Julia Roberts, one of Hollywood’s most iconic actresses, looked nearly unrecognizable while filming scenes for the 2013 drama August: Osage County alongside Ewan McGregor in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Best known for her glamorous role as Vivian Ward in the 1990 hit Pretty Woman, the then 44-year-old star underwent a complete transformation to portray Barbara Weston, a woman grappling with the emotional fallout of a broken family after the disappearance of its alcoholic patriarch.
‘On set, Roberts ditched her usual makeup and fashion-forward styling, instead opting for a deliberately plain and modest look. Dressed in a loose white button-up shirt layered over a cream-colored top and baggy blue jeans, she embraced the authenticity of her character. Her long brunette hair was left untouched by stylists, simply hanging naturally to reflect the rawness and realism demanded by the role. As she prepared for an intense scene, Roberts delivered a deeply emotional performance, walking hand in hand with McGregor’s character, Bill Fordham, toward a boat dock where they were met by a sheriff tasked with helping them identify a dead body.
The mood was somber and tense, with Roberts fully immersed in the grief and pain of her character. The moment the body is revealed, she breaks down into uncontrollable sobs, collapsing into McGregor’s arms for comfort, her hysteria palpable and heart-wrenching. Though she appeared distraught during the take, Roberts quickly bounced back between scenes. She was later seen laughing and chatting with fellow actress Julianne Nicholson, who seemed to point out something humorous that brought some lightness to the otherwise emotionally heavy day. Nicholson, also known for her work in Boardwalk Empire, matched Roberts’ grounded look with a similarly modest outfit—wearing a plain blue shirt and brown flared pants, her hair tied back in a simple ponytail.
The film, adapted from the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Tracy Letts, centers around a deeply dysfunctional family that reunites under tragic circumstances. With a stellar ensemble cast, August: Osage County features Meryl Streep as the tough and bitter matriarch Violet Weston, while Benedict Cumberbatch plays the awkward and misunderstood Little Charles Aiken. The project brought together a wide array of talent, many of whom took on roles far removed from their usual screen personas. The casting process for the film was also quite eventful. According to IMDb, both Renée Zellweger and Andrea Riseborough were considered for roles in the film. Riseborough was initially cast but ultimately had to step away from the production due to scheduling conflicts, leading to Juliette Lewis stepping in to portray Karen Weston. Another popular young actress, Chloë Moretz, auditioned for the role of Jean Fordham, Barbara and Bill’s daughter, but the role eventually went to Abigail Breslin, who brought her own unique emotional depth to the character.
Julia Roberts’ decision to take on the role of Barbara was a significant shift from her earlier romantic comedies and showed her dedication to taking on more complex, emotionally rich characters. By abandoning the polished image she was known for and instead embracing the grit and realism of the Weston family dynamic, she once again demonstrated her impressive versatility as an actress. Her performance was a clear reminder that Roberts is more than just a pretty face—she’s a serious talent willing to strip away the glamour for the sake of authentic storytelling. From tearful scenes at the dock to lighthearted moments behind the camera, Roberts’ time on set for August: Osage County proved she could fully immerse herself in emotionally taxing roles while maintaining a professional and positive energy with her co-stars. Her portrayal of Barbara Weston stood as a central pillar in the film’s exploration of family pain, loss, and the uncomfortable truths that surface when relatives are forced to confront one another, proving once again why Julia Roberts remains one of the most respected and beloved actresses in the industry.
