While filming alongside Ewan McGregor, 44-year-old Julia Roberts was nearly unrecognizable — a far cry from the glamorous Vivian Ward we all fell in love with in the iconic 1990 classic Pretty Woman.
Stripped of makeup and clad in plain, dowdy attire, Julia fully transformed for her emotionally charged role in August: Osage County, shot in Bartsville, Oklahoma.
On set, Julia’s raw vulnerability shone through as she delivered a deeply moving performance. Sporting a white shirt layered over a cream top and loose-fitting blue jeans, she embodied Barbara Weston—a woman navigating family turmoil in the wake of her alcoholic father’s disappearance.
Her signature brunette hair was tamed into a simple, unstyled look, perfectly capturing the worn-down spirit of her character.
In a gripping scene, Ewan McGregor’s character tenderly held Julia’s hand as they approached a boat dock to identify a body with the local Sheriff.
The moment Julia’s character caught sight of the lifeless figure, she broke down in tears, seeking comfort in Ewan’s arms. Her portrayal of heartbreak and despair was raw and utterly convincing.
Yet, between takes, the mood lightened considerably. Julia couldn’t help but laugh, sharing a genuine moment of joy with co-star Julianne Nicholson, who appeared to be pointing out something amusing to the cast and crew.
Julianne, too, was dressed down for the role, wearing a modest blue shirt and brown flared trousers, her hair pulled back in a simple ponytail.
The 2013 film August: Osage County also stars heavyweights like Meryl Streep and Benedict Cumberbatch (as Little Charles Aiken), making it a powerhouse ensemble cast.
Interestingly, the film’s IMDb page reveals that Renée Zellweger and Andrea Riseborough were originally considered for roles. Riseborough was cast but later replaced by Juliette Lewis due to scheduling conflicts. Meanwhile, Chloë Moretz auditioned for the role of Jean Fordham but lost out to Abigail Breslin.
Despite the intense drama on screen, moments like the cast sharing laughter reveal the genuine camaraderie behind the scenes—proof that even in stories of pain, joy can still be found.
