You know, every so often Hollywood makes one of those films that’s truly timeless, and Erin Brockovich is definitely one of them.
But there’s so much more to it than what we saw in the final cut—scenes and little-known facts that add even more depth to the story.
Julia Roberts absolutely nailed her role in Erin Brockovich. It’s honestly one of the best movies I’ve ever seen; no flashy special effects, just raw, incredible acting and a story that hits deep. It’s based on the true story of Erin Brockovich, a single mom who took on a massive corporation over water contamination, and Roberts brings her to life in a way that feels authentic and inspiring.
Honestly, it’s a classic — something I’d much rather rewatch than most of the newer movies coming out these days.
And while Erin Brockovich is a masterpiece, it’s not without its quirky moments and behind-the-scenes fun! Here are a few funny facts, mistakes, and hidden truths you might not know about the film:
The real Erin Brockovich’s cameo
One of the best little surprises in Erin Brockovich is the waitress at the very beginning of the movie—and it’s not just any actress. It’s the real Erin Brockovich herself! Yes, you heard that right. The real Erin makes a cameo as a blonde waitress when Julia Roberts and her kids stop at a diner.
How cool is that? It was actually written into the contract that she would have this special moment in the film, offering a sweet nod to the woman whose story inspired it.
An out-of-body experience
When Erin Brockovich stepped onto the movie set for her cameo, it felt like entering another world. Playing a waitress named Julia while Julia Roberts sat just a few feet away was surreal. “It was like an out-of-body experience,” she later admitted. As someone used to fighting battles in courtrooms—not on camera—the idea of acting left her stomach in knots.
“I couldn’t wrap my head around it,” she told Fox. The excitement of being part of the film was undeniable, but so was the pressure.
Erin didn’t want to mess up, especially in front of a star like Roberts. “I don’t like to get ahead of myself, but I was nervous. Really nervous.”
Did you catch another hidden cameo?
While many fans know Erin Brockovich appears in the film, here’s a lesser-known twist: her real-life lawyer, Ed Masry, also makes an appearance.
In the same diner scene where Erin plays a waitress, the real Ed Masry—portrayed in the movie by Albert Finney—can be spotted sitting in the background.
Erin Brockovich’s cleavage
The real Erin Brockovich-Ellis once said the film was 98–99% accurate.
However, while the movie does an excellent job telling her story, a few details were simplified or dramatized. For example, she has said that although her cleavage may have drawn attention, she never intentionally used her appearance to manipulate anyone, as the film sometimes implies.
Amid scrutiny over her appearance and language, the real Erin stayed focused on what truly mattered—the lives affected by toxic contamination.
“I heard a lot of comments about, you know, the boobs, the cleavage, the way I dress, the language, whatever. I didn’t have time for that. People were poisoned, and they did it and they know it. So yeah, fuck off. That was really my stance,” she told Vulture.
The truth about her breast implants
Erin Brockovich has always been open about her struggles—from childhood dyslexia and adult anorexia to the self-doubt that led her to get breast implants during her second unhappy marriage.
Looking back, she’s refreshingly honest and has no regrets: “I decided the best way to boost my confidence would be to get my chest lifted… and believe me, it worked.”
The mix-up with Miss Pacific Coast
In the movie, Erin is said to have won the title of Miss Wichita, but in reality, she held the title of Miss Pacific Coast.
Erin herself laughed about the mix-up while reflecting on her decision to leave the world of beauty pageants, which she considered “shallow.”
During filming, Julia Roberts wore a wardrobe that became iconic—figure-hugging skirts and eye-catching high heels that perfectly captured Erin’s feisty yet glamorous personality.
Erin’s one complaint about the movie
Before the premiere, Erin and Julia had a conversation where Erin joked that Julia’s skirts in the film were too long.
Director Steven Soderbergh later confirmed this amusing comment. “When Erin saw the movie,” he explained, “she said, ‘The only thing that was inaccurate is that the skirts weren’t short enough.’”
Julia Roberts’ wardrobe journey
Julia Roberts may have delivered an Oscar-winning performance, but stepping into Erin’s bold wardrobe wasn’t without challenges. While she understood the authenticity behind the outfits, she initially worried they might seem exaggerated on screen.
“When you take someone who—by my modest, conservative standards of dressing—is so visually provocative,” Roberts said, “you don’t want to make it seem like a movie contrivance.”
Once she realized how essential Erin’s wardrobe was to her personality, she embraced it.
Still, adjusting wasn’t seamless. “I have something in my closet that I would call a ‘dress.’ Erin has something in her closet I call a ‘dre,’” Roberts joked. “The whole ‘ess’ part that covers your ass isn’t there.”
Even the crew needed time to adjust. “I’d come into rehearsal in my T-shirt and sweatpants and flip-flops, and everybody was cool. Then I’d come on set in costume, and everyone would be like, ‘What happened?’ But once we all got comfortable with it, it was fine.”
Did Erin really date George?
The character of George, played by Aaron Eckhart, was inspired by Erin’s real-life Mexican-American boyfriend, Jorge Halaby.
She met the Harley-riding biker in the early 1990s after her second divorce, when she was 25.
“He lifted me up during a bad time and loved my kids. He always made me laugh. And he believed in me,” Erin said. “Boy, was he good-looking.”
Although they eventually broke up, Jorge remained a significant part of her life and even worked as a full-time live-in nanny for her children, supported by the law firm she worked with.
Sadly, Jorge later passed away after battling a brain tumor, a heartbreaking chapter Erin shared in a 2020 interview.
Albert Finney almost turned it down
Albert Finney brought warmth and gravitas to his role as Ed Masry. But what many don’t know is that he initially declined the part.
Producer Danny DeVito stepped in and convinced Finney’s girlfriend to encourage him to reconsider. They even rearranged the filming schedule to minimize his time in Los Angeles. Thankfully, it worked, and his performance became one of the film’s highlights.
Julia Roberts’ historic salary
Julia Roberts didn’t just shine onscreen—she made Hollywood history. She earned $20 million for her role, becoming the first woman to cross that salary milestone.
It was a staggering amount at the time, but her powerhouse performance proved she was worth every penny.
A small Oscars blunder
Roberts won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role—but in her excitement, she forgot to thank the real Erin Brockovich-Ellis during her speech.
She later laughed about it, joking, “It doesn’t bring out the Albert Einstein moment that you hoped it would.”
Box office success
Erin Brockovich-Ellis sold the rights to her story for $100,000, and the film went on to become a massive hit. With a $52 million budget, it grossed over $250 million worldwide.
It opened with $28.1 million across 2,848 theaters, marking one of the biggest March openings at the time.
“What a dumb name for a movie”
At the wrap party, the film was still using the working title Erin Brockovich. When Erin asked director Steven Soderbergh what the final title would be, he replied, “Erin Brockovich.”
Her reaction? “Shit!” She admitted she was nervous because some people thought it sounded like a “dumb name” for a movie.
Fun slip-ups
In one scene, a child accidentally calls George “Aaron,” using actor Aaron Eckhart’s real name. Another timeline error shows a Monopoly: Harley-Davidson Authorized Edition game that wasn’t released until 1997—after the film’s setting.
Erin’s favorite scenes
Erin has said some of her favorite moments are the bold, witty lines that captured her unapologetic humor.
After the film’s success, she continued to keep its legacy alive through media appearances and activism.
Interestingly, Julia Roberts admitted she had never heard of the PG&E scandal before taking the role—but she quickly fell in love with the character and story.
Erin Brockovich today
Today, Erin Brockovich remains a powerful advocate for environmental justice. She hosts television programs, runs Brockovich Research & Consulting, and works with law firms specializing in environmental and personal injury cases.
She lives in Agoura Hills, California, in the home she purchased in 1996 following the Hinkley settlement.
Beyond her career, Erin is a devoted mother of three: Matthew, Katie, and Elizabeth (“Beth”).
Erin Brockovich’s story is as bold as her personality.
While the film highlighted her wardrobe and sharp language, her real legacy lies in her relentless pursuit of justice.
So next time you watch Erin Brockovich, remember—it’s not just about the catchy one-liners, but about a woman who refused to back down, proving that sometimes the most powerful weapon is simply being yourself.
