Martin Luther King, Jr. is famous for a handful of reasons.
An activist and a fighter for civil rights, he’s considered a legend. He worked really hard to end segregation laws and injustice.
There’s one more thing Martin Luther King, Jr. did that’s surprising people these days.
It’s not really huge news but people responded to it with both shock and delight.
And it has something to do with Julia Roberts.
Back in the 60s, it was unusual and challenging for Black children to get the opportunity to enroll in acting classes with white children.
At that time, Julia’s family ran a theater school named Actors and Writers Workshop.
In fact, it was the only integrated children’s theater back then.
One day, MLK’s wife, Coretta Scott King, gave Julia’s mother a call.
The family was struggling to find a place that would allow their kids to get in.
The Roberts, having a children’s theater, didn’t think twice about it.
Julia’s mother accepted them without any hesitation or condition. She just said yes and welcomed the family.
The Kings returned the favor.
In a live event in Washington, Julia revealed the precious thing MLK and his wife did for her family.
She confirmed that they had paid the cost of the hospital bill when she was delivered.
After that, the families became even closer.
In an interview with CNN, Yolanda King, the oldest child of the Kings shared:
“Mr. Roberts was so imposing. I loved him, but I was also a little intimidated by him too. He taught me so much, and he and Mrs. Roberts, about the work, and just about living and being really open, grabbing life and making the best of it.”
She felt like the Roberts were their extended family.
She also said:
“All of these Black kids and white kids getting along, no problems. We had no problems whatsoever, racial problems.”
Eventually, the acting studio was closed due to financial reasons.
The Roberts divorced at that time too.
Despite that, Julia’s family was able to inspire a lot of people in the area to take theater seriously.
They also encouraged acceptance, kindness, and equality in what they did.
Even without people knowing Julia Roberts’ connection with the Kings, her career still flourished.
She became even more famous after her portrayal of a diabetic daughter in Steel Magnolias in 1989.
It has earned her an Academy Award nomination in the best-supporting actress category.
Her popularity grew after Pretty Woman which people believed cemented her image in the public eye.
She also starred in Mona Lisa Smile, Money Monster, Valentine’s Day, Notting Hill, My Best Friend’s Wedding, and Ocean’s Twelve.
Her great acting skills earned her three Golden Globe Awards, an Academy Award, and a British Academy Film Award.
She’s a popular choice to take on leading roles in a wide range of genres.
Julia Roberts just celebrated her 55th birthday and her confirmation of the King’s involvement in her life made it even more special for her fans.
Learn more about this odd celeb connection in the video below!
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
