The father of Julia Roberts' children is Daniel "Danny" Moder, a prominent Hollywood cinematographer. While the Oscar-winning actress is one of the most recognizable figures on the planet, she and Moder have spent over two decades deliberately shielding their three kids from the constant glare of tabloid media.
Understanding Julia Roberts' family life means looking past the red carpets. Roberts and Moder share three children together: twins Hazel and Phinnaeus, born in 2004, and their younger son, Henry, born in 2007. Rather than raising their family in the heart of Los Angeles, the couple has prioritized a grounded upbringing, largely keeping their teenagers out of the public eye.
Who Is Danny Moder?
Danny Moder built a successful career behind the camera rather than in front of it. Born in Los Angeles in 1969, Moder is the son of film producer Mike Moder. He entered the film industry as a production assistant and steadily worked his way up to becoming a respected cinematographer and camera operator, earning a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for his work on the television film The Normal Heart.
Roberts and Moder met in 2000 on the set of the action-comedy film The Mexican, where Roberts starred alongside Brad Pitt and Moder worked as a camera operator. At the time, both were in other relationships, but they soon parted ways with their respective partners and began dating. The couple married on July 4, 2002, in a quiet, private ceremony at Roberts' ranch in Taos, New Mexico. More than twenty years later, they remain one of Hollywood's most enduring couples.
Meet the Children: Hazel, Phinnaeus, and Henry
Roberts and Moder expanded their family quickly after tying the knot. Their children have grown up away from the Hollywood spotlight, though occasional glimpses into their lives surface through rare public appearances and social media posts from their parents.
- Hazel Patricia Moder: Born on November 28, 2004, Hazel is the couple's older daughter. She made international headlines in July 2021 when she joined her father on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival for the premiere of the film Flag Day. Beyond rare public outings, Hazel is known for her quiet philanthropic streak, including cutting and donating her long hair to a charity that crafts wigs for children undergoing cancer treatment.
- Phinnaeus Walter Moder: Born alongside his twin sister on November 28, 2004, Phinnaeus—affectionately known as "Finn"—prefers athletic pursuits and outdoor sports over Hollywood events. Like his father and younger brother, Finn shares a passion for skateboarding and extreme sports.
- Henry Daniel Moder: Born on June 18, 2007, Henry is the youngest of the three siblings. Growing up alongside his older siblings, Henry has similarly embraced an active lifestyle, frequently featured in family snapshots skateboarding and surfing with his dad.
Parenting Strategy and Keeping Kids Out of the Spotlight
Raising children in Hollywood presents unique challenges, but Roberts and Moder have taken deliberate steps to ensure their kids experience a relatively normal childhood. Early on, the family moved away from the intense media pressure of Los Angeles, spending significant time at their properties in New Mexico and Northern California to establish a quiet, private home environment.
Roberts has frequently spoken about her role as a mother, emphasizing that her primary identity is rooted in her family. In interviews, she has noted that she wants her children to feel safe, supported, and allowed to make mistakes out of the public eye. This intentional boundary has allowed Hazel, Phinnaeus, and Henry to navigate school, hobbies, and early adulthood without bearing the heavy burden of celebrity culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Julia Roberts and Danny Moder get married?
Julia Roberts and Danny Moder married on July 4, 2002, during an intimate Independence Day ceremony at Roberts' ranch in Taos, New Mexico.
How many children do Julia Roberts and Danny Moder have?
They share three biological children: fraternal twins Hazel and Phinnaeus, born in 2004, and a younger son, Henry, born in 2007.
Are any of Julia Roberts' children pursuing acting?
For the most part, no. While Hazel made a brief uncredited cameo alongside her brothers in the 2016 comedy Mother's Day and walked the Cannes red carpet with her father in 2021, none of the children are actively pursuing full-time acting careers.
What is Danny Moder's profession?
Danny Moder is a professional cinematographer and camera operator who has worked on numerous feature films and television projects, earning critical acclaim and an Emmy nomination for his visual storytelling.