While filming scenes for the 2013 drama August: Osage County, Julia Roberts appeared almost unrecognizable compared to the glamorous image fans associate with her from roles like Vivian Ward in the beloved 1990 romantic comedy Pretty Woman. At 44, Roberts took on the challenging role of Barbara Weston, a woman from a dysfunctional family forced to confront long-buried issues after their alcoholic patriarch goes missing.
On set in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, she was seen shooting highly emotional scenes alongside co-star Ewan McGregor, and her transformation for the role was striking. Stripped of her signature makeup and styled in deliberately plain, even frumpy, clothing, Roberts fully immersed herself in character. Her wardrobe consisted of a white button-down shirt layered over a cream top, paired with loose-fitting blue jeans. Her normally glamorous brunette hair was left unstyled, completing the down-to-earth, realistic look needed for the role. The change in appearance was purposeful, reflecting the emotional weight of the character and the gritty family dynamics at the heart of the film. In a particularly intense scene filmed that day, Roberts and McGregor—who plays Bill Fordham, Barbara’s estranged husband—walk hand in hand to a boat dock, where they’re met by a local sheriff.
The purpose of the scene is somber: they must identify a body believed to be the missing family patriarch. As the characters approach and the reality sets in, Roberts’ character breaks down in tears, visibly shaken and devastated, eventually collapsing into McGregor’s arms for comfort. It’s a raw, heart-wrenching moment that demonstrates the depth of Roberts’ acting range. Her performance, though hysterical and deeply emotional during the take, was quickly followed by a lighthearted moment between scenes. Behind the emotional exterior, Roberts was seen laughing with fellow cast members, especially Julianne Nicholson, who pointed out something funny and had the group momentarily breaking from the film’s dark atmosphere.
Nicholson, who starred in Boardwalk Empire, also embraced the tone of the film in her wardrobe, wearing a loose blue shirt and brown flared trousers, with her hair pulled back in a simple ponytail. The aesthetic for the film was intentionally grounded and natural, reflecting the deeply flawed and complex characters at its center. The film itself brought together a powerhouse ensemble cast that included Meryl Streep in the role of Violet Weston, the sharp-tongued and domineering matriarch of the family. Benedict Cumberbatch also appeared in the movie, portraying Little Charles Aiken, a relative caught in the crossfire of family tension.
The casting process for August: Osage County was equally interesting, with several high-profile actresses initially considered for major roles. According to IMDb, both Renée Zellweger and Andrea Riseborough were considered, with Riseborough originally being cast but ultimately stepping away due to scheduling conflicts. She was replaced by Juliette Lewis, who played the role of Karen Weston. The character of Jean Fordham, Barbara and Bill’s daughter, was also a sought-after role. Chloë Moretz auditioned for the part, but the role eventually went to Abigail Breslin, known for her work in Little Miss Sunshine. The film, based on Tracy Letts’ Pulitzer Prize-winning play, demanded emotionally raw performances from its cast, and Roberts’ portrayal of Barbara stood out for its intensity and vulnerability. Her willingness to abandon her glamorous Hollywood image for a stripped-down, unfiltered performance demonstrated her dedication to the role and to the story’s authenticity. Though fans are used to seeing Julia Roberts in high-fashion gowns and smiling confidently on red carpets, her turn in August: Osage County was a reminder of her true acting range and commitment to powerful storytelling. Behind the makeup-free face and casual clothing was a seasoned actress giving one of the most emotionally charged performances of her career, surrounded by a cast equally committed to bringing the family drama to life.
