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Julia Roberts, long celebrated as one of Hollywood’s most glamorous stars, stunned fans and critics alike when she appeared almost unrecognizable while filming emotional scenes for the critically acclaimed drama August: Osage County. The actress, best known for her iconic role as Vivian Ward in Pretty Woman (1990), stripped away her signature red-carpet glamour to embody a raw and vulnerable character in the adaptation of Tracy Letts’ Pulitzer Prize-winning play.

A Striking Transformation
On set in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, Roberts looked nothing like the polished movie star audiences have adored for decades. Instead, she appeared dowdy and stripped down, wearing loose blue jeans, a simple cream top layered with a white button-down shirt, and minimal styling. Her long brunette hair, usually styled for elegance, was left unkempt, perfectly reflecting the emotional weight of her character, Barbara Weston.

Roberts’ on-screen transformation was a deliberate departure from her glamorous Hollywood image. Playing Barbara, a woman struggling to hold her fractured family together after the disappearance of their alcoholic patriarch, required the actress to embrace authenticity over aesthetics.

An Emotional Scene With Ewan McGregor
In the intense sequence filmed that day, Julia Roberts was joined by co-star Ewan McGregor, who portrays her estranged husband, Bill Fordham. The pair were seen walking hand in hand toward a boat dock under the guidance of a sheriff, tasked with the heartbreaking job of identifying a dead body.

As the scene unfolded, Roberts’ character collapsed into tears, her grief pouring out in a raw, hysterical performance. McGregor’s character offered comfort, holding her in his arms as she broke down completely. The harrowing moment captured the emotional depth of August: Osage County, a story about family dysfunction, secrets, and the painful bonds that tie loved ones together.

From Tragedy to Laughter
Despite the gut-wrenching performance, Roberts showed her lighter side between takes. In candid moments on set, she was spotted laughing with fellow cast members, including Julianne Nicholson, who appeared to share a funny story with the group. These behind-the-scenes glimpses revealed the camaraderie of the cast and highlighted Roberts’ ability to shift seamlessly from heavy drama to levity.

A Dowdy Look for a Powerful Role
Part of Roberts’ unrecognizable appearance came from her intentionally plain wardrobe. Instead of the elegant gowns and polished looks that made her a style icon, she donned layered casual clothing, reflecting the struggles of Barbara Weston. The simplicity of her costume was designed to strip away Hollywood glamour, forcing audiences to focus solely on her character’s emotional journey.

Julianne Nicholson, known for her role in Boardwalk Empire, also embraced the understated look, wearing a blue shirt with brown flared trousers and tying her hair back in a ponytail. Together, the ensemble cast presented a realistic portrayal of a Midwestern family at its breaking point.

A Star-Studded Cast
August: Osage County boasts an impressive lineup of Hollywood talent. Alongside Julia Roberts and Ewan McGregor, the film stars Meryl Streep as Violet Weston, the volatile and sharp-tongued matriarch of the family. Streep’s powerhouse performance, paired with Roberts’ emotional depth, created a dynamic that critics later hailed as unforgettable.

Benedict Cumberbatch took on the role of Little Charles Aiken, while Juliette Lewis portrayed Karen Weston, stepping in after Andrea Riseborough exited the project due to scheduling conflicts. Abigail Breslin was cast as Jean Fordham, Barbara’s teenage daughter, after beating out competition from Chloë Grace Moretz.

The casting decisions underscored the filmmakers’ commitment to assembling a powerhouse ensemble capable of bringing Letts’ searing drama to life on screen.

Critical Reception and Award Recognition
Released in 2013, August: Osage County went on to receive critical acclaim, particularly for its performances. Julia Roberts’ turn as Barbara Weston earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, while Meryl Streep received a nomination for Best Actress.

Critics praised Roberts for shedding her Hollywood glamour and diving fully into the role of a woman unraveling under the weight of grief and family dysfunction. Many noted that her performance reminded audiences of her depth and versatility as an actress, proving she could shine in dramatic roles just as much as in romantic comedies.

Julia Roberts’ Personal Touch
Off screen, Roberts is known as a devoted mother to her three children with cinematographer husband Daniel Moder. Her ability to channel maternal instincts into her portrayal of Barbara Weston lent authenticity to the role. Fans and critics alike noted that her personal experience as a mother may have influenced the way she conveyed Barbara’s struggles with her daughter, played by Abigail Breslin.

By immersing herself in the raw emotions of a fractured family, Roberts reminded audiences that beneath the Hollywood image lies an actress capable of delivering gut-wrenching, deeply human performances.

Behind the Scenes Trivia
The production of August: Osage County carried its own stories of casting shifts and behind-the-scenes drama. For instance, Andrea Riseborough was originally cast as Karen Weston but had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts, leading to Juliette Lewis joining the cast. Similarly, Chloë Grace Moretz auditioned for the role of Jean Fordham but ultimately lost the part to Abigail Breslin.

These casting adjustments reflect the competitive nature of Hollywood productions, where scheduling conflicts and last-minute changes often shape the final outcome of a film.

Why Julia Roberts’ Transformation Mattered
Julia Roberts’ unrecognizable look in August: Osage County became a talking point across entertainment media. Audiences who were accustomed to seeing her as the glamorous lead in romantic comedies were stunned by her raw, stripped-down performance.

This transformation not only demonstrated Roberts’ commitment to her craft but also reinforced her reputation as one of the most versatile actresses of her generation. By taking risks and embracing challenging roles, she continues to evolve and inspire both fans and fellow actors.

Conclusion
Julia Roberts’ performance in August: Osage County is remembered not just for her emotional intensity but also for her complete transformation on screen. Dressed in simple jeans, layered tops, and stripped of her usual glamour, she embodied Barbara Weston with heartbreaking authenticity.

Supported by a stellar cast including Meryl Streep, Ewan McGregor, Benedict Cumberbatch, Juliette Lewis, Julianne Nicholson, and Abigail Breslin, Roberts helped bring Tracy Letts’ Pulitzer Prize-winning play to life in a way that resonated deeply with audiences.

Her willingness to appear vulnerable, unstyled, and emotionally raw solidified her place as more than just a Hollywood icon—she is a consummate actress willing to push boundaries for her craft.

More than a decade after its release, August: Osage County remains a testament to Julia Roberts’ talent and resilience. Her unrecognizable appearance on set may have shocked fans at the time, but it ultimately revealed the depth of her artistry and her enduring legacy in cinema.