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5 Major Health Battles Of Eric Roberts: The Full Story Behind His Traumatic Brain Injury And Seizure Disorder

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The iconic and prolific actor Eric Roberts has had one of the most enduring and tumultuous careers in Hollywood, but beneath the surface of his over 700 film and television credits lies a complex medical history that has profoundly shaped his life. As of December 25, 2025, the question of "what disease does Eric Roberts have" is not answered by a single ailment, but rather a series of interconnected health struggles, including a life-altering traumatic brain injury (TBI) and a previously misdiagnosed seizure disorder, all of which he continues to manage while maintaining an active career.

His recent appearances and public updates have brought renewed attention to his physical well-being, particularly his need for a hip replacement and his commitment to fitness, proving his resilience in the face of chronic conditions like Type 2 Diabetes. The true story of his health is a testament to his tenacity, revealing a journey of recovery from addiction, neurological damage, and ongoing chronic disease management.

Eric Roberts: Complete Biography and Career Profile

Eric Anthony Roberts is an American actor known for his extraordinary versatility and immense filmography. He has established himself as one of the most prolific English-speaking actors in history, with a career spanning over five decades.

  • Full Name: Eric Anthony Roberts
  • Date of Birth: April 18, 1956
  • Place of Birth: Biloxi, Mississippi, U.S.
  • Parents: Betty Lou Bredemus and Walter Grady Roberts (ran an acting and writing school)
  • Siblings: Julia Roberts (younger sister, actress) and Lisa Roberts Gillan (older sister, actress/producer)
  • Spouse: Eliza Roberts (m. 1992)
  • Child: Emma Roberts (daughter, actress)
  • Career Highlights: Roberts began his career with a Golden Globe-nominated performance in King of the Gypsies (1978). He received an Academy Award and Golden Globe nomination for his role in Runaway Train (1985). Other notable works include Star 80, The Pope of Greenwich Village, The Dark Knight, and hundreds of independent films and television appearances, including Less than Perfect and *The Young and the Restless*.
  • Prolific Career: He has amassed over 700 film and television credits, making him a cinematic powerhouse.

The Five Major Health Battles Eric Roberts Has Overcome

The narrative surrounding Eric Roberts’ health is complex, dominated by a catastrophic event early in his career and subsequent battles with chronic conditions and addiction. These are the primary health issues he has faced:

1. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Neurological Damage

The most significant and defining health crisis in Eric Roberts' life occurred in 1981. While high on cocaine, he was involved in a near-fatal car accident (sometimes cited as a motorcycle accident) that left him in a coma for several days.

  • The Accident: The horrific crash resulted in a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), facial injuries, and neurological damage.
  • Recovery: Following the coma, Roberts had to undergo a lengthy and grueling rehabilitation process. He had to relearn basic motor skills, including how to walk and talk again, due to the brain damage.
  • Lasting Impact: This accident is considered the root cause of many of his subsequent health and personal struggles, including a significant period of substance abuse.

2. Undiagnosed Seizure Disorder

A lesser-known but critical detail of Roberts' medical history is the diagnosis of a seizure disorder. For a period, he suffered from symptoms that were initially misdiagnosed as a generalized anxiety disorder. It was later revealed that at least some of these symptoms, which caused him distress, were actually attributable to a seizure disorder.

This revelation highlights the often-complex nature of neurological conditions, where symptoms like anxiety, confusion, or unusual physical sensations can sometimes be manifestations of underlying seizure activity, not purely psychological issues. Managing this disorder has been part of his ongoing health regimen.

3. Type 2 Diabetes

Eric Roberts has been open about his struggle with Type 2 Diabetes, a chronic condition that affects how the body processes blood sugar (glucose).

  • Chronic Management: Diabetes requires diligent management, including diet control, regular exercise, and often medication. This condition adds another layer of complexity to his overall health profile, especially considering his history of TBI and other physical challenges.
  • Lifestyle Focus: His commitment to maintaining an active lifestyle, as evidenced by his participation in shows like Dancing with the Stars, is a necessary component of managing his diabetic condition and overall well-being.

4. Lifelong Battle with Substance Abuse

Roberts' health journey is inextricably linked to his long-standing battle with drug and alcohol addiction. His near-fatal 1981 car accident occurred while he was high on cocaine, a substance abuse issue that continued for years afterward.

His wife, Eliza Roberts, has been a central figure in his recovery, providing support and motivation. Roberts has been transparent about his struggles, using his experience to highlight the devastating effects of addiction. His sobriety and continued focus on health are a major victory in his personal life.

5. Childhood Speech Impediment (Stutter)

While not a "disease" in the medical sense, Roberts suffered from a significant speech impediment, specifically a stutter, during his childhood.

He discovered a unique coping mechanism: he could speak completely fluidly only when delivering memorized speeches or lines. This early discovery is often cited as a key factor that drew him to acting, as it provided a therapeutic outlet and a way to overcome his communication challenge.

Recent Health Updates: Hip Surgery and DWTS

In the most recent health news, Eric Roberts has been dealing with an injured hip, which led to him being spotted in a wheelchair at times.

  • Hip Replacement: Roberts was scheduled for hip replacement surgery at Cedars-Sinai. This procedure addresses chronic pain and mobility issues, which is a common necessity for people his age, especially those with a history of severe physical trauma.
  • Dancing with the Stars (DWTS): Despite his upcoming surgery and chronic conditions, Roberts' appearance on *Dancing with the Stars* in 2024 brought his fitness and resilience to the forefront. This commitment to physical activity is a core part of his strategy for managing his Type 2 Diabetes and maintaining overall health.

Eric Roberts’ health journey is a powerful story of survival and perseverance. From the catastrophic TBI that forced him to relearn life's basics, to the silent struggle with a seizure disorder, and the ongoing management of Type 2 Diabetes, his life has been a non-stop battle. His ability to maintain one of the most prolific careers in Hollywood while navigating these serious health conditions underscores his extraordinary determination and the unwavering support of his wife, Eliza Roberts.

what disease does eric roberts have
what disease does eric roberts have

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