rather than dramatic outbursts or over-the-top scenes, she used subtle expressions, pauses, and body language to convey emotion. A quiet sigh, a tightened jaw, or a fleeting glance often spoke louder than dialogue.
This restraint made Barbara believable. Viewers didn’t see “Julia Roberts, Hollywood star”; they saw a flawed, weary woman navigating impossible circumstances. By putting authenticity above vanity, Roberts proved that her craft extends far beyond the surface.
