You know, every now and then, Hollywood produces one of those films that truly stands the test of time, and Erin Brockovich is certainly one of them.
However, there’s so much more to the story than what we witnessed in the final cut—there are scenes and lesser-known facts that enrich the narrative.
Julia Roberts completely embodied her character in Erin Brockovich. Honestly, it’s one of the finest films I’ve ever watched; it lacks flashy special effects, relying instead on powerful, genuine acting and a storyline that resonates deeply. It’s inspired by the true story of Erin Brockovich, a single mother who challenged a massive corporation over water pollution, and Roberts portrays her in a way that feels incredibly authentic and motivating.
Truly, it’s a classic—something I’d prefer to rewatch over most of the newer films being released these days.
While Erin Brockovich is undoubtedly a masterpiece, it also has its quirky moments and behind-the-scenes fun! Here are a few amusing facts, errors, and hidden gems you might not be aware of regarding the film:
The real Erin Brockovich’s cameo.
One of the most delightful surprises in Erin Brockovich is the waitress at the very start of the film—and she’s not just any actress. It’s the real Erin Brockovich herself! Yes, you heard correctly. The actual Erin makes a cameo as a blonde waitress when Julia Roberts and her children visit a snack restaurant.
How amazing is that? It was actually stipulated in the movie’s contract that she would have this special appearance, providing a lovely tribute to the woman whose story the film is based on.
An out-of-body experience
When Erin Brockovich arrived on the movie set for her cameo, it felt as if she had entered a different realm. Portraying a waitress named Julia while Julia Roberts was just a few feet away seemed surreal. “It was like an out-of-body experience,” she later confessed. As someone accustomed to battling in courtrooms rather than in front of a camera, the thought of acting made her stomach churn.
“I couldn’t wrap my head around it,” she shared with Fox. The thrill of being part of the film was unmistakable, but so was the weight of the pressure.
Erin was determined not to make any mistakes, especially in the presence of a star like Roberts. “I don’t like to get ahead of myself, but I was nervous. Really nervous.”
Did you notice another hidden cameo?
While many fans are aware that Erin Brockovich herself makes a cameo in the film, here’s a lesser-known detail: her actual lawyer, Ed Masry, also makes an appearance.
In the same diner scene where Erin is seen as a waitress, the real Ed Masry — portrayed in the film by Albert Finney — can be seen sitting in the background.
Erin Brockovich cleavage
The genuine Erin Brockovich-Ellis once stated that the film was 98-99% accurate.
However, although the movie effectively narrates Erin’s story, there are a few aspects they omitted. For instance, the real Erin Brockovich-Ellis has mentioned that while her cleavage may have drawn some attention, she never deliberately used her looks to manipulate anyone, contrary to what the film implies.
Amidst the scrutiny regarding her looks and speech, the true Erin remained concentrated on what was genuinely important — the lives impacted by toxic pollution.
“I received numerous remarks about, you know, my breasts, the cleavage, my attire, the language, whatever. I didn’t have time for that. People were poisoned, and they did it and they know it. So yeah, screw off. That was really my position,” she shared with Vulture.
Truth about her breast implants
The authentic Erin Brockovich has always been open about her challenges, from dealing with childhood dyslexia and managing adult anorexia to facing the self-doubt that prompted her to get breast implants during her second unhappy marriage.
Looking back on that choice, she’s refreshingly candid and has no regrets: ”I figured the best way to enhance my confidence would be to get my chest lifted… and trust me, it worked.”
The mix-up with Miss Pacific Coast
In the film, Erin Brockovich is portrayed as having won the title of Miss Wichita, but in reality, she actually held the title of Miss Pacific Coast.
Erin herself highlighted this small error, chuckling about the detail while reminiscing about her choice to exit the beauty pageant scene, which she found ”superficial.”
During the production of Erin Brockovich, Julia Roberts donned a wardrobe that became iconic — think form-fitting skirts and those striking high heels that perfectly embodied the real Erin’s spirited yet glamorous character.
Erin Brockovich’s sole complaint about the movie
Before the film’s release, Erin Brockovich and Julia Roberts had a chat where Erin humorously remarked that Julia’s skirts in the film were too long.
This funny comment was later validated by the film’s director, Steven Soderbergh. “When Erin viewed the movie,” he recounted, “she said, ‘The only thing that was inaccurate is that the skirts weren’t short enough.’”
Julia Roberts’ Wardrobe Journey in Erin Brockovich
Julia Roberts truly excelled in her Oscar-winning role in Erin Brockovich, but donning the real-life activist’s bold wardrobe presented its own set of challenges. While Roberts recognized the importance of historical accuracy in the striking outfits, she initially feared they might seem too extravagant for the film.
“When you take someone who — by my modest, conservative standards of dressing — is so visually provocative,” Roberts shared, “you don’t want to make it seem like a movie contrivance. ‘Oh, we hired someone with really long legs, so let’s give her the shortest skirts known to mankind.’ You want it to feel as integral to her as her hair or voice or anything else.”
Once Roberts understood how crucial Erin’s wardrobe was to her character’s identity, she welcomed the challenge.
However, adapting to the wardrobe (or the lack of it) wasn’t entirely smooth. “I have something in my closet that I would call a ‘dress.’ Erin has something in her closet I call a ‘dre,’” Roberts humorously remarked. “The whole ‘ess’ part that covers your ass isn’t there.”
Even the film crew needed some time to adjust to her transformation on screen. Roberts reminisced, “I’d come into rehearsal in my T-shirt and sweatpants and flip-flops, and everybody was cool. Then I’d come on the set to shoot [in my costumes], and everybody on the crew would be like, ‘What happened?’ But once we all got comfortable with it, it was fine.”
Did Erin Brockovich really date George?
The character of George, the biker boyfriend portrayed by Aaron Eckhart, was inspired by Erin Brockovich-Ellis’s real-life Mexican-American boyfriend, Jorge Halaby.
Erin met the long-haired, Harley-riding biker in the early 1990s, shortly after her second divorce, when she was just 25 years old.
“He supported me during tough times and cared for my kids. He always knew how to make me smile. He had faith in me. Jorge was truly wonderful. Yes, he sported the bracelets and had a ponytail. Wow, he was handsome. Oh my, his hair was stunning. And Aaron Eckhart was also quite attractive. He performed exceptionally well,” Erin shared.
Although Erin and Jorge did part ways during her personal journey, he continued to play a significant role in her life. In fact, Jorge became a full-time live-in nanny for Erin’s children. This arrangement was made possible by the law firm she was associated with, who recognized the challenging nature of her case and aimed to assist her.
Erin Brockovich couldn’t help but chuckle about the casting of Aaron Eckhart as George, mentioning that if the real Jorge had looked like that, she would have never let him slip away. Their actual relationship may not have had the glamorous looks of Hollywood, but it was just as enjoyable and distinctive as depicted in the film.
The real George suffered from a brain tumor and passed away.
In a 2020 interview with Vulture, Erin Brockovich shared a deeply personal and sorrowful detail about Jorge, the man who had been such a vital part of her life and her children’s.
Jorge lost his life after fighting a brain tumor.
“At the time the film was released, Jorge and I were not together. He was battling a brain tumor, and there were many things happening that I don’t think many of us comprehended. Jorge was an incredibly unique individual, and he was fantastic with my kids,” she reflected.
Albert Finney initially declined the film.
In Erin Brockovich, Albert Finney infused remarkable charm and depth into the character of Ed Masry, making him one of the film’s most cherished figures. He didn’t overshadow Julia Roberts, yet he delivered a performance that was both humorous and heartwarming. The chemistry between Finney and Roberts was simply enchanting, highlighting the exceptional work of the casting team.
Finney’s interpretation of Ed was a brilliant example of subtle excellence, reflecting the same commitment he applied to all his roles. From his impeccable American accent to the humor and genuineness he brought to each scene, it was evident why he was regarded as one of the finest actors of the 20th century. Whether portraying Poirot, Daddy Warbucks, or Ed Masry, Finney’s performances consistently featured layers of charm, humor, and even a hint of malice when necessary.
However, many fans might not realize that Finney initially declined the role. It was Danny DeVito, one of the film’s producers, who intervened. DeVito persuaded Finney’s girlfriend to encourage him to rethink his decision, offering to rearrange all of his scenes to be filmed in closer succession so that Finney wouldn’t have to spend too much time in Los Angeles. Fortunately, the strategy worked, and Finney’s performance stands out as a highlight of the film, solidifying his reputation as one of cinema’s greatest talents.
Julia Roberts’ earnings in Erin Brockovich
Julia Roberts didn’t just shine on screen in the film — she made history in Hollywood! For her leading role, Roberts received an unprecedented $20 million salary, making her the first woman to break through that pay barrier.
It was an astonishing figure at the time, but let’s be real — after witnessing her powerful portrayal of the feisty, determined Erin, we all agree she was worth every cent.
Julia Roberts made a significant error on stage
Julia Roberts may have taken home the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in Erin Brockovich, but her acceptance speech turned into a bit of an embarrassing moment.
In her excitement, she completely forgot to acknowledge the real Erin Brockovich-Ellis! Oops. Later, Roberts laughed off the mistake, quipping, “It doesn’t quite bring out the Albert Einstein moment that you hoped it would.”
Money, money, money…
The real Erin Brockovich-Ellis sold the rights to her remarkable story for a hefty $100,000, and the film became a tremendous success! With a budget of $52 million, Erin Brockovich went on to earn over $250 million globally.
It had a remarkable opening weekend, raking in $28.1 million across 2,848 theaters, achieving the second-highest March opening at that time, right after Liar Liar. It was also Julia Roberts’ second-largest opening weekend, just behind Runaway Bride! Talk about a financial success.
“What a silly title for a film”
During the wrap party, everyone was discussing what to name the movie, which had been referred to as the working title “Erin Brockovich.”
Curious, the real Erin inquired with director Steven Soderbergh about the film’s name, and he simply replied, “Erin Brockovich.” Erin’s response? “Oh no!”
“At that moment, I thought, Oh no, no, no, no, no, no, no because everyone was saying, ‘What a silly title for a film.’ That made me feel anxious,” Erin recounted.
A sneaky nod to Aaron Eckhart
At about 23 minutes into Erin Brockovich, there’s a small but amusing mistake.
After the kids finish their card game with George, the son says, “Good night, Aaron,” accidentally calling George by the actor’s real name, Aaron Eckhart.
Did you notice the timeline error?
If you have a keen eye, you might catch a fun detail in a scene with George and Erin’s children. At around 1 hour 7 minutes, they’re playing Monopoly: Harley-Davidson Authorized Edition — but here’s the twist: the game wasn’t available until 1997, a few years after the movie’s timeline!
A minor slip in the timeline, but it’s one of those enjoyable movie moments to catch.
Erin Brockovich’s favorite scene in the film
When asked about her favorite scenes in the film, Erin Brockovich eagerly shared her fondness for some of the funniest moments. “They’re called boobs, Ed,” she said with a chuckle. “I found that hilarious. It was such a witty line.”
Another memorable moment for her? The bold and surprising line, ‘I’m exhausted, actually. I just gave 634 blow jobs.’
She laughed, saying, “I’m sorry, but that was hilarious. It was so outrageous, and Julia executed it flawlessly.” These moments truly showcased her sharp, unapologetic sense of humor, which was a key aspect of her real-life character.
Following the film’s tremendous success, the actual Erin Brockovich has continued to uphold the movie’s legacy through various media outlets.
Julia Roberts had never been aware of Erin’s story.
On the other hand, the actress who took on the lead role, Julia Roberts, has maintained a relatively low profile. This is somewhat unexpected, especially since the film significantly transformed Julia’s career. It brought her her first Oscar — a remarkable milestone that only a few actresses achieve.
So, what insights has Julia shared about her journey with the film?
For starters, she mentioned that she had no knowledge of the PG&E scandal before accepting the role.
Julia also shared her enthusiasm for portraying the character: “It’s captivating material because you have someone who is the most unlikely of heroines, who is also fabulous, larger than life, vibrant, and speaks like a sailor, along with all these wonderful traits to embody.”
Erin Brockovich today
Currently, Erin Brockovich is not only a well-known figure but also an energetic media personality, dedicated to her mission of delivering justice to those who need it. She is the host of the television series Challenge America with Erin Brockovich on ABC and Final Justice on Zone Reality, motivating others with her enthusiasm for overcoming challenges.
In addition to her media endeavors, Erin serves as the president of Brockovich Research & Consulting, where she assists individuals impacted by environmental concerns.
She also acts as a consultant for the esteemed New York law firm Weitz & Luxenberg, focusing on personal injury cases related to asbestos exposure, and collaborates with Shine Lawyers in Australia.
As of 2024, Erin Brockovich resides in Agoura Hills, California, in a house she purchased in 1996 using the $2.5 million bonus she received after the Hinkley settlement.
Erin Brockovich husband
Erin’s initial marriage to Shawn Brown ended in divorce, and she subsequently married Steven Brockovich, with whom she welcomed her daughter Beth.
Following their separation, Erin married her third husband, actor and country musician DJ, Eric L. Ellis.
Erin Brockovich kids
In addition to her professional achievements, Erin is a devoted mother to three children: a son, Matthew, and a daughter, Katie, from her first marriage to Shawn Brown, and a daughter, Elizabeth (“Beth”), from her second marriage to Steven Brockovich.
