5 Surprising Facts About Hazel Moder: Julia Roberts' Daughter Who Chose UC Berkeley Over Hollywood Stardom
Few celebrity children maintain a level of privacy quite like Hazel Moder, the daughter of Hollywood icon Julia Roberts and cinematographer Daniel "Danny" Moder. As of late December 2025, Hazel has recently celebrated a major milestone, turning 21, and is currently pursuing a life far removed from the red carpets her mother frequents, opting instead for a rigorous academic path at a prestigious public university. This choice, and the rare glimpses into her life, have continually fueled public curiosity about the young woman who is the spitting image of her famous mother.
The latest updates confirm that Hazel is not only a college student but, along with her twin brother, is thriving in a world of fine arts and computer science, making her parents proud "empty nesters." Her life post-high school has been a fascinating study in celebrity kids carving out their own unique identities away from the intense Hollywood spotlight.
Hazel Patricia Moder: A Complete Biography and Profile
Hazel Patricia Moder is one of the three children shared by Academy Award-winning actress Julia Roberts and her husband, Emmy-nominated cinematographer Daniel "Danny" Moder. Her life has been intentionally shielded from the public eye, making her rare appearances and educational choices all the more significant. Below is a detailed profile of the eldest daughter in the Moder-Roberts family.
- Full Name: Hazel Patricia Moder
- Date of Birth: November 28, 2004
- Current Age (as of December 2025): 21 years old
- Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, USA
- Parents: Julia Roberts (Mother) and Daniel "Danny" Moder (Father)
- Siblings: Phinnaeus Walter Moder (Twin Brother) and Henry Daniel Moder (Younger Brother)
- Education: Attended high school in California; currently an undergraduate student at the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
- College Major: Reportedly pursuing a degree in Fine Arts
- Notable Public Appearance: Red carpet debut at the 74th Cannes Film Festival in 2021, accompanying her father for the premiere of *Flag Day*
- Career/Creative Interest: Fine arts and reportedly had a small, non-speaking role in her mother's 2016 film, *Mother's Day* (uncredited)
The College Journey: Why Hazel Chose UC Berkeley's Fine Arts Program
The most recent and significant chapter in Hazel Moder's life is her pursuit of higher education. In the fall of 2022, Hazel and her twin brother, Phinnaeus, reportedly began their undergraduate studies at the University of California, Berkeley, marking a major transition for the family into the "empty nester" phase, a topic Julia Roberts has openly discussed in late 2025.
Hazel’s decision to study Fine Arts is a clear indicator of her desire to forge her own creative path, distinct from the acting world of her mother. This choice allows her to explore visual expression and artistic disciplines, a field that complements the creative environment she grew up in, given her father's established career as a cinematographer. Her twin brother, Phinnaeus, is also reportedly at UC Berkeley, but is pursuing a degree in Computer and Information Sciences, further highlighting the twins' individual interests.
Julia Roberts has confessed to being a "spirited college mom," fully embracing the excitement of her children’s academic journeys, even if it means adjusting to a quieter home life. The actress has shared that seeing her children grow up and embark on their college experiences has been "amazing," reflecting a deep sense of pride in their independence and choices.
A Private Life: Hazel Moder's Stance on the Spotlight and Social Media
Unlike many children of Hollywood royalty who dive into social media or public careers early, Hazel Moder has maintained an exceptionally low profile. This desire for privacy is a core part of her identity and is something her parents have actively fostered since her birth.
In a rare insight into her personal philosophy, Julia Roberts revealed in a recent interview that her daughter, Hazel, was inspired by watching the classic film *Stand by Me*. Hazel’s reaction was a "bold" one, expressing a desire to go the "opposite route" of constant digital connection and social media saturation. This perspective suggests a mature and deliberate choice to prioritize real-world experiences and her academic pursuits over the ephemeral nature of online fame.
The only time Hazel has stepped onto a major red carpet was in 2021, when she attended the Cannes Film Festival with her father, Danny Moder, for the screening of his film, *Flag Day*. Even then, she exuded a quiet, reserved elegance, supporting her father’s work without seeking personal attention, a characteristic that defines her public persona.
The Moder Family Dynamic and Topical Authority Entities
The tight-knit nature of the Moder family is a frequent topic of discussion, especially as the children transition into adulthood. Julia Roberts and Danny Moder, who met on the set of *The Mexican* and married in 2002, have always prioritized a quiet, grounded life away from the Los Angeles hustle, often residing in their New Mexico ranch.
This grounding is evident in all three children. Hazel’s twin, Phinnaeus Walter Moder, is pursuing a technical degree in Computer and Information Sciences, a path that is equally intellectual and private. Their younger brother, Henry Daniel Moder, is also now an adult at 18 and has reportedly moved out to begin his own higher education journey, completing the family's shift to "empty nesters" in late 2025.
The family has a strong connection to the film industry through their father, Daniel Moder, a respected cinematographer known for his work on films like *Fireflies in the Garden* and his continued projects in 2025. However, the children's career pursuits—Fine Arts and Computer Science—suggest a conscious effort to define success on their own terms, independent of their mother’s legendary status as the star of films like *Pretty Woman* and *Leave the World Behind*.
Other key entities and LSI keywords that define the current narrative around the family include: Emma Roberts (Julia’s niece), George Clooney (long-time friend and collaborator), the 2025 Gotham Film Awards (where Julia spoke about her children), and the Veuve Clicquot event (a recent public appearance for Julia).
What Lies Ahead: Hazel Moder's Future Beyond 21
As Hazel Moder turns 21 and continues her studies at UC Berkeley, her future remains largely a private matter, which is exactly how she and her parents prefer it. Her focus on Fine Arts suggests a potential career in the visual arts, perhaps as an artist, curator, or designer. Her early exposure to the film world, combined with her academic discipline, gives her a unique foundation.
The prevailing sentiment from Julia Roberts is one of support for her children’s independence. The actress has made it clear that while she is excited for their college experience, she is equally committed to respecting their privacy. Hazel Patricia Moder is a symbol of a new generation of celebrity children: one that values education, privacy, and carving out an authentic life away from the constant noise of Tinseltown.
Her story is a compelling reminder that for some, the most fascinating path is the one that leads away from the spotlight, toward a meaningful, self-directed life in the world of academia and fine arts.
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