What Happened to Eric Roberts? Car Accident & Health Update

Actor Eric Roberts is revealing all in his new memoir, “Runaway Train: Or the Story of My Life So Far.” In the book, the 68-year-old opens up about his tumultuous childhood in Georgia. He also details the challenges he faced throughout his career, and his strained relationship with his famous sister, Julia Roberts. However, fans are waiting with bated breaths to see if they will get to know anything about the car accident that significantly impacted his life, as well as the health issues he has encountered, which may include a stroke.

Here’s everything you need to know about the car accident and heart stroke that Eric Roberts may have faced.

What happened to Eric Roberts?

Eric Roberts experienced a harrowing car accident that plunged him into a three-day coma.

The severity of the crash and the subsequent injuries the Runaway Train actor sustained had a profound impact on his overall health. This traumatic event, coupled with a history of drug abuse, left a lasting mark on his well-being. (via People)

In his recent memoir, Roberts discussed how the accident and substance abuse significantly compromised his memory and recall capabilities. They also affected his ability to process and retain information. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that can result from such accidents.

Eric Roberts’ health issues explained

Eric Roberts has faced several health challenges throughout his career. While the specifics of his medical conditions have not always been publicly disclosed, here are some of the most widely reported issues:

Car Accident and Substance Abuse

Roberts was involved in a serious car accident in 1981, resulting in a coma. Subsequent years of substance abuse are believed to have contributed to long-term health issues. Per People, Roberts attributed his strained relationships with his sisters to his personal battle with drug addiction. It is a confession he made in his memoir.

The veteran actor said, “I wouldn’t be surprised if they suffered from PTSD from when it was dangerous to be around me,” he writes. “Lisa and Julia needed love and protection — instead they got fear and uncertainty.”  

Additionally, Roberts revealed, “Of course, the biggest consequence of my drug use was losing Emma.” In his memoir, he also pens about the legal battle to gain custody of his daughter, Emma Roberts, who he shares with Kim Cunningham.

Hip Injury

In 2018, Eric Roberts was spotted in a wheelchair at Los Angeles Airport. The exact cause of his mobility issues remains undisclosed. However, it is believed to be related to a hip injury sustained from years of physically demanding acting and stunt work. As per a 2018 People report, the The Dark Knight actor’s public representative issued a statement clarifying why was he seen in a wheelchair.

The statement reads, “Eric is scheduled for a hip replacement Cedars. It’s just from years of working out at the gym and taking too long to outgrow attempts to do his own stunts in movies and shows.”

Diabetes

Eric Roberts has candidly discussed his ongoing battle with health challenges in recent years. As revealed in reports, he has been diagnosed with diabetes. It is chronic condition that necessitates diligent management of his blood sugar levels. To effectively control the same, Roberts has had to make substantial adjustments to his lifestyle to not have a stroke.

Nonetheless, “Runaway Train,” is a newly released memoir named after the 1985 film that earned Roberts his first Oscar nomination. The book chronicles the highs and lows of his acting career, complicated relationships, legal battles, and addiction problems.