ZapGossip

Julia Roberts had ‘methodical’ career plan

Julia Roberts thinks becoming a successful actress is a less "methodical" process these days.
The 51-year-old star believes the rise of social media and improved technology means it is easier for people to make a name for themselves, whereas when she was beginning her career, choosing the right project was much more important.
She told the new issue of Britain’s Marie Claire magazine: "Things have changed a lot. When I started out, there was no social media, there was barely internet. People couldn’t take pictures with their phones.
"There were logical steps in a career progression: you made a film and if it was successful, you had the opportunity to work again. If your second film was successful, you could be paid more and get a new role. N
"ow, someone can just pop out of nowhere and make it, which I guess is very destabilising.
"Building a career was a much more methodical endeavour 30 years ago."
These days, the ‘Pretty Woman’ actress – who has twins Hazel and Phinnaeus, 14, and son Henry, 12, with cinematographer husband Daniel Moder – has to factor in what’s best for her family when it comes to making decisions about her work.
She explained: "I pay even more attention [to my role choices] because we have a family and it’s not just about me.
"My husband and I avoid working at the same time.
"So there are my projects, Danny’s projects, the kids’ school calendar – organisation is basically math."
But Julia feels "very lucky" that she’s able to take a lot of time off to be with her kids between movies.
She said: "I feel very lucky that I don’t have to work constantly. My mother worked full-time, 365 days a year, with only two weeks of vacation, and she took care of us – she had no choice. I have boundless admiration for those women and everything they have to do to make ends meet."