Hollywood star Julia Roberts was the undisputed queen of romantic comedies in the 90s and early 2000s, making her America’s sweetheart.

From Pretty Woman, My Best Friend’s Wedding, and The Runaway Bride, to Notting Hill, Roberts’ endearing charisma and charm made her one of the industry’s most loved stars.

Hollywood star Julia Roberts

While the Oscar winner has dominated the rom-com space, there were films right up her alley in the same genre that she missed out on.

Meg Ryan, who was the closest rival to Roberts in the genre, bagged one of the greatest and most memorable love stories of the 90s which was originally offered to the Erin Brockovich star who turned down the role.

Julia Roberts Did Not Regret Rejecting Sleepless in Seattle

In the 90s, Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan starred in one of Hollywood’s most popular and romantic films, Sleepless in Seattle. The film went on to become a cult classic and is still regarded as an eternal Valentine’s Day favorite among viewers.

Interestingly, the first choice for the female protagonist was Julia Roberts. The Pretty Woman star turned down the opportunity as she confessed that she did not have enough ambition at that time. Roberts though, was gracious despite missing out on a blockbuster opportunity. Speaking of never having regrets or unhealthy competition with her colleagues, the celebrity said,

“When I didn’t get a part – even when I was younger and needing to pay my rent – I would think, ‘Oh, someone else got it. She’s going to be so good.’ I never felt sour grapes.”

Julia Roberts rejected Meg Ryan’s role in Sleepless in Seattle

Julia Roberts went on to praise Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan’s performance in Sleepless in Seattle and compared their chemistry to the kind she shared with Richard Gere in Pretty Woman. After a long gap from rom-coms, Roberts returned to the genre in 2022 with Ticket to Paradise.

Julia Roberts Gave Back Generously To Her Fraternity In Support of Actors’ Strike

The Writers and Actors Strike has turned into a revolution of sorts with the Hollywood fraternity now standing in firm support by donating generously to the SAG-AFTRA foundation in an effort to rehabilitate thousands of people who have been affected by the events.

Following Dwayne Johnson’s example, many other top stars have come forward to donate $1 million or more to the cause.

Julia Roberts made a generous donation to the Actors Strike

Oscar winner and one of America’s most popular actors Julia Roberts has also jumped on the bandwagon. The Notting Hill star has contributed $1 million from her end to show her support to the Foundation.

Roberts has always been vocal about her stance regarding opportunities for writers and other creative artists who are integral to films in Hollywood. While some A-list stars have been criticized for their silence, the Ticket to Paradise actor has led by example with her generous donation.