When Julia Roberts met cinematographer Danny Moder on the set of The Mexican in 2000, Hollywood entered a heavily scrutinized chapter. At the time, Roberts was a global box office icon, while Moder worked behind the scenes in the camera department. Their romance sparked significant tabloid attention because Moder was married to makeup artist Vera Steimberg, and Roberts was publicly linked to actor Benjamin Bratt.
Despite early controversies, intense media scrutiny, and public criticism from Moder's ex-wife, Roberts and Moder built a lasting partnership. They married in July 2002 at Roberts's ranch in Taos, New Mexico, and have since welcomed three children: twins Hazel and Phinnaeus, and their younger son, Henry. More than two decades later, they remain one of Hollywood's most enduring, private couples, proving that their initial connection survived the turbulent storm of celebrity gossip.
How Julia Roberts and Danny Moder Met
The relationship began during the production of Gore Verbinski's 2001 film The Mexican, starring Roberts and Brad Pitt. Moder served as a camera assistant on the set. While both were involved in other relationships, Roberts has frequently described their meeting as a seismic shift in her personal life.
- The Production Setting: Working closely on a grueling film shoot allowed Roberts and Moder to connect away from the mainstream spotlight, even as gossip columns began tracking their every move.
- Prior Relationships: Roberts was wrapping up her four-year relationship with Benjamin Bratt, while Moder was married to Vera Steimberg, whom he wed in 1997.
- The Divorce Proceedings: Moder filed for divorce from Steimberg, and the proceedings faced intense media friction before finalizing in early 2002.
Publicly, the transition was messy. Tabloids labeled Roberts harshly, and Steimberg voiced public heartbreak over the dissolution of her marriage. Yet, Roberts and Moder kept their focus fixed on each other, laying the foundation for a quiet life away from Los Angeles flashbulbs when not working.
The Secret New Mexico Wedding
By the summer of 2002, Moder's divorce was finalized, and the couple moved quickly to solidify their commitment. On July 4, 2002, they hosted guests at Roberts's remote ranch in Taos, New Mexico, under the guise of an Independence Day celebration.
- The Surprise Guest List: The roughly 60 attendees—including close friends like George Clooney and Brad Pitt—believed they were gathering for a holiday barbecue.
- Low-Key Attire: Rejecting traditional Hollywood excess, Roberts wore a handmade, pastel-pink halter dress adorned with pearls and hand-painted flowers, while Moder wore a casual red-striped shirt and brown trousers.
- The Proposal and Vows: Moder proposed with a modest, vintage-inspired emerald ring just prior to the ceremony, sealing a bond that bypassed traditional red-carpet announcements entirely.
Building a Family Out of the Spotlight
Raising three children in the modern era presents unique challenges for any parent, but doing so under global fame requires strict boundaries. Roberts and Moder made a conscious choice to raise Hazel, Phinnaeus, and Henry outside of Los Angeles, spending substantial time at properties in New Mexico and San Francisco.
- Prioritizing Home Life: Roberts scaled back her filming schedule significantly after starting a family, embracing everyday responsibilities like school drop-offs and household management.
- Behind-the-Scenes Success: Moder continued building a respected career in cinematography, earning a Primetime Emmy Award nomination in 2014 for his work on the television film The Normal Heart. The couple even collaborated professionally on projects like Secret in Their Eyes (2015).
- Guarding Privacy: Aside from occasional throwback snapshots or anniversary tributes shared on social media, the couple shields their children from paparazzi culture, maintaining a surprisingly normal household rhythm.
You can read more about Daniel Moder's career and filmography on IMDb. Additional details on celebrity milestones are tracked by publications like People Magazine.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Julia Roberts and Danny Moder get married?
They tied the knot on July 4, 2002, during a surprise ceremony at Roberts's ranch in Taos, New Mexico.
How many children do Julia Roberts and Danny Moder have?
They share three children: twins Hazel and Phinnaeus (born in 2004) and son Henry (born in 2007).
What is Danny Moder's profession?
Moder is an established Hollywood cinematographer and camera operator, having worked on major projects including Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Spider-Man 3, and Dead to Me.
How did Julia Roberts and Danny Moder meet?
The couple first crossed paths in 2000 while working on the film The Mexican, where Roberts starred as an actress and Moder worked as a camera assistant.
