5 Things You Need to Know About Hazel Roberts

Who Is Hazel Roberts and Why Is She Capturing Public Attention?

Hazel Roberts (also known as Hazel Moder) is the 20-year-old daughter of Academy Award-winning actress Julia Roberts and cinematographer Danny Moder. Born November 28, 2004, she’s one of the most private celebrity children in Hollywood, despite growing public interest in her life and potential career path.

Quick Facts About Hazel Roberts:

Hazel represents a new generation of celebrity children navigating the spotlight on their own terms. While her mother Julia Roberts is “one of the most famous people in the entire world,” as one profile notes, Hazel has lived a remarkably guarded life. Her parents deliberately kept her away from public scrutiny throughout childhood, implementing strict privacy rules and limiting technology use.

Now, as a college student making occasional red carpet appearances, Hazel is stepping into public view—but only slightly. Her rare appearances at events like the Cannes Film Festival have sparked intense curiosity about whether she’ll follow her parents into the film industry or forge her own path entirely.

Julia Roberts once described choosing her daughter’s name: “Hazel is an old-fashioned name, and she’s a strong, perfect Hazel.” That strength and privacy-first approach have defined Hazel’s first two decades.

Hazel roberts further reading:

1. She’s Hollywood Royalty: The Roberts-Moder Family Connection

When we talk about Hazel Roberts, we’re immediately drawn into the orbit of one of Hollywood’s most beloved families. She is, after all, the daughter of the iconic “Pretty Woman” herself, Julia Roberts, and the accomplished cinematographer Danny Moder. This isn’t just about having famous parents; it’s about being part of a lineage deeply embedded in the film industry, a kind of modern-day Hollywood royalty.

Julia Roberts, an Academy Award-winning actress with dozens of credits to her name, has always been fiercely protective of her private life, especially when it comes to her children. Her journey into acting was influenced by her own family, as her parents were actors and founded the Atlanta Actors and Writers Workshop. Her older brother, Eric Roberts, is a well-known actor, and her older sister, Lisa Roberts Gillan, is a film producer. This deep-rooted connection to the craft certainly sets a unique backdrop for Hazel’s upbringing.

Danny Moder, Hazel’s father, is a respected cinematographer, known for his work behind the camera on numerous films and television shows. His career has often kept him working alongside Julia, creating a dynamic where both parents understood the demands of a life in film.

Hazel Roberts shares her birthdate, November 28, 2004, with her twin brother, Phinnaeus Walter Moder. Three years later, on June 18, 2007, they welcomed their younger brother, Henry Daniel Moder, completing their close-knit family. Julia has often spoken about the joy and fulfillment her family brings, famously telling CBS Sunday Morning that while being an actress was her “dream come true,” it wasn’t her “only dream come true.” She emphasized that “the life that I’ve built with my husband, the life that we’ve built with our children, that’s the best stuff.”

From the outset, Julia and Danny made a conscious decision to give their children as normal an upbringing as possible, away from the intense glare of the paparazzi. In a 2022 interview, Julia shared that “so much of my children’s younger life they would see their dad go off and I would work a little, but they almost didn’t notice.” This intentional shielding allowed Hazel, Phinnaeus, and Henry to grow up with a strong sense of family values, prioritizing privacy and genuine connection over public spectacle. “We try to protect our kids,” Julia said in a 2013 interview. “We just want to have our family life and not have that intruded upon.”

This commitment to privacy has been a defining characteristic of the Roberts-Moder family. It’s a testament to their dedication that despite their parents’ global fame, Hazel Roberts and her brothers have largely been able to live lives out of the constant tabloid spotlight, fostering a strong family unit built on mutual respect and love.

2. A Guarded Childhood and a Dazzling Public Debut

For most of her life, Hazel Roberts existed as a name whispered in celebrity circles, known primarily as the daughter of Julia Roberts, but rarely seen. Her childhood was carefully guarded, a deliberate effort by her parents to shield her and her brothers from the often-harsh realities of growing up in the public eye. This wasn’t just about avoiding paparazzi; it was about fostering an environment where they could develop their own identities away from media scrutiny.

Julia Roberts has often spoken about her desire to provide her children with a normal upbringing. This involved setting boundaries around technology, a common challenge for many modern families, but perhaps even more so for those in the public eye. We know that Julia actively works to encourage real-life connections, implementing rules such as a charging station for phones when everyone arrives home and a strict “no phones at the dinner table” policy. These aren’t just arbitrary rules; they’re actionable steps designed to reduce reliance on technology and encourage genuine family interaction.

Family traditions also play a significant role in their private life. In a particularly heartwarming revelation, Julia shared that she has been saving love letters from her husband, Danny Moder, to eventually show Hazel. This gesture speaks volumes about the emotional connection and the cherished memories being built within their family, creating a unique kind of heirloom for Hazel Roberts.

However, even the most guarded childhood eventually gives way to some public appearances, especially when your mother is a global superstar. The world got a rare glimpse of Hazel Roberts in July 2021 when she made a dazzling public debut on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival. She attended the premiere of Flag Day, a film her father, Danny Moder, worked on as cinematographer, alongside her mother. This was a significant moment, marking one of her first major public appearances and instantly sparking widespread interest.

Her appearance at Cannes was met with both admiration and curiosity. Wearing a simple yet neat black dress, Hazel exuded a quiet confidence, mirroring her mother’s grace. This public debut showcased her striking resemblance to Julia Roberts, but also hinted at her own emerging presence. It was a careful balance of stepping into the spotlight while still maintaining a sense of personal space, a skill she’s likely honed from years of observing her privacy-conscious parents.

Balancing family life with public exposure is an ongoing act for the Roberts-Moder family. Julia herself experienced this when filming Ticket to Paradise in Australia, noting in an interview that it was “the longest I’ve ever been away from my family.” These moments underscore the constant navigation of their public and private worlds, and Hazel’s appearances are carefully chosen reflections of this delicate balance.

Even as her children grew older, Julia continued to prioritize their privacy and well-being. When the twins turned 19 in November 2023, Julia shared a rare photo of them as babies on Instagram. She explained to Extra that it was “something to be celebrated, and I know Instagram is a place where people like to share happy things.” This gesture provided a glimpse into their lives while still respecting their overall desire for privacy.

3. The Acting Bug: Has Hazel Roberts Caught It?

Given her lineage, one of the most frequently asked questions about Hazel Roberts is whether she plans to follow in her incredibly famous mother’s footsteps and pursue an acting career. With both parents deeply entrenched in the film industry—a celebrated actress and a skilled cinematographer—it’s natural to speculate about her potential future in Hollywood.

What is Hazel Roberts known for professionally?

While her public appearances have been rare, Hazel Roberts does indeed have an acting credit to her name. She is known for her role in the 2015 short film Mercy’s Blessing. In this film, she played the character “Mercy,” showcasing an early, albeit brief, foray into acting. The film, which has a rating of 7.5 on IMDb, offered a glimpse of her potential in front of the camera.

This early role, while not a major Hollywood production, is significant. It demonstrates that she has at least explored the craft that has brought her mother so much acclaim. For many celebrity children, an early acting credit can be a testing ground, an opportunity to see if the demanding world of film truly appeals to them. Her father, Danny Moder, was also involved in the film, further intertwining her professional debut with her family’s creative endeavors.

Will Hazel Roberts pursue an acting career?

The question of whether Hazel Roberts will pursue a full-time acting career remains largely unanswered. The Roberts-Moder family has always prioritized privacy, and this extends to their children’s career aspirations. There’s no definitive public statement from Hazel herself or her parents indicating a clear path into acting.

However, the speculation is rife, and for good reason. Not only is her mother one of the biggest stars in the world, but her extended family also boasts actors like her uncle Eric Roberts and cousin Emma Roberts. Hazel herself bears a striking resemblance to her mother and her cousin Emma, a fact often highlighted in media. This physical similarity, combined with her single acting credit, fuels the “Hollywood speculation” about her future.

Julia Roberts, in a February 2024 interview, reflected on how her early career success allowed her to “pull back” when her children were younger. This suggests a deliberate choice to prioritize family over continuous work, potentially giving her children the freedom to choose their own paths without the pressure of immediately capitalizing on their lineage.

Whether Hazel Roberts fully accepts the acting bug or carves out a different career path is a decision that remains hers alone. Her early experience in Mercy’s Blessing shows a willingness to explore, but her family’s commitment to privacy means we may not know her long-term aspirations until she chooses to share them. For now, her professional life remains largely a mystery, adding to the intrigue surrounding this young woman.

4. From Swiftie to College Student: Life Beyond the Spotlight

While the allure of Hollywood is strong, Hazel Roberts is also very much a young woman navigating the typical milestones of early adulthood, albeit with an extraordinary background. One of the most significant of these milestones is her journey as a college student, a chapter that her mother, Julia Roberts, accepts with immense pride and enthusiasm.

We know that Hazel is currently 20 years old, placing her firmly within the university landscape. Her mother has openly discussed her support for her children’s higher education, humorously sharing during a December 2023 appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon that after her kids started at school, she “immediately” made supporting their colleges her “entire life.” Julia proudly declared, “I wear the colors. I do the whole thing.” This hands-on, spirited approach shows Julia as a quintessential proud college mom, fully invested in her children’s academic journeys. It’s a relatable sentiment for many parents, even if their lives aren’t typically under the celebrity microscope.

Beyond her academic pursuits, Hazel Roberts has personal interests and passions that connect her to millions of young people worldwide. Perhaps one of the most delightful revelations about her is that she is a devoted Taylor Swift fan – a “Swiftie.” This tidbit, shared by her mother, shows a glimpse into her personal world, reminding us that despite her unique upbringing, she enjoys the same cultural touchstones as many of her peers. It’s a small but significant detail that humanizes her, making her more relatable than her “Hollywood royalty” status might suggest.

Julia has also shared insights into her children’s lives as they’ve grown. When the twins, Hazel and Phinnaeus, went off to college, their younger brother Henry enjoyed being the sole child at home, a common dynamic in families with children of varying ages. This further illustrates the family’s grounded approach to life, focusing on the everyday realities and joys of parenting, even as the children mature and start on their own adventures.

What we can glean from these insights is that Hazel Roberts is building a life that extends far beyond the red carpet. Her focus on education and her personal interests underscore a desire for a well-rounded existence. Her parents’ efforts to provide a sheltered upbringing have likely fostered a strong sense of self, allowing her the space to explore her passions and forge her own identity, whether that eventually leads her back to the film industry or down an entirely different path. For now, she’s navigating the exciting world of university life, supported by a family that values personal growth and genuine experiences above all else.

5. A Special Mother-Daughter Bond

The relationship between Julia Roberts and her daughter, Hazel Roberts, is a particularly heartwarming aspect of their family dynamic, characterized by deep affection and unique traditions. From the very beginning, Hazel’s name itself held special significance for Julia. When choosing a name for her daughter, Julia opted for “Hazel” because, as she described, “Hazel is an old-fashioned name, and she’s a strong, perfect Hazel.” This choice speaks to Julia’s perception of her daughter’s inherent character even as a baby—a sense of strength and individuality that she saw reflected in the classic name.

Their bond is further exemplified by a truly touching family tradition. Julia has revealed that she has been saving love letters from her husband, Danny Moder, specifically to give to Hazel when she is older. This beautiful gesture is more than just preserving memories; it’s about passing down a legacy of love, commitment, and the enduring strength of their family unit. It’s a tangible representation of the deep emotional connection that Julia hopes to share with her daughter, offering a window into the foundation of her parents’ relationship. This kind of thoughtful tradition underscores the warmth and depth of their mother-daughter relationship, built on shared history and future dreams.

The public image of Hazel Roberts

When Hazel Roberts does step into the public eye, her presence is often marked by a striking similarity to her famous mother. We’ve often observed that Hazel bears a remarkable resemblance to Julia Roberts, particularly in her smile and captivating eyes. This facial likeness is so pronounced that it’s frequently commented upon, and she’s even been noted to resemble her cousin, Emma Roberts, further solidifying her place within a family known for its distinct Hollywood looks.

However, despite this visual connection to her iconic mother, Hazel maintains a distinctly private persona. Her public image is characterized by a quiet dignity and a preference for staying out of the intense media spotlight that often follows celebrity offspring. When she appears at events, such as the Cannes Film Festival, her demeanor is often understated yet confident, suggesting a young woman comfortable in her own skin but not seeking overt attention. She isn’t frequently seen on social media, nor does she actively cultivate a public profile, which aligns perfectly with her parents’ long-standing commitment to privacy. This approach has allowed Hazel Roberts to control her narrative and shape her personal style and public perception on her own terms, making her an intriguing figure who is both recognizable and refreshingly enigmatic.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hazel Roberts

We often get questions about Hazel Roberts, reflecting the public’s keen interest in this private yet prominent young woman. Here, we address some of the most common inquiries.

How old is Hazel Roberts?

Hazel Roberts was born on November 28, 2004. As of now, she is 20 years old. She shares this birthdate with her twin brother, Phinnaeus Moder, making them both Sagittarius, a zodiac sign often associated with adventurous and independent spirits.

Who are Hazel Roberts’ parents?

Hazel Roberts is the daughter of two highly respected figures in Hollywood: Julia Roberts, the celebrated Academy Award-winning actress known for her iconic roles in films like Pretty Woman and Erin Brockovich, and Danny Moder, an accomplished cinematographer recognized for his work behind the camera.

Consistent with her family’s strong emphasis on privacy, Hazel Roberts does not maintain a public social media presence. Her parents have deliberately shielded their children from the constant scrutiny that often comes with celebrity, implementing rules to limit technology use and preserve their private lives. While her mother, Julia Roberts, occasionally shares rare family photos on her own social media channels, Hazel herself remains largely absent from public platforms, choosing to maintain a very private life away from the digital spotlight.

Conclusion

As we’ve explored, Hazel Roberts (Hazel Moder) is a fascinating figure who embodies a unique blend of Hollywood legacy and grounded privacy. From her lineage as the daughter of Julia Roberts and Danny Moder, to her carefully guarded childhood, and her emergence as a college student with a burgeoning sense of self, Hazel represents a new generation navigating the complexities of fame on her own terms.

Her single acting credit in Mercy’s Blessing hints at a potential future in the film industry, but her current focus on education and personal interests, like being a proud “Swiftie,” underscores a desire for a well-rounded life beyond the glare of the cameras. The special bond she shares with her mother, highlighted by cherished traditions like saving love letters, paints a picture of a strong and loving family unit.

Hazel Roberts continues to capture public interest precisely because of her balanced approach to life: she is both a part of Hollywood royalty and an individual forging her own path with quiet determination. We at PARK Ave Magazine will certainly be watching with interest to see how this remarkable young woman continues to shape her future.

Explore more celebrity biographies on PARK Ave Magazine.