Eric The Actor

Earlier this year I saw a very low budget film called Billboard.  It did have two actors I recognized, though--Heather Matarazzo and, in a small part, Eric Roberts.  Last year, I saw another small film called Taco Shop.  And sure enough, there was Eric Roberts in a small part.

What's going on?  Back in the 1980s he was on the edge of major stardom, playing leads in Star 80 and The Pope Of Greenwich Village, not to mention receiving an Oscar nomination for Runaway Train.  Has his star fallen so low that Roberts (brother of Julia, father of Emma) has been reduced to small roles in no-budget films?

Well, yes and no.  It turns out (as far as I can tell) he'll work for anyone, as long as they pay and the part can be done quickly.  In fact, he plays a new role about every week or two.  At present, he's done more than 500 parts!

He's 63 years old.  As long as he stays healthy, I think he's got a good shot at 1000.  Go, Eric!