‘Sad’ Eric Roberts detailed his relationship ‘loss’ with daughter Emma years before missing her wedding

Eric Roberts pulled back the curtain on his and daughter Emma Roberts’ strained relationship years before missing the actress’ wedding to Cody John.

When asked what was the “toughest time” of his life during an October 2024 podcast episode, the actor replied, “Probably the loss of a relationship with my daughter.”

The 70-year-old, however, denied to “Inside of You” listeners that there was “pain” surrounding their connection.

He described it, instead, as “a sadness for the most likely misunderstandings we’ll all have forever because we’re human.”

Eric noted at the time that becoming a grandpa brought this feeling to light because his eldest grandchild, who “looks like Emma,” has taken “a liking” to him — and “reminded” him of “what [he] didn’t have.”

Earlier this year, the Golden Globe nominee clarified that he and Emma, 35, are not estranged while appearing on “Really Famous With Kara Myer Robinson.”

He explained in April that his relationship with the “Unfabulous” alum is “only complicated through outside eyes … because they don’t get any of it.”

Eric did confess during the interview to being a “wash rag” and “car wreck” of a dad when Emma was growing up.

“I was not to be depended on emotionally whatsoever,” the Oscar nominee admitted, taking “full responsibility” for this.

However, Eric said he’ll “always have” a sweet moment he and Emma shared when she was a newborn and he soothed her by singing “Happy Birthday.”

He recalled, “She stopped screaming and tried to find my face with her little blind eyes. It was the most complete moment maybe I have ever had in my life. That something I did was recognized by a brand-new creature who had my DNA.

“And there she was, and she already knew me,” Eric continued. “She tried to find me. It was magic.”

Eric was noticeably missing from Page Six’s photos of Emma’s star-studded Saturday wedding to John, while his sister Julia Roberts was present.

The “Runaway Train” star, who was photographed in Los Angeles over the weekend, exclusively told us in a statement Monday that he “love[s his] daughter, always have and always will.”

He added, “It is perfectly wonderful for her to celebrate however she wants, with whomever she wants.”

Emma’s rep has yet to respond to Page Six’s request for comment.