Interview with Actor Eric Roberts

An interview with actor Eric Roberts

Q: At what age do you remember first being aware that you spoke differently?
A: I can't remember not being aware. In school, when we used to go around the table, each reading a paragraph, I'd count ahead and try to memorize my paragraph.

Q: Is there any history of stuttering in your family?
A: There wasn't that I knew of. I've heard that my mother stutters. Somehow, I don't hear it.

Q: Your daughter Emma definitely had a breakthrough role in this summer's hit movie 'Nancy Drew.' When she was a child did you worry she might develop a stuttering problem?
A: Never thought about it with Emma.

Q: Over the years, Hollywood has still produced movies which portray people who stutter in a negative light. Why do you think Hollywood still cranks out movies like these?
A: Hollywood is basically immature and insecure.

Q: You made 'Best of the Best' with James Earl Jones. Did you ever discuss stuttering with him?
A: I can't actually remember if James and I discussed it. But I sense we have a lot in common.

Q: What was your single most embarrassing moment as a person who stutters?
A: Actually it was on a recent late night talk show. I got on a stuttering jag and the audience got uncomfortable and started laughing. I stayed relaxed, but I didn't have the presence of mind, until afterwards, to acknowledge the stutter and put the audience at ease.

Q: If you could give any piece of advice to a young person who stutters, what would it be?
A: The same advice I give to everyone, which is to do the ongoing work of self acceptance.

Q: Your name has long been on the Stuttering Foundation's list of Famous People Who Stutter. What was your reaction when you saw all the famous names on the list? Were you surprised to see some names on there?
A: I was surprised to see some of the names there.

Q: When you were growing up, did you have any people who stutter as role models?
A: Actually, that would have been great. But no.