Julia Roberts may be one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, but at Emmy Rossum’s house she answers to something much cozier: “Aunt Juju.” Rossum shared the story on The Jennifer Hudson Show on Thursday, October 22, describing how Roberts sits on the floor with her kids, plays with Legos and knits them blankets. The Emmy Rossum Julia Roberts friendship is trending because it shows a mega-star in a very ordinary light.
Emmy Rossum Julia Roberts at a Glance
| Detail | What We Know |
|---|---|
| Where it came out | The Jennifer Hudson Show, October 22, 2026 |
| Nickname | “Aunt Juju” (blankets say “Auntie Juju”) |
| Ages | Rossum, 40; Roberts, 58 |
| Link between them | Rossum’s husband, filmmaker Sam Esmail |
| Rossum’s children | Two, including a daughter, 5 |
Why Do Emmy Rossum’s Kids Call Julia Roberts “Aunt Juju”?
Because Roberts has become part of the family. “She has come to my house before and sat on the floor with my kids and done Legos,” Rossum told Hudson, according to People. She added that Roberts is “very crafty” and has knitted each child a blanket.
The blankets carry a small tag that reads “From the Knitting Needles of Auntie Juju.” That label explains the nickname better than any interview could, because Roberts uses it herself. It also shows she treats the gifts as a family tradition and not a one-time gesture.
How Did Emmy Rossum and Julia Roberts Become Close?
Through Rossum’s husband. Roberts has worked with Sam Esmail for years, and he has directed her in Homecoming, Gaslit and Leave the World Behind. “He is very close with her, and she is such a kind person,” Rossum said, according to People.
Esmail has described Roberts in similar terms. He told People earlier that it is hard to see her as anything other than a giving, generous mom and friend. Rossum took the same view, saying Roberts is “so down to earth” and does not even have an assistant.
What Else Did Emmy Rossum Reveal on the Show?
She talked about her five-year-old daughter, who wrote her first film at age five, according to BroadwayWorld. Rossum described her daughter’s early writing at home, but the story is about a creative kid, not an announced movie with a cast or a release date.
Rossum also discussed the intense training for her series Furious and recording a duet with Dolly Parton, whom she called a wonderful teacher. She and Hudson bonded over opera, too, and joked about making a musical together one day.
Why Is the Emmy Rossum Julia Roberts Story Trending Now?
It is a warm, small story with a famous name, which is exactly what travels on social media. Fans usually see Roberts at premieres and awards, so a picture of her playing Legos and knitting stands out. As a result, the clip spread quickly beyond entertainment sites.
There is also a nostalgia angle. Roberts has been a household name since Pretty Woman, and many viewers grew up with her films. Seeing her as “Aunt Juju” makes a legend feel approachable.
What Is Confirmed and What Is Not?
Confirmed: Rossum’s October 22 interview, the nickname, the Lego visits, the knitted blankets and Esmail’s work with Roberts. Not confirmed: how long the friendship has lasted, how the nickname first started, and any plan for Rossum and Roberts to work together. Rossum did not mention a joint project.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Julia Roberts close to Emmy Rossum’s children?
Yes. Rossum says Roberts visits her home, plays Legos with the kids and has knitted each of them a personalized blanket.
Why is Julia Roberts called “Aunt Juju”?
It is a family nickname. Roberts even stitches “From the Knitting Needles of Auntie Juju” onto the blankets she makes for Rossum’s children.
How does Emmy Rossum know Julia Roberts?
Mostly through her husband, Sam Esmail, who has directed Roberts in Homecoming, Gaslit and Leave the World Behind.
Who is Emmy Rossum married to?
Filmmaker Sam Esmail, the creator of Mr. Robot. They have two children and keep most of their family life private.
A Hollywood Friendship With a Family Feel
For Rossum’s kids, Julia Roberts is not a movie star. She is the person who shows up, sits on the floor and knits them blankets. That is why the Emmy Rossum Julia Roberts story has struck a chord: sometimes the best celebrity news is simply a kind friend with a ball of yarn.
Faizullah Baig
Entertainment & Digital Culture Writer at WordPlay2018
Faizullah Baig is a writer at WordPlay2018 covering entertainment, celebrity news, movies, television, pop culture, and digital trends.
His work focuses on explaining current entertainment stories in a clear and reader-friendly way, with attention to the details behind trending headlines.
Areas of Coverage
Faizullah primarily covers:
Celebrity news and profiles
Movies and television
Entertainment industry developments
Celebrity relationships and public appearances
Trending pop-culture stories
Digital culture and online trends
Editorial Approach
Faizullah aims to distinguish confirmed information from reports, estimates, and speculation. For developing stories, information may be updated as additional reliable details become available.
Articles published under his name are intended to provide readers with useful context rather than simply repeat a headline or social-media claim.
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Publication: WordPlay2018
Role: Entertainment & Digital Culture Writer
