Unrecognizable Transformation: Julia Roberts Dives Deep into Dramatic Role for August: Osage County
Far from her iconic role as the glamorous Vivian Ward in Pretty Woman, Julia Roberts, now 44, was virtually unrecognizable as she filmed emotionally charged scenes alongside Ewan McGregor in August: Osage County. Shot in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, the Oscar-winning actress fully embraced a stripped-down, raw look for her role as Barbara Weston.
Clad in layered, casual attire—a loose white shirt over a cream top and baggy blue jeans—Julia looked every bit the weary daughter in a fractured family. With her signature brunette locks left unstyled and her face free of makeup, she stepped fully into character, portraying a woman grappling with deep family tensions after the disappearance of her alcoholic father.
In one gripping scene filmed on Thursday, Roberts and McGregor, who plays Bill Fordham, walk solemnly to a boat dock to identify a body under the watch of a local sheriff. Julia delivers a powerful performance, breaking down into tears and collapsing into Ewan’s arms for comfort.
Despite the somber nature of the scene, behind the cameras the mood was considerably lighter. Between takes, Julia was seen laughing heartily, sharing a moment of levity with co-star Julianne Nicholson, who seemed to be cracking up the cast with her observations.
Nicholson, known for her role in Boardwalk Empire, also adopted a low-key look for the film—sporting a blue blouse, brown flared trousers, and her hair pulled back in a simple ponytail.
The 2013 film features a powerhouse ensemble cast including Meryl Streep as Violet Weston and Benedict Cumberbatch as Little Charles Aiken. Casting notes from IMDb reveal that Renée Zellweger and Andrea Riseborough were initially considered for roles. Although Riseborough was originally cast, she had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts, and Juliette Lewis stepped in as Karen Weston. Abigail Breslin ultimately secured the part of Jean Fordham after Chloë Moretz also auditioned.
Even in the midst of intense drama, the camaraderie on set was evident—a testament to the talent and chemistry of a cast dedicated to bringing this Pulitzer Prize-winning story to life.
