You know, every so often Hollywood makes one of those films that’s just timeless, and Erin Brokovich is definitely one of them.
But there’s so much more to it than what we saw in the final movie—scenes and little-known facts that add so much to the story.
Julia Roberts absolutely nailed her role in Erin Brockovich. It’s honestly one of the best movies I’ve 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 huge corporation over water contamination, and Roberts brings her to life in a way that feels so real 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! Yup, you heard that right. The real Erin makes a cameo as a blonde waitress when Julia Roberts and her kids stop by a snack restaurant.
How cool is that? It was actually part of the movie’s contract that she’d have this special moment in the film, giving a nice nod to the woman whose story the movie is based on.
An out-of-body experience
When Erin Brockovich stepped onto the movie set for her cameo, it was like stepping into another world. Playing a waitress named Julia while Julia Roberts sat just a few feet away felt 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 herself makes a cameo in the film, here’s a lesser-known twist: her real-life lawyer, Ed Masry, also appears.
In the same diner scene where Erin plays a waitress, the actual Ed Masry —portrayed in the movie by Albert Finney — can be spotted sitting in the background
Amidst the scrutiny of 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.
Truth about her breast inplants
The real Erin Brockovich has never shied away from sharing her struggles, from battling childhood dyslexia and coping with adult anorexia to confronting the self-doubt that led her to get breast implants during her second unhappy marriage.
Reflecting on that decision, she’s refreshingly honest and has zero 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 Brockovich is also said to have won the title of Miss Wichita, but in real life, she actually held the title of Miss Pacific Coast.
Erin herself pointed out this little mix-up, laughing about the detail while reflecting on her decision to leave the world of beauty pageants, which she found ”shallow.”
During the filming of Erin Brockovich, Julia Roberts sported a wardrobe that became iconic — think figure-hugging skirts and and those eye-catching high heels that perfectly captured the real Erin’s feisty yet glamorous personality.
Erin Brockovich’s one complaint about the movie
Before the premiere, Erin Brockovich and Julia Roberts had a conversation where Erin joked that Julia’s skirts in the movie were too long.
This amusing observation was later confirmed by the film’s director, Steven Soderbergh. “When Erin saw the movie,” he explained, “she said, ‘The only thing that was inaccurate is that the skirts weren’t short enough.’”
The real George had a brain tumor and died
In a 2020 interview with Vulture, Erin Brockovich revealed a deeply personal and heartbreaking detail about Jorge, the man who had been such an important part of her life and her children’s.
Jorge passed away after battling a brain tumor.
”Jorge and I, right at the time the film came out, weren’t together. Jorge had a brain tumor and there were a lot of things going on that I don’t think a lot of us understood. Jorge was a very unique man, and he was so great with my children,” she said.
Albert Finney initially turned down the film
Albert Finney brought a remarkable charm and gravitas to Erin Brockovich, creating one of the film’s most beloved characters, Ed Masry. He didn’t overshadow Julia Roberts but managed to hold his own with a performance that was both funny and endearing. The chemistry between Finney and Roberts was pure magic, a testament to the brilliance of the casting team.
Finney’s portrayal of Ed was a masterclass in understated excellence, showcasing the same dedication he brought to all his roles. From his flawless American accent to the wit and authenticity he injected into every scene, it was clear why he was one of the greatest actors of the 20th century. Whether playing Poirot, Daddy Warbucks, or Ed Masry, Finney’s performances were always layered with charm, wit, and even a touch of malice when needed.
But what many fans might not know is that Finney initially turned down the role. It took Danny DeVito, one of the film’s producers, to step in. DeVito convinced Finney’s girlfriend to persuade him to reconsider, offering to reschedule all of his scenes to be shot closer together so Finney wouldn’t have to spend as much time in Los Angeles. Thankfully, the plan worked, and Finney’s performance remains a highlight of the film, cementing his legacy as one of cinema’s finest talents.
Erin Brockovich’s favorite scene in the movie
When asked about her favorite scenes in the movie, Erin Brockovich didn’t hesitate to share her love for some of the wittiest moments. “They’re called boobs, Ed,” she said with a laugh. “I thought that was hilarious. It was such a clever line.”
She chuckled, adding, “I’m sorry, but that was funny. It was so outrageous, and Julia delivered it perfectly.” These scenes really captured her sharp, unapologetic humor, which was a defining part of her real-life personality.
After the film’s massive success, it’s the real Erin Brockovich who has kept the movie’s legacy alive through the media.
Julia Roberts had never heard Erin’s story
Meanwhile, the woman who did the heavy lifting in front of the camera, Julia Roberts, has kept a somewhat lower profile. It’s a bit surprising, especially considering the film also changed Julia’s life. It earned her her first Oscar — a monumental achievement that few actresses ever reach.
So, what has Julia said about her experience with the film?
For one, she revealed that she had never heard of the scandal involving PG&E before taking on the role.
Julia also expressed how much she loved playing the role: “It’s compelling material because you have a person who is the most unsuspecting of heroines who also happens to be fabulous and kind of bare than life and vivacious and incredible and talks like a sailor and like all these great things to play.”
Erin Brockovich kids
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Erin is a dedicated mother to three children: a son, Matthew, and a daughter, Katie, from her first marriage to Shawn Brown, and a daughter, Elizabeth (“Beth”), from her second marriage to Steven Brockovich.
Erin Brockovich’s story is as bold as her attitude!
While the film highlighted her revealing wardrobe and sharp language, Erin’s true legacy is rooted in her relentless pursuit of truth for those who needed it most.
So next time you watch Erin Brockovich, remember — it’s not just about the cleavage or the catchy one-liners, but about a woman who refused to back down, proving that sometimes, the most powerful weapon is simply being yourself.