Julia Roberts Once Turned Down One of Her Most Acclaimed Roles
Ryan Murphy, who is currently making headlines for his questionable work, had a significant triumph a decade ago with “The Normal Heart.” This HBO film, adapted from Larry Kramer’s semi-autobiographical 1985 play, garnered two Emmys, two Critics Choice Awards, and the Humanitas Prize—recognition that truly reflects the film’s artistic merit. As it illustrated the experiences surrounding the HIV/AIDS epidemic, “The Normal Heart” stood out as a profound, political, and original exploration of an era often discussed yet poorly understood.
Featuring standout performances from Matt Bomer, Taylor Kitsch, and Mark Ruffalo, the film also showcased Julia Roberts in a powerful role. However, what many may not realize is that Roberts initially passed on the chance to portray Dr. Emma Brookner, a role inspired by the real-life HIV/AIDS researcher Dr. Linda Laubenstein. In an earlier interview, she revealed that she rejected the offer twice before finally accepting the part. “This is a project that came to me three times,” Roberts said. “I just didn’t connect with the character initially.”
Dr. Laubenstein made significant strides in AIDS research, linking the virus to the Kaposi’s sarcomas that were prevalent among gay men and others in the early 1980s. She also became an activist, passionately advocating for those affected. Laubenstein passed away in 1992 at the young age of 45 after overcoming polio in her childhood. Following her death, Kramer remarked to The New York Times about her vital role in AIDS history as a true pioneer and advocate. Roberts’ character, Dr. Brookner, is a straightforward and intense woman, described as lacking in bedside manner. It took some time for Roberts to empathize with Brookner’s character herself.
In a feature for Entertainment Weekly, Roberts mentioned during a Television Critics Association panel that her initial hesitation stemmed from a misunderstanding of the character. The turning point came when she watched a documentary about polio, which was instrumental in shaping Dr. Laubenstein’s life. “I ended up watching a documentary on polio because my character was one of the last polio victims in the country,” Roberts noted. “Suddenly, everything clicked—her motivations, her anger, and her relentless search for answers made complete sense.”
Roberts explained that this documentary provided the key to understanding the character, allowing her to trace the doctor’s fierce determination back to her personal battle with illness. In hindsight, Roberts’ reflections may seem nostalgic, especially in an era where many have faced the impact of COVID-19, an experience with a debilitating virus that reshaped the globe. Ultimately, Roberts took the plunge. “That’s when Ryan [Murphy] got the answer he always wants,” she humorously remarked during the panel discussion. Her portrayal in the film was nothing short of essential, balancing moments of quiet control with outbursts of passion. As one of Murphy’s more subdued yet impactful works, “The Normal Heart” might have faded from recent discussions, but it remains a significant highlight in every actor’s career, including Roberts’.