Ryan Murphy may be making headlines for his recent work, but a decade ago, he delivered one of his most celebrated projects: The Normal Heart. This HBO film, based on Larry Kramer’s semi-autobiographical play from 1985, received two Emmys, two Critics’ Choice Awards, and the Humanitas Prize. The film offers a poignant portrayal of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, highlighting both survivors and those who lost their lives during this critical time.
Featuring a strong cast led by Matt Bomer, Taylor Kitsch, and Mark Ruffalo, the film also showcased a powerful performance by Julia Roberts. However, Roberts almost passed on the role. In an interview with HBO at the time, she revealed that she had rejected the part of Dr. Emma Brookner—based on real-life researcher Dr. Linda Laubenstein—twice before finally agreeing to join the project. “This is a project that’s been brought to me three times,” she explained. “I just didn’t connect to the character I was being asked to play.”
Dr. Laubenstein made significant contributions to AIDS research in the early ’80s and became an activist in her own right. She passed away in 1992 at age 45, having survived polio as a child. After her death, Kramer described her as “a genuine pioneer and a real fighter for what she believed.” Roberts portrayed Dr. Brookner as a blunt character with “no bedside manner,” which took some time for her to understand.
Roberts shared that it took three attempts for Ryan Murphy to convince her to take on the role. At a Television Critics Association panel, she admitted that her initial reluctance stemmed from a lack of understanding about the character. However, watching a documentary about polio changed her perspective. “I ended up watching a documentary on polio because the character I play was one of the last victims of polio in the country,” Roberts explained. “All of her motivation and relentless pursuit of some kind of answer made perfect sense to me.”
The documentary helped Roberts understand Dr. Brookner’s fierce dedication to her work and personal experiences with illness. In hindsight, her hesitation seems less significant given the global impact of viruses like COVID-19 in recent years.
Once she accepted the role—joking that Murphy always gets what he wants—Roberts delivered a nuanced performance that balanced quiet strength with passionate intensity.
While The Normal Heart may have faded from recent cultural discussions, it remains a high point in Roberts’ career and for all involved.
Overall, The Normal Heart is not only an essential piece of storytelling about the early days of the AIDS crisis but also showcases remarkable performances from its cast, including Roberts.
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