In Hollywood, films that stand the test of time aren’t uncommon, and Erin Brockovich is definitely one of them.
But there’s much more to the movie than what we saw in the final cut — scenes and little-known facts that add fresh depth to the story.
Julia Roberts absolutely nailed her role in Erin Brockovich. Honestly, it’s one of the best films I’ve ever seen — no flashy special effects, just raw, incredible acting and a story that cuts straight to the heart. The film is based on the true story of Erin Brockovich, a single mother who took on a massive corporation over water contamination, and Roberts brought her to life in a way that feels both real and inspiring.
Truly, it’s a classic — one I enjoy rewatching far more than most new films released today.
And while Erin Brockovich is a masterpiece, it’s not without its quirky moments and behind-the-scenes fun! Here are some amusing facts, errors, and hidden truths you might not know about the movie:
The real Erin Brockovich cameo
One of the nicest surprises in Erin Brockovich is the waitress at the very start of the film — and she’s not just an actress. That’s the real Erin Brockovich! Yes, you read that correctly. The real Erin plays a blonde waitress when Julia Roberts enters a diner with the kids.
How cool is that? It was part of her contract to appear in this special moment, a nod to the woman whose story inspired the film.
An out-of-body experience
When Erin Brockovich stepped onto the set for her scene, it felt surreal. Playing a waitress while Julia Roberts was only a few feet away was almost unreal. “It was like an out-of-body experience,” she later admitted. As someone used to battling in courtrooms rather than on camera, the idea of acting was both thrilling and intimidating.
“I couldn’t quite wrap my head around it,” she told Fox. The excitement was undeniable, but so was the pressure. Erin didn’t want to mess up, especially in the presence of a star like Roberts. “I’m not usually one to rush things, but I was nervous. Very nervous.”
Another hidden cameo?
Many fans know the real Erin Brockovich appears in the film, but here’s a lesser-known twist: her real-life lawyer, Ed Masry, also appears on screen.
In the same diner scene where Erin plays the waitress, you can spot the real Ed Masry in the background, while Albert Finney portrays him in the film.
Erin Brockovich’s décolletage
The real Erin Brockovich-Ellis has said the film is 98–99% accurate.
However, while the film captures her story well, a few details were slightly exaggerated. For instance, although her cleavage drew attention, she never intentionally used her appearance to manipulate anyone, as the movie suggests.
Amid all the focus on her looks and language, Erin stayed focused on what truly mattered — the lives harmed by toxic contamination.
“I heard lots of comments about my chest, my cleavage, my style, my language, and so on. I didn’t have time for that. People were poisoned, and they did something about it, and they know it. So yes, back off. That was my stance,” she told Vulture.
The truth about breast implants
The real Erin Brockovich has never shied away from discussing her struggles: from dyslexia as a child and anorexia as an adult to battling insecurity that led her to get breast implants during her second unhappy marriage.
Reflecting on the decision, she’s refreshingly candid and has no regrets: “I decided the best way to boost my confidence was to get a breast lift… and believe me, it worked.”
Mix-up with “Miss Pacific Coast”
In the movie, Erin is said to have won the title “Miss Wichita,” but in real life, her title was “Miss Pacific Coast.”
Erin herself laughed at this small mix-up, joking about her decision to leave the beauty pageant world, which she found “petty.”
During filming, Julia Roberts created a wardrobe that became iconic: tight skirts and eye-catching high heels that perfectly captured the feisty yet glamorous personality of the real Erin.
Erin’s only gripe with the film
Before the film premiered, Erin jokingly told Julia Roberts that her skirts in the movie were too long.
This funny remark was later confirmed by director Steven Soderbergh. “When Erin watched the film,” he explained, “she said, ‘The only thing that wasn’t accurate is that the skirts weren’t short enough.’”
Julia Roberts’ wardrobe challenges
Julia Roberts may have delivered an Oscar-winning performance, but wearing the activist’s revealing wardrobe came with challenges. Although Roberts understood the historical accuracy of the bold outfits, she initially worried they might appear too risqué on screen.
“When you take someone who — by my modest, conservative clothing standards — is so visually provocative,” Roberts explained, “you don’t want it to look like cinematic fiction. Oh, we hired someone with very long legs, so let’s give her the shortest skirts known to mankind. You want it to feel like part of her personality, like her hair, her voice, or something else.”
Once Roberts realized how important Erin’s wardrobe was to her character’s identity, she embraced the challenge.
Still, adjusting to the wardrobe (or lack thereof) wasn’t entirely seamless. “I have something in my closet I’d call a ‘dress.’ Erin has what I call a ‘dre,’” Roberts joked. “The whole part that covers the butt is missing.”
Even the crew needed time to adapt to her on-screen transformation. Roberts recalled, “I’d show up for rehearsal in a T-shirt, sweats, and slippers, and everyone was calm. Then I’d arrive on set [in costume], and all the crew asked, ‘What happened?’ But once we all got used to it, it was fine.”
Did Erin really date George?
The character George, the biker played by Aaron Eckhart, was inspired by Erin Brockovich-Ellis’ real-life Mexican-American boyfriend, Jorge Halabi.
Erin met Jorge on a Harley in the early 1990s, shortly after her second divorce at age 25.
“He lifted me up in a hard time and loved my kids. He always made me laugh. And he believed in me. Jorge was wonderful. Yes, he wore bracelets and had a ponytail. He was handsome. God, he had the most beautiful hair. And Aaron Eckhart looked great too. He did such a good job,” Erin said.
Though their real-life romance ended, Jorge remained an important part of her life. He was even hired as a full-time nanny for her children, facilitated by the law firm she worked with, understanding the complexities of her case and wanting to support her.
The real George had a brain tumor and passed away
In a 2020 Vulture interview, Erin shared deeply personal and heartbreaking details about Jorge, a pivotal figure in her and her children’s lives.
Jorge died after battling a brain tumor.
“At the time the film came out, Jorge and I weren’t together. Jorge had a brain tumor, and a lot was going on that I think many of us didn’t understand. Jorge was very unique and so good to my kids,” she said.
Albert Finney originally declined the role
Albert Finney brought charm and gravitas to the film, creating one of its most beloved characters, Ed Masry. His chemistry with Roberts was magical, showing the brilliance of the acting team.
Finney portrayed Ed with a masterclass in restraint, delivering dedication, authenticity, and wit in every scene.
But many fans may not know that Finney initially turned down the role. Producer Danny DeVito intervened, persuading Finney by consolidating his scenes to reduce his time in Los Angeles. Fortunately, the plan worked, and Finney’s performance remains a highlight of the film.
Julia Roberts’ salary for Erin Brockovich
Julia Roberts didn’t just shine on screen — she made Hollywood history! For the lead role, she earned a staggering $20 million, becoming the first woman to cross that pay barrier.
It was an enormous sum at the time, but after seeing her powerful performance, we all know she was worth every penny.
Julia’s small mistake at the Oscars
Roberts may have won the Oscar for Best Actress, but during her speech, she forgot to thank the real Erin Brockovich — oops! She later joked, “It doesn’t give that Albert Einstein moment you were hoping for.”
Money, money, money…
The real Erin Brockovich-Ellis sold the rights to her story for $100,000, and the film became a huge hit! With a $52 million budget, Erin Brockovich earned over $250 million worldwide.
It made $28.1 million in 2,848 theaters, the second-largest March opening at the time, just behind Liar Liar. It was also Roberts’ second-largest opening weekend after Runaway Bride. A financial triumph.
“What a silly movie title”
At the film’s release party, everyone discussed the working title, Erin Brockovich.
The real Erin asked director Steven Soderbergh what they planned to name the film. He replied simply, “Erin Brockovich.” Her reaction? “Damn!”
“At that moment, I thought, ‘Oh no, no, no, no, no, no, no,’ because everyone was saying, ‘What a silly title for a movie.’ It put me in a spot that made me nervous,” Erin shared.
A subtle nod to Aaron Eckhart
Around the 23rd minute, there’s a small but funny slip. After the kids finish playing cards with George, the son says, “Good night, Aaron,” mistakenly calling George by the actor’s real name, Aaron Eckhart.
Timeline goof
If you have a keen eye, you might notice a fun detail in the scene with George and Erin’s kids. Around 1:07, they play Monopoly: Harley-Davidson Authorized Edition, but the game was only released in 1997 — several years after the events of the film! A minor error, but one of those amusing moments you can spot.
Erin Brockovich’s favorite scene
When asked about her favorite scenes, Erin loved some of the wittiest moments. “They’re called ‘Boobs, Ed,’” she laughed. “I think it was hilarious. Such a smart line.”
Another highlight? The bold and shocking line: “Actually, I’m tired. I just did 634 blowjobs.”
She giggled, adding, “Sorry, but it was funny. It was so outrageous, and Julia delivered it perfectly.” These scenes captured her sharp, unapologetic humor, a defining part of her real-life personality.
After the film’s success, the real Erin Brockovich has maintained the movie’s legacy in the media.
Julia Roberts had never heard Erin’s story
At the same time, Roberts, who did the heavy lifting on camera, stayed somewhat removed. Surprisingly, considering the film changed her life and won her first Oscar.
She shared about her experience: before the film, she had never heard of the PG&E scandal. She also loved playing the role:
“It’s thrilling material because you have a person who is unsuspecting yet fabulous, somehow naked in life, alive, incredible, talks like a sailor, and all these amazing things you have to portray.”
Erin Brockovich today
Today, Erin is not just a celebrity but a dynamic media figure, continuing her mission to fight for those in need. She hosts Challenge America with Erin Brockovich on ABC and Ultimate Justice on Zone Reality, inspiring others with her passion.
Beyond media, Erin is president of Brockovich Research & Consulting, helping those affected by environmental issues.
She also consults for the prestigious New York law firm Weitz & Luxenberg on asbestos-related health claims and collaborates with Shine Lawyers in Australia.
As of 2024, Erin lives in Agoura Hills, California, in a house she bought in 1996 with the $2.5 million settlement from the Hinkley case.
Erin Brockovich’s husband
Her first marriage to Shawn Brown ended in divorce. She later married Steven Brockovich, with whom she had daughter Beth. After that, she married her third husband, actor and country DJ Eric L. Ellis.
Erin Brockovich’s children
She is a devoted mother of three: son Matthew and daughter Katie from her first marriage, and daughter Elizabeth (“Beth”) from her second.
The story of Erin Brockovich is as bold as she is!
While the film emphasizes her revealing wardrobe and sharp tongue, Erin’s true legacy lies in her relentless pursuit of justice for those who need it most.
So next time you watch Erin Brockovich, remember: it’s not just about the cleavage or witty lines, but about a woman who refused to back down, proving sometimes the most powerful weapon is simply being yourself.
