Julia Roberts, one of Hollywood’s leading actresses with a decades-long career, is known not only for her iconic roles but also for her genuine and relatable personality. Recently, she has captured public attention by openly expressing her love for singer Taylor Swift while promoting her latest film, Leave the World Behind. In this article, we will delve deeply into Julia’s journey as a Taylor Swift fan and provide detailed insights into the film she stars in, based on recent interviews and events. This is not just a story about a star’s love for music but also a blend of entertainment, personal emotions, and profound societal messages.

Julia Roberts’ Fandom Journey with Taylor Swift: From Quiet Fan to Outspoken “Swiftie”

At 56 years old, Julia Roberts proudly declares herself a “Swiftie” – the term for Taylor Swift’s passionate fans. This love is not new; it has been evident for years through several memorable moments. During an interview on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in December 2023, while promoting Leave the World Behind, Julia shared her enthusiasm for Taylor Swift. She recounted taking her entire family to see The Eras Tour and even joining Taylor on stage back in 2015.

Let’s rewind a bit. In 2015, at Taylor Swift’s concert in Santa Clara, California, Julia had an unforgettable experience. She was invited on stage alongside Taylor and legendary singer Joan Baez to dance during the performance of “Style.” Julia described the moment as dreamlike: “I couldn’t believe I was there. Taylor is such an inspiration, and dancing with her and Joan Baez was magical.” On The Tonight Show, when Jimmy Fallon showed a photo from that event, Julia laughed and admitted she was so “overwhelmed with excitement” that she forgot she was on stage in front of thousands of fans. She also revealed that her daughter Hazel, then 10 years old, was thrilled by the experience.

Julia’s love for Taylor goes beyond that moment. She is particularly fond of the song “Betty” from Taylor Swift’s 2020 album Folklore. During the same Tonight Show interview, Julia explained why: “That song is so sweet and authentic. It tells stories of family, love, and growing up – themes I’ve always felt close to.” In fact, “Betty” is the final part of a folklore trilogy about a teenage love triangle, with poetic and evocative lyrics. Julia shared that she often listens to this album to unwind, and it has become a staple in her family’s playlist.

More recently, in June 2024, Julia proved her devotion by attending The Eras Tour in Dublin, Ireland. She immersed herself in the crowd, exchanging friendship bracelets (a Swiftie tradition) with other fans, and even had a playful interaction with Taylor’s boyfriend, Travis Kelce, the Kansas City Chiefs football star. A viral video showed Julia hugging and patting Travis on the shoulder in a friendly manner, prompting some Swifties to joke that she was “protecting” the couple. While a few criticized her actions as “overstepping,” Travis later responded positively on his podcast, calling Julia “an amazing woman” and describing the moment as fun. Julia also posted on Instagram in 2023: “@taylorswift I Love You. Thank you for being EVERYTHING WE EVER NEEDED! Ever.” – a heartfelt message that garnered over 834,000 likes.

As a mother of three children (Hazel, Phinnaeus, and Henry), Julia often shares that Taylor’s music helps her connect with the younger generation. She said: “Taylor doesn’t just sing about love; she sings about inner strength, resilience, and the joy of living. That’s why I love her.” This fandom is not just a personal hobby but also a way for Julia to inspire her children to pursue their passions.

The Movie Leave the World Behind: A Timely Psychological Thriller

Alongside her love for Taylor Swift, Julia Roberts has been actively promoting Leave the World Behind, a film in which she stars and serves as a producer. Released on Netflix in December 2023, the movie is based on Rumaan Alam’s novel of the same name and directed by Sam Esmail (creator of Mr. Robot). It boasts an all-star cast, including Mahershala Ali, Ethan Hawke, Myha’la Herrold, and Kevin Bacon.

The plot follows a family (played by Julia Roberts and Ethan Hawke) enjoying a vacation at a luxurious Long Island home. Their getaway takes a dark turn when a global cyberattack disables all electronic devices, and two strangers (Mahershala Ali and Myha’la) arrive at the door, claiming to be the homeowners. From there, the film explores themes of trust, racial tensions, isolation, and the consequences of society’s reliance on technology. Julia plays Amanda, a skeptical and pragmatic woman confronting her deepest fears.

In interviews, Julia described the film as “a timely wake-up call” for the modern world. She told CBS News: “This movie isn’t just about disaster; it’s about how we respond to each other in a crisis. It makes you think about family, society, and what truly matters.” The film received positive reviews, earning a 75% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with praise for the cast’s performances and the escalating tension. However, its open-ended conclusion, with the character Rose (played by Farrah Mackenzie) finding a bunker and watching Friends – a symbol of escaping reality – sparked debate.

Notably, former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama served as executive producers through their company, Higher Ground. Julia shared that their involvement added political depth to the film, highlighting issues like social unrest and climate change. In an interview with Shadow and Act, she emphasized: “This is a film that makes you pause and reflect on the world we live in.”

The Connection Between Music and Film Career

The intertwining of Julia’s love for Taylor Swift and her promotion of Leave the World Behind is no coincidence. During her Tonight Show appearance, these two topics were seamlessly woven together, showcasing Julia as a multifaceted woman: both a movie star and a music-loving mom. She jokingly mentioned that listening to Taylor Swift helped her relax between intense scenes on set. This reflects Julia’s lifestyle – balancing work with personal joy.

As of 2025, Leave the World Behind remains one of Netflix’s most-watched films, with over 100 million views. Meanwhile, Taylor Swift continues to dominate the music industry with The Tortured Poets Department (2024), and Julia remains a loyal fan. In February 2025, Taylor Swift was dubbed “America’s Sweetheart” – a title once associated with Julia Roberts, highlighting a symbolic passing of the torch between two icons.

Conclusion: Julia Roberts – An Icon of Authenticity

Through sharing her love for Taylor Swift and Leave the World Behind, Julia Roberts not only reinforces her status but also conveys a message about human connection. In a chaotic world like the one depicted in the film, music and art serve as a beacon of light. If you’re a fan of Julia or Taylor, watch Leave the World Behind and listen to “Betty” – you’ll understand why she cherishes them so much. Julia Roberts continues to inspire, proving that at any age, we can pursue our passions with utmost sincerity.