Hollywood icon Julia Roberts shocked fans and the entertainment world on Sunday evening after sharing an emotional Instagram post revealing the tragic loss of a close family member. The 56-year-old Oscar-winning actress, known for her roles in Pretty Woman, Erin Brockovich, and Notting Hill, opened up in an uncharacteristically raw and vulnerable message that left fans around the globe in mourning alongside her.

A Heartbreaking Announcement

In a black-and-white photo posted on her official Instagram account, Julia Roberts shared an image of herself hugging her late sister, Lisa Roberts Gillan, along with a heartbreaking caption that read:

“My heart is shattered. You were more than my sister, you were my best friend, my anchor, my greatest supporter. Losing you feels like losing a part of myself. I love you forever, Lisa.”

The post, which garnered over 1 million likes within a few hours, was met with an outpouring of love and condolences from fans and celebrities alike. Stars such as Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Aniston, and George Clooney left comments offering their sympathies.

Who Was Lisa Roberts Gillan?

Lisa Roberts Gillan, 59, was not only Julia’s older sister but also a fellow actress and producer. She was best known for appearing in supporting roles in several of Julia’s films and also co-produced many projects alongside her younger sister.

Despite staying out of the public spotlight for most of her life, Lisa was considered an integral part of Julia’s inner circle and professional journey. According to sources close to the family, the two sisters shared a deeply personal bond and worked closely on many film projects over the past two decades.

Cause of Death

While the actress did not specify the exact cause of death in her post, a representative for the family later confirmed in a statement to People Magazine that Lisa had been battling a rare form of cancer for the past two years.

“Lisa fought bravely and with incredible dignity. She was surrounded by her family in her final moments. Julia and the entire Roberts family request privacy during this incredibly difficult time,” the representative said.

The family had reportedly kept Lisa’s illness private to avoid public scrutiny and allow her to battle the disease in peace.

Julia’s Past With Grief

This is not the first time Julia Roberts has dealt with tragic loss. In 2014, she lost her half-sister Nancy Motes, whose sudden passing made headlines. However, sources say this latest loss has hit Julia particularly hard due to her lifelong bond with Lisa, who was not only a sibling but a close friend and professional partner.

A family friend told Entertainment Tonight, “Julia is absolutely devastated. Lisa was her person. She’s leaning on her husband Danny and their three children for strength, but she’s heartbroken.”

Fans and Celebrities Show Support

Within hours of Julia’s emotional post, the hashtag #WeLoveYouJulia began trending on Twitter, as fans shared their condolences, photos, and messages of support.

Actress Viola Davis commented:

“I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Grief is the price we pay for love. May you find peace in your beautiful memories.”

Meanwhile, Oprah Winfrey wrote:

“My heart aches for you, Julia. You and Lisa shared a bond that lit up the screen. She will never be forgotten.”

Fans also began sharing clips of Julia and Lisa working together on films like Mona Lisa Smile and Runaway Bride, praising their real-life sisterhood and creative synergy.

What’s Next for Julia?

Sources close to Roberts say that the actress has postponed upcoming projects to spend time grieving with her family. She was reportedly preparing to begin filming a Netflix limited series this summer, but production has now been delayed.

“Julia wants to take time to heal,” a close friend told Vanity Fair. “She’s always been a private person, and this kind of grief isn’t something she wants to live out publicly. But she felt her fans should know the truth.”

Final Words

In her Instagram post, Julia ended with a line that many have described as gut-wrenching yet beautiful:

“I’ll carry you with me, Lisa. Every laugh, every memory, every moment. I will make you proud. Always.”

As the world mourns alongside Julia Roberts, her strength and openness remind us that even those we see as untouchable stars face heartbreak just like the rest of us. And sometimes, a single post can open a window into the raw, human side of fame — one that connects us all through love and loss.