Born to Walter Grady Roberts, a vacuum cleaner salesman, and his wife Betty Lou Bredemus, a one-time church secretary and real estate agent.

Lies on her back to have her make-up applied before going onto a film set — she insists it gives her a relaxed look.

After George Clooney and Brad Pitt found out that she was going to be joining them in "Ocean's Eleven," they sent her a card that read, "We heard that you get 20 per film." And in it was a $20 bill.

Splits her time between her ranch in Taos, New Mexico and a home in New York City.

She's a huge fan of actress Aishwarya Rai, whom she once said was "The most beautiful woman in the world, more beautiful than any Hollywood actress."

Shares a birthday with actor Joaquin Phoenix.

In 2004, archaeologists called a 9,000 year old female skeleton excavated in Bulgaria "Julia Roberts," because of its perfect teeth. They said that woman would have had a perfect smile — just like the actress.

Erin Brockovich is right-handed and Roberts is not; she learned to use her right hand for the role.

"The Alchemist" is one of her favorite books.

An accomplished equestrienne, she did her own riding in "Runaway Bride."

Is attended the Lee Strasberg Institute, whose alumni include Angelina Jolie, Mickey Rourke, Scarlett Johansson, Rosario Dawson and the late Dennis Hopper.

Her films have grossed more than $ 2 billion at the US box office, making her the biggest female movie star of all time (February 2007).

Her father, Walter Roberts, was brought up in Coatbridge, Scotland.

Was four months pregnant with son Henry when she completed filming "Charlie Wilson's War."

As a child, Julia wanted to be a veterinarian, but later studied journalism.