Heartbreaking News: Julia Roberts’ Husband Confirms Tragic Loss

Just 30 minutes ago, in a deeply emotional announcement, Danny Moder, the husband of Hollywood icon Julia Roberts, confirmed the sad news that their beloved family member, their dog Major, has passed away. The announcement, shared via a poignant Instagram post from their home in Los Angeles, California, has left fans and friends heartbroken, with tributes pouring in for the cherished chocolate lab who had been a constant presence in the Roberts-Moder family for over a decade. The loss comes as a devastating blow, following the passing of their other dog, Myrtle, earlier in 2025, marking a period of profound grief for the family.

Julia Roberts, born October 28, 1967, in Smyrna, Georgia, is one of Hollywood’s most enduring stars, known for her radiant smile and roles in films like Pretty Woman, Erin Brockovich—for which she won an Academy Award—and My Best Friend’s Wedding. Her charm and relatability have earned her the moniker “America’s Sweetheart,” with her films grossing over $3.9 billion worldwide. Off-screen, Julia has prioritized her family, raising twins Hazel and Phinnaeus, now 20, and son Henry, 17, with Danny Moder, a cinematographer she met on the set of The Mexican in 2000. The couple, married since 2002, has maintained a relatively private life, balancing Hollywood’s glare with their love for their children and pets.

Danny’s Instagram post, a rare public statement from the typically reserved cinematographer, featured a candid photo of Major lounging in the family’s backyard, his soulful eyes capturing the warmth he brought to their lives. “Our Major. Loyal, loving, and the best damn dog. 2013-2025,” Danny wrote, adding a broken-heart emoji. “You were our protector and our joy. Run free, buddy.” The post alluded to Major’s role as a steadfast companion, often seen accompanying Julia and the kids on walks in Malibu or lounging during family hikes. The announcement did not disclose the cause of Major’s death, but the family’s request for privacy suggests a deeply personal loss.

The Roberts-Moder household has long been a haven for rescue dogs, with Major and Myrtle, who passed in May 2025 at age 19, holding special places in their hearts. Myrtle, a mixed breed adopted in 2006, was celebrated in a Chopard campaign alongside Julia in 2023, showcasing her playful spirit. Major, adopted in 2013, was known for his gentle demeanor and protective instincts, once famously barking at a delivery driver, a story Julia shared fondly on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. The loss of both dogs within months has struck fans as particularly cruel, with many recalling Julia’s advocacy for animal welfare, including her 2024 fundraiser for a Los Angeles dog shelter.

Social media, especially X, erupted with condolences. “Julia and Danny must be shattered. First Myrtle, now Major. Those dogs were family,” one user posted, echoing the sentiment of thousands. The hashtag #RIPMajor trended, with fans sharing photos of their own pets in solidarity. Celebrities like Reese Witherspoon, a close friend, commented, “Oh, Danny, I’m so sorry. Major was one of a kind. Love to you all.” George Clooney, Julia’s longtime collaborator, wrote, “Major was a good boy. Thinking of you, Jules and Dan.” The outpouring reflects Julia’s impact not just as an actress but as a compassionate figure whose love for her pets resonated widely.

The announcement comes amid a reflective period for Julia. At 57, she has scaled back her acting career to focus on family, though she’s set to star in After the Hunt, a thriller with Ayo Edebiri and Andrew Garfield, premiering in October 2025. In a recent CBS Mornings interview with Gayle King, Julia spoke about her “favorite human,” Danny, crediting him for grounding her through Hollywood’s chaos. “He’s my anchor,” she said, a sentiment that makes Danny’s public grief over Major even more poignant. The couple’s rare public appearances, like their attendance at a Broadway preview of Good Night, and Good Luck in April 2025 with son Henry, underscore their commitment to family over fame.

The loss of Major follows other heartaches for the family. In 2014, Julia’s half-sister Nancy Motes died of a drug overdose at 37, a tragedy that strained family ties. In 2015, Julia’s mother, Betty, passed from lung cancer at 80, and in 2022, Danny’s father, Mike Moder, died at 86. Each loss has shaped Julia’s perspective, as she told People in 2017: “Life’s fragile, so you hold tight to what matters.” Major’s passing, though different, carries similar weight, as pets often become family members, especially for a household as close-knit as theirs.

Fans on X have noted the timing, with some speculating about the emotional toll of losing two pets so close together. “Julia’s always been so strong, but this has to hurt,” one post read. Others recalled her 2023 Today interview, where she laughed about parenting her grown kids with the same care she gave her dogs: “I’m always checking if they’re safe, fed, and loved.” The parallel underscores the depth of her bond with Major, whose absence will surely leave a void.

As the family mourns, the public’s response highlights Julia’s unique place in Hollywood. Her authenticity—whether knitting, advocating for animals, or raising her kids away from the spotlight—has endeared her to generations. Danny’s announcement, though brief, revealed a shared vulnerability, inviting fans into their grief. The image of Major, forever etched in that final photo, serves as a reminder of the simple joys that define a life well-lived, even for a dog.

For now, Julia, Danny, and their children are likely leaning on each other, finding solace in memories of Major’s wagging tail and loyal gaze. As the world sends love, the Roberts-Moder family faces this loss with the same grace that has defined them, proving that even in heartbreak, their bond—human and canine—remains unbreakable.