Julia Roberts Knits Blankets for Emmy Rossum’s Kids — They Call Her Auntie Juju

Julia Roberts knits blankets for Emmy Rossum’s kids, proving that one of Hollywood’s most recognizable stars also has a thoughtful and creative side that her friends and their families get to experience firsthand.

The Oscar-winning actress has developed a close bond with the two young children of Shameless star Emmy Rossum and her husband, filmmaker Sam Esmail. The children even have a special nickname for Roberts: Auntie Juju.

During an October 22, 2026, appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, Rossum shared heartwarming details about Roberts’ relationship with her family, revealing that the Pretty Woman actress enjoys spending time with the children and making personalized gifts for them.

Rather than choosing expensive presents, Roberts creates something with her own hands.

Her handmade blankets carry a personal message that reflects the affection she has developed for the family.

The revelation gives fans a glimpse of a different side of the Hollywood icon, showing that meaningful friendships often extend far beyond red carpets and movie sets.

Julia Roberts Knits Blankets for Emmy Rossum’s Kids With a Personal Touch

Emmy Rossum revealed that Julia Roberts has knitted blankets for both of her children, adding a special detail that makes the gifts even more memorable.

The handmade creations feature a label identifying their maker as Auntie Juju.

Rossum described Roberts as naturally creative and skilled at making things herself.

According to the actress, the gifts are part of the warm relationship Roberts has developed with her family.

For many people, a handmade blanket represents more than an ordinary present. It requires patience, time, and attention, making it a particularly personal way to show affection.

That sentiment is central to Rossum’s story.

Although Roberts is internationally famous and has access to virtually anything she could purchase, she chooses to spend time creating something meaningful for the children.

The blankets are not simply celebrity gifts. They represent a continuing personal connection between Roberts and the Rossum-Esmail family.

The detail has attracted attention because it contrasts with the glamorous public image often associated with Hollywood stars.

Behind the scenes, Roberts appears to enjoy simple creative activities and the opportunity to make thoughtful presents for people close to her.

Why Emmy Rossum’s Children Call Julia Roberts Auntie Juju

The nickname Auntie Juju reflects the affectionate place Julia Roberts holds in the family’s life.

Rossum explained that Roberts has become a familiar presence around her children through her friendship with Sam Esmail.

The special name also appears on the blankets she makes.

Each personalized gift includes a reference to the knitting needles of Auntie Juju, connecting the actress’s creative hobby with the family’s affectionate nickname.

The word auntie does not necessarily describe a biological relationship.

In many families, children use similar names for trusted friends who have become especially close to their parents.

Roberts’ connection to Rossum’s children appears to have developed in that spirit.

Her interactions with the family include ordinary activities that many children enjoy, rather than exclusively special occasions or extravagant celebrations.

That combination of playful attention and personal gifts helps explain why the nickname has become such a meaningful detail in the story.

For fans accustomed to seeing Roberts in leading movie roles, Auntie Juju offers an unexpectedly charming glimpse into her private friendships.

Julia Roberts Even Plays Legos With Emmy Rossum’s Children

The handmade blankets are not the only example of Roberts’ affectionate relationship with Rossum’s children.

During her appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, Rossum also recalled that Roberts had visited her home and sat on the floor to play Legos with the kids.

It was a simple family moment, but one that Rossum clearly appreciated.

Instead of maintaining the distance sometimes associated with internationally famous performers, Roberts was comfortable joining the children in their everyday activities.

Playing with building blocks requires imagination, patience, and a willingness to participate in a child’s world.

The anecdote reinforced Rossum’s description of Roberts as approachable and genuinely kind.

The actress also praised Roberts for being down-to-earth despite her enormous Hollywood success.

According to Rossum, Roberts does not have an assistant, a detail she mentioned while discussing the star’s grounded personality.

These personal observations offer a perspective on Roberts that differs from the elaborate appearances and publicity events surrounding major film releases.

They suggest that her friendship with the family is expressed through everyday participation and thoughtful gestures.

How Julia Roberts Became Close to Emmy Rossum’s Family

The connection between Julia Roberts and Emmy Rossum’s family developed largely through Roberts’ professional relationship with Sam Esmail.

Esmail is a filmmaker, writer, and producer known for creating the acclaimed television series Mr. Robot.

He has also collaborated with Roberts on several notable film and television projects.

Their working relationship began around the production of Homecoming, the psychological thriller series starring Roberts.

The project marked an important television role for the actress and established a creative partnership with Esmail.

Their collaboration continued through additional productions, including Gaslit and the Netflix film Leave the World Behind.

Over time, their professional connection developed into a friendship that extended beyond the entertainment industry.

That friendship eventually brought Roberts into the family life Esmail shares with Rossum.

The actress became someone the couple’s children knew personally, rather than simply a famous performer associated with their father’s work.

Rossum’s recent comments demonstrate how professional relationships can sometimes lead to lasting friendships between families.

Sam Esmail Has Previously Praised Julia Roberts’ Generosity

Emmy Rossum is not the only person who has spoken warmly about Roberts’ personality.

Sam Esmail has previously discussed his friendship with the actress and the way his perception of her changed as they became closer.

In a 2023 interview with People, Esmail reflected on how extraordinary it initially felt to work with someone whose movies he had watched while growing up.

As their relationship developed, however, he came to appreciate her as a friend and mother rather than solely as a Hollywood superstar.

He praised her generous personality and grounded approach to life.

Those earlier comments are consistent with the affectionate picture Rossum presented during her television interview.

Together, their observations describe a performer who maintains close personal relationships despite the demands of a highly successful acting career.

Roberts and Esmail’s collaborations have also demonstrated the trust they developed professionally.

Their continued work together suggests a strong creative connection, while Rossum’s stories reveal how that relationship expanded into their personal lives.

Julia Roberts’ Knitting Hobby Is Not New

Although the story about Emmy Rossum’s children has recently attracted attention, Julia Roberts’ interest in knitting is not a new discovery.

The actress has previously discussed her enjoyment of knitting and homemaking during interviews.

Her fondness for handmade gifts also has a history.

In an October 2026 British Vogue retrospective, Notting Hill screenwriter Richard Curtis recalled an occasion when Roberts made a personalized blanket for his daughter, Scarlett.

Curtis described Roberts arriving with the thoughtful present during the period surrounding the film’s premiere.

The anecdote provides another example of her longstanding habit of expressing affection through handmade creations.

It also places the blankets for Rossum’s children within a broader pattern rather than making them seem like an unusual one-time gesture.

For Roberts, knitting appears to be a meaningful creative activity that fits naturally alongside her professional work.

The hobby also offers a contrast to the fast-paced nature of the entertainment business.

While film production often involves large teams, demanding schedules, and extensive preparation, knitting is a quieter activity that allows someone to create something personal.

Her continued interest in the craft shows that even the most recognizable celebrities can find enjoyment in familiar everyday hobbies.

Emmy Rossum and Sam Esmail Share Two Children

Emmy Rossum and Sam Esmail are parents to a daughter and a son.

Their daughter was born in May 2021, followed by their son in April 2023.

The couple married in New York City in May 2017 after meeting through the film Comet, which Esmail wrote and directed and Rossum starred in.

Although both parents work in entertainment, they generally maintain boundaries around their children’s public exposure.

Rossum occasionally shares aspects of motherhood during interviews, but she does not regularly make her children’s private lives the focus of publicity.

Her recent story about Roberts offered a glimpse of the children’s relationship with a family friend without revealing unnecessary personal information.

The actress has also reflected on how becoming a mother changed her priorities.

During a 2024 appearance on Today, she discussed the responsibility that comes with raising children and helping them develop confidence and independence.

Those comments help provide context for the importance she places on meaningful relationships and a supportive family environment.

Emmy Rossum Says Family Comes First

For Emmy Rossum and Sam Esmail, balancing demanding entertainment careers with raising young children requires cooperation.

Rossum has discussed how the couple prioritizes family life while supporting each other’s professional responsibilities.

In a September 2026 appearance on the Pretty Tough podcast, she explained that she and Esmail share similar values concerning work and parenting.

When one parent has professional commitments, the other takes a more active role in daily childcare.

This approach allows both to pursue creative careers while maintaining stability at home.

Their family-centered perspective also helps explain why Roberts’ interactions with the children mean so much.

The actress is not merely a professional acquaintance of Esmail.

She has become part of the broader circle of trusted friends who contribute to the family’s experiences.

Through simple activities like playing Legos and making blankets, Roberts demonstrates affection in ways the children can understand and appreciate.

Emmy Rossum’s Daughter Is Already Interested in Storytelling

During her conversation with Jennifer Hudson, Rossum also shared a humorous detail about her daughter’s growing interest in creative storytelling.

The actress revealed that her young daughter had begun developing her own movie ideas.

One story involved a dolphin, while a planned sequel would explore a shark and a darker direction.

Rossum’s comments offered a playful glimpse into the imagination of a child growing up in a creative household.

With a mother known for acting and singing and a father recognized for filmmaking, storytelling is already a familiar part of the family’s environment.

Still, the anecdote was presented as a charming childhood interest rather than a professional career announcement.

It also complemented Rossum’s description of Roberts playing with the children and encouraging ordinary moments of creativity.

Whether through imaginative games, family conversations, or handmade gifts, the children appear surrounded by opportunities to explore their interests.

Why the Auntie Juju Story Has Captured Attention

Celebrity news often focuses on movie premieres, relationships, fashion, and major career announcements.

The story of Julia Roberts knitting blankets stands out because it centers on something comparatively simple.

There is no dramatic controversy, expensive celebrity purchase, or unexpected professional revelation.

Instead, the appeal comes from a familiar expression of affection.

A famous actress spends time with her friends’ children, joins their games, and makes thoughtful presents.

The nickname Auntie Juju adds warmth and personality to the story.

It also reminds audiences that relationships between Hollywood figures can continue long after a production has finished.

For Roberts, her connection with Esmail developed through professional collaboration.

For Rossum’s children, that friendship has become part of their everyday family experience.

The distinction is important because it shows how professional connections can evolve into personal relationships built on trust and affection.

Julia Roberts Shows a Different Side of Hollywood Friendship

Julia Roberts has spent decades building a remarkable career through memorable performances in films such as Pretty Woman, Notting Hill, and Erin Brockovich.

Her work has earned major awards, international recognition, and a lasting place in Hollywood history.

Yet the latest story about her friendship with Emmy Rossum’s family focuses on qualities unrelated to box-office success.

It highlights kindness, creativity, and the willingness to make time for people she cares about.

Rossum’s account also offers a reminder that meaningful gifts do not have to be elaborate or expensive.

A handmade blanket can become something special because of the thought and effort behind it.

For Rossum’s children, those blankets come from someone they know affectionately as Auntie Juju.

And for fans, the story offers a refreshing look at a Hollywood icon enjoying the personal relationships that matter away from the spotlight.

Ultimately, Julia Roberts’ handmade blankets for Emmy Rossum’s kids are more than thoughtful presents. They are a reflection of a friendship that has grown beyond Hollywood and into family life, one stitch at a time.