Julia Roberts: Hollywood Icon Battling Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Julia Roberts, renowned for her captivating smile and magnetic on-screen presence, has been a Hollywood staple for decades. With a series of iconic roles under her belt, she has garnered a loyal fanbase and critical acclaim across the world. Known for her stellar performances in films such as “Pretty Woman” and “Erin Brockovich,” the latter of which won her an Academy Award, Roberts has continually proven her remarkable acting talent. Despite her remarkable success, Roberts has been grappling with a significant health issue: Thrombocytopenic Purpura, a rare blood disorder, for nearly 20 years.

The disorder first came to Roberts’ attention when her husband, cinematographer Daniel Moder, noticed she had unexplained bruises on her body. This prompted further medical investigation, leading to the diagnosis of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP), a condition characterized by the formation of small blood clots throughout the body, leading to a low platelet count.

Julia Roberts’ career achievements are extensive; she became a household name with her breakthrough role in “Pretty Woman,” a romantic comedy that propelled her to international stardom in the early 1990s. Her success continued into the early 2000s, where she commanded one of her biggest paychecks—an impressive $25 million—for her role in the 2003 film “Mona Lisa Smile,” a period drama in which she starred alongside up-and-coming actors Kirsten Dunst, Julia Stiles, and Maggie Gyllenhaal.