In 1991, Julia Roberts became the first actress to earn $20 million for a single movie role in “Sleeping with the Enemy.”
This was a significant milestone in Hollywood, as it shattered the glass ceiling for actresses and opened doors for higher paychecks for women in the industry. Prior to this, male actors were typically the ones earning the highest salaries for film roles.
Julia’s success with “Sleeping with the Enemy” was not only due to her talent as an actress but also her ability to draw in audiences. She quickly became a Hollywood A-lister and was in high demand, commanding large paychecks for her roles. In 2003, she earned $25 million for her role in “Mona Lisa Smile,” making her one of the highest-paid actresses in Hollywood.
About the movie
“Sleeping with the Enemy” is a psychological thriller movie released in 1991, directed by Joseph Ruben and starring Julia Roberts, Patrick Bergin, and Kevin Anderson. The movie is based on the novel of the same name by Nancy Price.
The plot of the movie centers around a woman named Laura Burney (played by Julia Roberts) who is trapped in an abusive marriage to her wealthy and controlling husband, Martin (played by Patrick Bergin). Martin’s obsessive behavior and violent outbursts have left Laura feeling isolated and fearful for her life. After a near-fatal beating, Laura fakes her own death and escapes to a new town to start a new life.
In her new town, Laura changes her name to Sarah Waters and starts a relationship with her neighbor, Ben Woodward (played by Kevin Anderson). As Laura settles into her new life, she begins to feel more and more safe and confident. However, her past soon catches up with her when Martin discovers that she is still alive and begins stalking her.
The movie is a suspenseful and tense thriller that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. Julia Roberts delivers a strong and convincing performance as a woman trying to escape from an abusive relationship and rebuild her life. Patrick Bergin is equally impressive as Martin, the manipulative and controlling husband who will stop at nothing to get what he wants.
“Sleeping with the Enemy” was a commercial success, grossing over $174 million worldwide. The movie was praised for its strong performances, suspenseful plot, and powerful message about domestic violence. It remains a classic of the thriller genre and a memorable entry in Julia Roberts’ career.
Other facts about Julia Roberts
Julia Roberts was born on October 28, 1967, in Smyrna, Georgia, USA. Her real name is Julia Fiona Roberts. She comes from a family of actors; her brother, Eric Roberts, and niece, Emma Roberts, are both actors.
Roberts started her acting career in 1987 with the film “Satisfaction,” but her breakout role came in 1990 with “Pretty Woman.” She has been nominated for four Academy Awards and won one for Best Actress in 2001 for her role in “Erin Brockovich.”
She has starred in many popular movies, including “Steel Magnolias,” “The Pelican Brief,” “Notting Hill,” “Runaway Bride,” and “Eat Pray Love.”
Actress was named one of the 50 most beautiful people in the world by People magazine in 1991, and again in 2000.
She is also known for her humanitarian work, supporting causes such as children’s education and health, cancer research, and UNICEF.
Julia Roberts has been married to Daniel Moder since 2002 and has three children with him.
