The 14-year-old star of the movie 'Nancy Drew in the Hollywood Hills,' now in production, was saved by her famous aunt -- Julia Roberts.
Emma Roberts, who looking almost shockingly like the 'Pretty Woman' star, has the makings of a mini-Julia. A set insider tells TMZ about a shoot earlier this week: "She nailed her scene outside a church in Los Angeles."
But TMZ did some digging, and found that Emma's life was in turmoil until Julia came to the rescue.
Emma's dad is actor Eric Roberts. When Emma was just seven months old, Erickicked Emma and her mother, Kelly Cunningham, out of the house. And it getsmessier. Cunningham and Roberts accused each other of domestic violence. Theywere then embroiled in a bitter custody fight. Julia sided with Cunningham andEmma, even buying them a home and ultimately helping Cunningham secure custodyof her daughter. As a result, Julia and Eric severed their relationship and donot speak.
Julia nurtured Emma, allowing her to frequently visit the sets when her auntwas filming. That exposure paid off. In 2001, Emma played Johnny Depp'sdaughter in 'Blow.' She has become a teen idol playing Addie Singer in theNickleodeon hit 'Unfabulous.'
'Nancy Drew' could make Emma a break-out star, and Julia is her inspiration. "Ilove all the films she has done -- if my career goes the same as hers then thatwould be great," states the young actress. Come to think of it, she may alreadyhave star-status -- Emma, like her famous aunt, has a body-double stand-in forrehearsals.
