Julia Roberts Unrecognizable in Emotional Role for August: Osage County

Julia Roberts, famously known for her glamorous role in Pretty Woman, looked drastically different while filming August: Osage County in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Stripped of makeup and dressed in plain clothes, the 44-year-old actress played Barbara Weston, a woman coping with family turmoil after her father goes missing.

Roberts was seen on set alongside Ewan McGregor, who plays her ex-husband Bill Fordham. In a powerful scene, the two walk to a boat dock to identify a dead body. “Upon seeing the dead body, Julia then bursts into tears,” and clings to McGregor’s character for comfort. Her performance was described as “hysterically distraught.”

Dressed in layered tops and loose jeans, Julia’s look was far from Hollywood glam. Her hair was simply styled, reflecting her character’s emotional struggle. Another co-star, Julianne Nicholson, also embraced a low-key appearance, donning brown flared trousers and a tied-back ponytail.

Despite the heavy nature of the scene, the cast shared light moments off-camera. “The actress appeared alongside Julianne Nicholson, who appeared to be pointing out something rather funny to the group.”

The star-studded cast includes Meryl Streep as Violet Weston and Benedict Cumberbatch as Little Charles Aiken. Juliette Lewis plays Karen Weston, a role originally intended for Andrea Riseborough before she dropped out due to scheduling conflicts. Abigail Breslin won the part of Jean Fordham, beating out Chloë Moretz in auditions.

Roberts’ portrayal of Barbara marks a striking departure from her usual roles, showcasing her range in this intense family drama.