A Practical Guide to Hazel Roberts

Discover Hazel Roberts: Julia Roberts’ daughter, the actress, artist, and even the culinary hazelnut connection. Get the full guide!

hazel roberts

Hazel Roberts most commonly refers to Hazel Moder, the 20-year-old daughter of Hollywood superstar Julia Roberts and cinematographer Danny Moder. However, the name belongs to multiple individuals across different fields.

Quick Answer: Who Is Hazel Roberts?

IdentityKey Details
Hazel ModerDaughter of Julia Roberts and Danny Moder, born November 2004, twin sister of Phinnaeus
Age20 years old (as of 2025)
Known ForRare public appearances, 2021 Cannes Film Festival debut, attending college
Other Notable Hazel RobertsesAn actress in “Mercy’s Blessing” (2015), various artists and philanthropists

When you search for “hazel roberts,” you’re likely looking for information about Julia Roberts’ daughter. Born on November 28, 2004, Hazel Patricia Moder has lived most of her life away from the spotlight, despite her famous parents.

Julia Roberts has been fiercely protective of her three children’s privacy. As she once shared, her children “barely noticed” her working when they were younger. Now a college student, Hazel made headlines with her rare red carpet appearance at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival for the screening of “Flag Day.”

The name Hazel Roberts also belongs to other notable individuals, including an actress with credits on IMDb and various artists and philanthropists. This can make finding the right person challenging.

For food enthusiasts visiting this article, there’s an unexpected connection: the name “Hazel” comes from the hazel tree, known for producing hazelnuts—a beloved ingredient in New York’s artisan bakery scene.

infographic explaining the different notable individuals named Hazel Roberts, including Hazel Moder (Julia Roberts' daughter, age 20, college student), Hazel Roberts the actress (known for Mercy's Blessing 2015), and other namesakes including artists and philanthropists, with a side note about the culinary connection to hazelnuts - hazel roberts infographic

Simple guide to hazel roberts terms:

The Rising Profile of Hazel Moder

When we talk about Hazel Roberts in the contemporary public sphere, we are almost certainly referring to Hazel Moder. She represents a fascinating intersection of celebrity lineage and a deliberately private upbringing. Born into one of Hollywood’s most beloved families, Hazel’s life has, by design, largely unfolded away from the intrusive glare of the paparazzi and the constant hum of social media. Yet, as she matures into adulthood, her profile is naturally beginning to rise, offering us glimpses into the life of a young woman navigating her own path.

Her story is one of careful cultivation—a childhood protected by parents who deeply value privacy, followed by a measured step into the public eye on her own terms. For us, observing from the sidelines, it’s a rare chance to see how a new generation, born into immense fame, chooses to define itself. From her early life cocooned away from the spotlight to her recent forays into public events and the academic world, Hazel’s journey offers a unique perspective on growing up with famous parents.

Julia Roberts and her family - hazel roberts

The Private Life of Hazel Roberts Moder

Hazel Roberts Moder was born on November 28, 2004, making her 20 years old as of 2025. She arrived into the world alongside her twin brother, Phinnaeus Moder, and is the elder sister to their younger brother, Henry Daniel Moder, who was born in June 2007 and is currently 17. Their parents, Julia Roberts and cinematographer Danny Moder, have always been unwavering in their commitment to providing their children with a normal upbringing, far removed from the typical Hollywood lifestyle.

Julia Roberts, an Academy Award-winning actress with a career spanning decades, has often spoken about her deliberate choice to prioritize family over an unrelenting career. She said in a television interview that while being an actress was her “dream come true,” it wasn’t her “only dream come true.” She emphasized, “The life that I’ve built with my husband, [and] the life that we’ve built with our children, that’s the best stuff. To come home at the end of the day, triumphantly, to them. ” This philosophy has been the bedrock of Hazel’s upbringing.

Roberts has consistently worked to protect her children’s privacy, telling reporters back in 2013, “We try to protect our kids. We just want to have our family life and not have that intruded upon.” This commitment has meant that public sightings and social media posts featuring Hazel and her brothers have been exceedingly rare. When Julia does share a glimpse, such as a rare baby photo of her twins for their 19th birthday, she explains it as a natural outpouring of parental pride rather than a breach of privacy. “It is something to be celebrated, and I know Instagram is a place where people like to share happy things,” she later explained. “I love them so much and I really did just happen to come upon this cute picture. It allows me to share happy things.”

Julia’s parenting philosophy extends to fostering real-life connections away from technology. She has shared that their family implements rules like a “charging station” for phones and a “no phones at the table” policy during meals. She believes this approach cultivates meaningful conversations and a stronger family bond. Reflecting on her own career, Julia noted in a 2024 magazine interview that her early success granted her the luxury to “pull back when her children were younger,” allowing her to be present during their formative years. This deliberate balance has shaped the environment in which Hazel, Phinnaeus, and Henry have grown up, grounded in family values and shielded from the excesses of fame.

Now, with Hazel and Phinnaeus off to college, Julia Roberts has acceptd her new role as a proud college parent, making supporting their schools her “entire life.” She shared on a late-night talk show that she immediately started wearing their college colors and doing “the whole thing.” It’s clear that even as her children mature, her dedication to them remains absolute, and she continues to parent them in a hands-on way, appreciating that they still allow her to be “the same mom” without rolling their eyes.

Hazel Roberts’ Public Debut and Family Ties

Despite her parents’ best efforts to keep her out of the limelight, Hazel Roberts Moder made a significant public debut at the 74th Cannes Film Festival in July 2021. She walked the red carpet alongside her father, Danny Moder, for the screening of his film “Flag Day.” This appearance marked a rare moment for the then 16-year-old, offering the public a glimpse into the young woman she had become. Dressed in a simple yet neat yellow lace dress, Hazel exuded a quiet confidence, instantly drawing comparisons to her iconic mother and other famous relatives.

One striking observation from her public appearances is Hazel’s resemblance to her famous cousin, Emma Roberts. Both young women share a certain ethereal quality and a distinct family likeness, showcasing the strong genetics of the Roberts acting dynasty. Beyond her family connections, Hazel has also revealed a relatable interest for many young people: she is a fan of global pop superstar Taylor Swift. Her mother, Julia Roberts, has openly shared that she and Hazel attend Taylor Swift concerts together, further highlighting Hazel’s personal interests beyond the shadow of her parents’ fame.

Julia Roberts has often reflected on how her children’s perception of her career has evolved as they’ve grown. She told an interviewer in 2022, “So much of my children’s younger life they would see their dad go off and I would work a little, but they almost didn’t notice. It was like I was only gone when they were napping or something. But as they get older, and particularly with… [my daughter], there’s a sense of, ‘Oh, you really like this. This is important to you.’ And it’s not really about me. It’s about showing them that I can be creative and that it is meaningful to me.” This growing understanding and appreciation from her children, especially Hazel, likely contributed to the comfort she felt in allowing Hazel to step onto the world stage alongside her father. It’s a testament to the strong family bonds and the respect for individual passions cultivated within the Moder-Roberts household.

More Than One Hazel: Uncovering Other Notable Figures

While Hazel Roberts Moder captures much of the current attention, the name Hazel Roberts is shared by many distinct individuals across different walks of life. This commonality often leads to confusion, requiring a bit of disambiguation to ensure we’re talking about the right person. From the performing arts to academia and philanthropy, the name has graced various fields, each contributing their own unique story and legacy.

This broad usage of the name underscores the importance of context when searching for information about “Hazel Roberts.” While the internet often prioritizes celebrity connections, we recognize that countless individuals bear this name, each with their own rich and significant life. Our exploration goes beyond the most famous to acknowledge the diverse contributions of others who share this distinguished name.

artwork by artist Hazel Roberts - hazel roberts

The Actress

Beyond Julia Roberts’ daughter, there is also an actress named Hazel Roberts who has made her mark in the film industry. Her professional credits include the short film Mercy’s Blessing, released in 2015. This film, which holds a rating of 7.5 on IMDb, showcases her talent and contribution to independent cinema.

Her career in short films highlights a different facet of the creative landscape, often serving as a platform for emerging talent and experimental storytelling. While details about her broader filmography or personal life are not widely publicized, her presence on platforms like IMDb signifies her professional involvement in acting. We can explore her work and learn more about her contributions to the screen by visiting her IMDb profile, which provides a factual, career-focused overview of her professional activities. This Hazel Roberts, though not a household name, is a testament to the many individuals who pursue their artistic passions in film.

The Artist and Other Namesakes

The name Hazel Roberts extends far beyond the entertainment industry, encompassing individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields. For instance, historical records show a Hazel Lee Roberts who was the wife of Walter Johnson, a notable figure from Washington D.C.’s past. While her story is rooted in a different region, she serves as an example of the name’s long-standing presence in history.

In the field of academia, we find individuals like a Hazel Roberts who has been recognized as a Hampton University Merit Scholar. While Hampton University is outside our immediate geographic focus, her academic achievements demonstrate the diverse talents associated with the name. Similarly, there are philanthropists named Hazel Roberts, such as one born in Plant City, Florida, who established the Elouise Rice Robinson Memorial Scholarship. These individuals, through their dedication to education and community, highlight the philanthropic spirit associated with the name, even if their specific initiatives are in other states.

Furthermore, the outline mentions an artist named Hazel Roberts. While specific details about her artwork or exhibitions were not extensively provided in our research, the very mention points to the likelihood of creative individuals bearing this name across various artistic disciplines. Just as we celebrate the culinary arts, we acknowledge that many Hazel Robertses have enriched the world through visual arts, music, and literature.

Finally, numerous obituaries for individuals named Hazel Roberts exist, spanning different birth and death dates, such as Hazel Roberts (February 16, 1934 – June 8, 2016) and Hazel Mae Roberts (December 30, 1911 – March 15, 2012). These records underscore the commonality of the name across generations and geographies, reminding us that each “Hazel Roberts” carries a unique life story, a network of relationships, and a personal legacy. It’s a beautiful reminder of the individual narratives that form the mix of our collective human experience.

From a Famous Name to a Famous Flavor: The Hazelnut Connection

Now, for us at Edible Manhattan, the name “Hazel” sparks a delightful culinary connection that brings us directly to the heart of our passion: food. The name Hazel itself originates from the hazel tree, a genus of deciduous trees and large shrubs native to the temperate Northern Hemisphere. These trees are, of course, famous for producing the beloved hazelnut.

Hazelnuts, with their distinctively sweet, earthy, and slightly woody flavor, are a cherished ingredient in baking and confectionery worldwide. They are a staple in many classic European desserts and have found a prominent place in the artisan food scene, especially here in our vibrant New York culinary landscape. Think of the rich, creamy gianduja, a sweet chocolate spread containing about 30% hazelnut paste, originating from Turin, Italy. Or consider the countless pastries where hazelnuts add a depth of flavor and a satisfying crunch. From delicate tarts to robust cakes and decadent chocolates, the hazelnut transforms simple ingredients into extraordinary treats.

This connection to the hazel tree and its delicious nuts provides a surprising and delightful link from the name Hazel Roberts to the very essence of what we celebrate at Edible Manhattan—local ingredients, skilled craftsmanship, and unforgettable flavors. It’s a reminder that even the most unexpected keywords can lead us to a delicious findy!

Finding Hazelnut Treats in NYC

For those of us with a penchant for sophisticated sweets, the New York food scene, particularly across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and even up into the Hudson Valley, offers an abundance of artisanal bakeries and pastry shops that masterfully incorporate hazelnuts. We pride ourselves on highlighting the best of our regional food culture, and hazelnut treats are no exception.

Imagine starting your day with a perfectly flaky hazelnut croissant, its layers yielding to a rich, nutty filling. Or perhaps an afternoon indulgence of a hazelnut tart, where the buttery crust complements a creamy, flavored hazelnut frangipane. Many of our local chefs and bakers, some of whom have been recognized by prestigious accolades like the James Beard Foundation Awards, lift this humble nut into edible works of art. While the James Beard awards recognize excellence across many categories, the “Outstanding Baker” and “Outstanding Pastry Chef” categories frequently showcase creations that feature nuts, including our beloved hazelnut.

Even in unexpected places, we find delightful hazelnut infusions. For example, in Westchester, we once reviewed Trotters, a White Plains restaurant known for its Mediterranean cuisine. Among its unique offerings was a house-made Sambuca, which the co-owner crafted by blending coffee beans into the traditional hazel bush and licorice liqueur. This demonstrates the versatility and subtle presence of “hazel” in our local culinary experiences.

Whether it’s in a classic Italian gianduja chocolate, a French patisserie creation, or a modern American dessert, hazelnuts are a cornerstone of gourmet baking. We encourage you to explore the local food scene and find your own favorite hazelnut delights. For a guide to some of the best places to find these and other incredible baked goods, we invite you to discover NYC’s best artisan bakeries for your next treat.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hazel Roberts

Given the multifaceted nature of the name, it’s natural to have questions. Here, we aim to clarify the most common inquiries about Hazel Roberts, ensuring you have a clear understanding of the different individuals associated with this name.

Who is Hazel Roberts?

Primarily, when someone refers to Hazel Roberts in contemporary discussions, they are almost certainly speaking about Hazel Moder. She is the daughter of the celebrated actress Julia Roberts and cinematographer Danny Moder. Born in November 2004, Hazel Moder is currently a 20-year-old college student who has largely been raised outside the intense glare of Hollywood.

However, the name Hazel Roberts is not unique to Julia Roberts’ daughter. As we’ve explored, it is also shared by other notable individuals, including:

  • An actress who appeared in the 2015 short film Mercy’s Blessing.
  • Various philanthropists and academics, such as a Hazel Roberts recognized as a Hampton University Merit Scholar or one who established a memorial scholarship.
  • Historical figures, like Hazel Lee Roberts, wife of Walter Johnson.
  • And potentially many other individuals across different professions, including artists, as well as those whose lives are commemorated in obituaries.

Therefore, it is crucial to consider the context to distinguish between these different individuals named Hazel Roberts.

What is Hazel Moder known for?

Hazel Moder is primarily known for several key aspects of her life:

  • Being the Daughter of A-List Celebrities: Her most prominent association is being the child of Hollywood icon Julia Roberts and respected cinematographer Danny Moder. This lineage naturally places her in the public eye, despite her parents’ efforts to maintain her privacy.
  • Her Rare Public Appearance and Red Carpet Debut: She garnered significant media attention when she made a rare public appearance alongside her father at the 74th Cannes Film Festival in July 2021. This red carpet debut for the screening of “Flag Day” was a notable moment, as she had previously been shielded from such events.
  • Living a Relatively Private Life: Despite her famous parents, Hazel has lived a remarkably private life, largely away from the scrutiny typically faced by celebrity children. Her upbringing reflects her parents’ deliberate choice to prioritize normalcy and protect her from excessive media exposure.
  • Being a College Student: She is currently attending college, starting on her own academic journey, and her mother, Julia Roberts, has proudly spoken about supporting her children’s collegiate experiences.
  • Her Resemblance to Emma Roberts and Fan Interests: She is also noted for bearing a resemblance to her cousin, actress Emma Roberts, and is known to be a fan of Taylor Swift, attending concerts with her mother.

Hazel Moder is known for navigating a life between celebrity lineage and personal privacy, making selective public appearances as she matures.

How old is Hazel Moder?

Hazel Moder was born on November 28, 2004. Therefore, as of 2025, Hazel Moder is 20 years old. She is the older of Julia Roberts’ twins, with her brother Phinnaeus sharing the same birthdate.

Conclusion

As we’ve journeyed through the various facets of Hazel Roberts, it’s clear that the name, while singular, encompasses a rich mix of individuals and associations. Our exploration began with Hazel Moder, the 20-year-old daughter of Julia Roberts and Danny Moder, whose carefully guarded private life has recently seen her step into the public sphere with a memorable red carpet debut and the pursuit of higher education. Her story is a testament to the delicate balance of celebrity and normalcy, a narrative shaped by her parents’ unwavering commitment to privacy and her own emerging identity.

Beyond Hazel Moder, we’ve acknowledged the diverse contributions of other notable individuals bearing the name Hazel Roberts—from an actress in Mercy’s Blessing to various philanthropists, academics, and historical figures. This disambiguation reminds us that every name carries multiple stories, each deserving of recognition in its own right.

And for us at Edible Manhattan, the journey took an unexpected and delicious turn, connecting the name “Hazel” to the beloved hazelnut. This versatile nut, with its rich flavor and widespread use, is a cornerstone of artisanal baking and confectionery, particularly celebrated in the vibrant culinary scenes of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Hudson Valley. It’s a delightful reminder of how language and culture intertwine, leading us from famous names to famous flavors.

Whether you’re following the evolving story of Hazel Moder, appreciating the work of other Hazel Robertses, or simply craving a delectable hazelnut pastry, the name offers a surprising breadth of findy. We invite you to continue exploring the rich culinary landscape around us and perhaps, find your next favorite hazelnut treat. For more delightful findies in local food, be sure to discover NYC’s best artisan bakeries for your next treat.