In a touching revelation that recently captivated the internet, actress Julia Roberts shared that civil rights leaders Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King paid the hospital bill for her birth. This little-known story resurfaced during a 2022 interview with Gayle King at the HISTORYTalks event, where Roberts recounted the profound connection between her family and the Kings.
Roberts’ parents, Walter and Betty Lou Roberts, operated the Actors and Writers Workshop in Atlanta during the 1960s—a time when racial segregation was deeply entrenched in the South. Their theater school was one of the few integrated spaces, welcoming students of all backgrounds. When Coretta Scott King sought a place for her children to study acting, the Roberts opened their doors without hesitation. This act of inclusivity fostered a friendship between the two families.
Years later, when the Roberts faced financial difficulties following Julia’s birth in 1967, the Kings stepped in to cover the hospital expenses. This gesture not only alleviated a financial burden but also cemented a bond rooted in mutual respect and shared values.
The story gained widespread attention after Bernice King, daughter of Martin and Coretta, acknowledged it on social media, expressing gratitude for the reminder of her parents’ generosity. This narrative serves as a poignant example of how acts of kindness and solidarity can leave lasting impressions, bridging communities and generations.
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