Julia Roberts, one of Hollywood’s most enduring and versatile stars, has long been celebrated for her ability to transform herself for roles. But during the filming of the drama August: Osage County in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, she looked completely different from the glamorous persona audiences remember from her 1990 breakout role as Vivian Ward in Pretty Woman.
At 44, Roberts was deeply immersed in her portrayal of Barbara Weston, a woman weighed down by family tensions, grief, and years of unresolved emotional conflict. To inhabit this role, she deliberately shed her typical Hollywood polish. Her long brunette hair, usually styled meticulously, hung loosely around her face, without any apparent effort. Her wardrobe—simple jeans, layered shirts, and cream-toned tops—was practical and unflattering, chosen to reflect the raw realism and emotional gravity of the story rather than style. Even her face, often highlighted by red carpet photographers, was left bare of makeup, serving as a blank canvas for the emotions her character carried.
The scene being filmed on that particular day was one of the most emotionally intense in the narrative. Roberts and her co-star Ewan McGregor, portraying her estranged husband Bill Fordham, walked down to a boat dock to identify a deceased body at the sheriff’s request—a moment that tested their characters’ resilience and revealed the fractured nature of their relationship.
As the sheriff revealed the body, Roberts delivered a harrowing performance, breaking into raw, uncontrollable tears that captured the profound grief and shock her character felt. McGregor’s character attempted to comfort her, holding her hand and pulling her close, emphasizing the vulnerability and despair in the moment. Observers on set remarked on the sheer intensity of Roberts’ acting—her hysteria, grief, and emotional honesty created a scene that felt palpably real.
Yet, when the cameras stopped rolling, Roberts’ natural warmth and professionalism emerged. Between takes, she laughed and shared lighter moments with the cast, including Julianne Nicholson, who plays Ivy Weston. These glimpses of levity provided balance to the emotional heaviness of the production and reminded everyone on set of the human connection that underpins collaborative filmmaking.
A Dowdy Transformation
The physical transformation Roberts undertook for Barbara Weston was striking. Known for her radiant smile and glamour, she intentionally downplayed every element of her appearance to inhabit the eldest daughter of a troubled Oklahoma family. Her wardrobe of faded denim, muted layered tops, and understated colors reflected the burdens and responsibilities her character carried rather than any concern for fashion.
Her co-stars underwent similar transformations. Nicholson’s Ivy, for example, wore flared trousers, a simple buttoned shirt, and her hair pulled back in a modest ponytail, signaling her character’s restrained, quiet nature. The collective aesthetic of the cast reinforced the grounded, realistic portrayal of a family unraveling under stress, in stark contrast to the polished spectacle of traditional Hollywood productions.
This authenticity was vital to the adaptation of Tracy Letts’ Pulitzer Prize–winning play. August: Osage County is set in rural Oklahoma and explores the disintegration of a family following the disappearance of alcoholic patriarch Beverly Weston. His absence forces his three daughters and their partners back into the family home, where suppressed tensions explode in confrontations fueled by grief, addiction, and long-standing resentment.
An Ensemble Cast
The film boasted a remarkable ensemble, with Roberts and McGregor joined by Meryl Streep as Violet Weston, the domineering matriarch; Benedict Cumberbatch as “Little” Charles Aiken, a tender-hearted yet awkward character; and Juliette Lewis as Karen Weston, the youngest daughter yearning for escape. Production challenges also made headlines: Andrea Riseborough, initially cast as Karen, withdrew due to scheduling conflicts, allowing Juliette Lewis to step in. Renée Zellweger had been considered for another role, and Chloë Grace Moretz auditioned for Jean Fordham, Barbara’s teenage daughter, though the part eventually went to Abigail Breslin.
For Roberts, portraying Barbara Weston was an opportunity to delve into some of the most emotionally complex material of her career. Barbara is not a character designed for audience admiration; she is flawed, vulnerable, and trapped in the midst of a collapsing marriage and toxic family dynamics. Taking on this role demonstrated Roberts’ range and her commitment to exploring characters far removed from the romantic leads that defined much of her earlier career.
Behind the Scenes
Despite the heavy subject matter, there were moments of levity on set. During the dockside sequence, Roberts was seen joking with McGregor and Nicholson between takes, a reminder of her ability to shift between raw vulnerability and warmth with ease. The film’s production in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, involved living and working closely together, which fostered authenticity but demanded emotional stamina from all involved.
Roberts has spoken about the challenge of playing characters steeped in pain. Unlike her on-screen personas, in real life she returns to her family—married to cinematographer Daniel Moder, with whom she has three children. She has often described motherhood as her most treasured role, showing a grounding, personal side beyond her professional accomplishments.
Critical Anticipation
Even before release, August: Osage County generated significant buzz. With Pulitzer Prize–winning source material, an acclaimed director, and an award-winning cast, expectations were high. Roberts’ stark, unglamorous transformation stood out, reminding critics and fans alike that she is a serious actress capable of disappearing into a character. The film’s themes of grief, addiction, betrayal, and reconciliation offered audiences both painful realism and darkly comic moments. Roberts’ performance would earn her critical acclaim and nominations for the Academy Award and Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress.
A Departure From Glamour
Seeing Roberts on set with messy hair, dowdy clothes, and a bare face underscored the essence of great acting: truth over glamour. In Barbara Weston, Roberts channeled heartbreak, anger, and resilience, portraying a woman trying to hold her family together amid collapse. It was far removed from her Pretty Woman persona, highlighting her growth as an actress willing to embrace challenging roles. Her ability to move seamlessly between grief on camera and laughter off-camera demonstrated a depth of professionalism and humanity.
Conclusion
On that chilly day in Oklahoma, Julia Roberts may have seemed unrecognizable, stripped of Hollywood glamour, but her work in August: Osage County reaffirmed her status as one of the most respected and enduring actors of her generation. The tears on set, the laughter between takes, and her total transformation into Barbara Weston revealed an artist willing to fully commit to her craft, captivating audiences through authenticity rather than mere appearance.
Julia Roberts, known for her enduring Hollywood career, has a remarkable ability to transform herself for challenging roles.
For August: Osage County, she adopted the unglamorous appearance of Barbara Weston, a woman burdened by grief and family tension.
Her hair, wardrobe, and makeup were deliberately understated to reflect the raw realism of her character.
The dockside scene with Ewan McGregor highlighted Roberts’ emotional depth as she portrayed grief and vulnerability.
Between takes, Roberts’ warmth and humor reminded the cast of the human side behind the intense drama.
The film’s ensemble cast, including Meryl Streep, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Juliette Lewis, added depth and authenticity to the story.
Production challenges, such as casting changes, underscored the collaborative effort required to bring the complex narrative to life.
Roberts’ portrayal of Barbara demonstrated her range and willingness to tackle flawed, emotionally complex characters.
Critical anticipation was high due to the Pulitzer Prize–winning source material and the actors’ commitment to realism.
The film and Roberts’ performance exemplified the power of authenticity in acting, showing that great artistry often transcends glamour.