You know, every so often Hollywood makes one of those films that’s just timeless, and Erin Brockovich 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! Yes, the real Erin makes a cameo as a blonde waitress when Julia Roberts and her kids stop by a snack restaurant.
It was actually part of the movie’s contract that she would appear in this special moment, giving a 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 felt surreal. Playing a waitress named Julia while Julia Roberts sat just a few feet away was something she described as an “out-of-body experience.”
“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 admitted she was very nervous, especially in front of a major star like Roberts.“I don’t like to get ahead of myself, but I was nervous. Really nervous.”
Another hidden cameo
Many fans know Erin Brockovich appears in the film, but fewer realize that her real-life lawyer, Ed Masry, also makes an appearance.
In the same diner scene where Erin appears as a waitress, the real Ed Masry—who is portrayed in the movie by Albert Finney—can be seen sitting in the background.
Accuracy of the film
The real Erin Brockovich-Ellis once said the film was about 98–99% accurate.
However, she pointed out that while the movie suggests her appearance sometimes helped her get attention, she never intentionally used her looks to manipulate people.
She explained that she ignored criticism about her appearance because she was focused on helping the victims of water contamination.“I heard a lot of comments about 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.”
Truth about her breast implants
Erin Brockovich has openly talked about her personal struggles, including childhood dyslexia, dealing with anorexia, and self-confidence issues.She has also spoken honestly about getting breast implants during her second unhappy marriage.
Reflecting on that decision, she says she has no regrets.
“I decided the best way to boost my confidence would be to get my chest lifted… and believe me, it worked.”Mix-up with the beauty pageantIn the movie, Erin is described as having won the title Miss Wichita.In reality, she actually held the title Miss Pacific Coast.Erin later joked about this mistake and said she eventually left the beauty pageant world because she felt it was “shallow.”
Julia Roberts’ wardrobe in the film
During filming, Julia Roberts wore outfits that became iconic — including tight skirts and high heels that matched Erin’s real-life style.Erin once joked that Julia’s skirts in the film were actually too long compared to what she used to wear.
Director Steven Soderbergh later confirmed this story.“When Erin saw the movie,” he said, “she said the only thing inaccurate was that the skirts weren’t short enough.”
Julia Roberts adjusting to the wardrobe
Julia Roberts initially worried that Erin’s revealing outfits might seem exaggerated on screen.
However, once she understood that the clothing was an important part of Erin’s personality, she embraced the look.
Roberts joked about the short dresses:
“I have something in my closet I would call a ‘dress.’ Erin has something I would call a ‘dre’ — the ‘ess’ part that covers your ass isn’t there.”
She also recalled that when she appeared on set wearing the costume, crew members were surprised compared to her normal rehearsal clothes.
Did Erin Brockovich really date George?
The character George, played by Aaron Eckhart, was based on Erin Brockovich’s real-life boyfriend Jorge Halaby, a Mexican-American biker.
They met in the early 1990s after Erin’s second divorce.
Erin described him fondly:“He lifted me up during a bad time and loved my kids. He always made me laugh and believed in me.”
Although their romantic relationship eventually ended, Jorge remained part of the family’s life.
At one point, he even worked as a full-time nanny for Erin’s children while she was busy with the legal case.
The real George’s tragic endingIn a 2020 interview, Erin Brockovich revealed that Jorge later died after battling a brain tumor.
She remembered him as a unique man who was wonderful with her children.
Albert Finney almost refused the role
Albert Finney played Erin’s lawyer Ed Masry, delivering one of the most memorable performances in the film.However, many fans don’t know he initially turned down the role.
Producer Danny DeVito eventually convinced Finney’s girlfriend to persuade him to reconsider. The production also rearranged the shooting schedule so Finney would spend less time in Los Angeles.
Thankfully, he accepted, and his performance became one of the highlights of the movie.
Julia Roberts’ historic salary
Julia Roberts made Hollywood history with her role in Erin Brockovich.
She earned $20 million, becoming the first woman to receive that amount for a single film role.At the time, it was considered an enormous salary, but many believed her powerful performance justified it.
An Oscars speech mistake
When Julia Roberts won the Academy Award for Best Actress, her acceptance speech included an embarrassing moment.
In the excitement, she forgot to thank the real Erin Brockovich.Later she joked about the mistake, saying it wasn’t exactly her “Albert Einstein moment.”
The movie’s financial success
The real Erin Brockovich sold the rights to her life story for $100,000.
The film itself was a huge success. With a budget of $52 million, it earned more than $250 million worldwide.It also had a strong opening weekend, bringing in $28.1 million across 2,848 theaters.
The film’s title
During the wrap party, the team discussed possible titles for the movie.
Director Steven Soderbergh revealed the film would simply be called Erin Brockovich.Erin herself was initially nervous about the idea.“
At that point I thought, ‘Oh no… everyone will say that’s a dumb name for a movie.’’
A funny slip in the film
At around 23 minutes into the film, a small mistake occurs.
After playing cards with George, one of the children accidentally says “Good night, Aaron”, calling the character by the actor Aaron Eckhart’s real name instead of George.