Hollywood sibling stars

Julia Roberts and older brother Eric have a rocky relationship. Julia became a mega-star quickly. Eric was touted as “the new Travolta” when he made 1978’s King of the Gypsies. Didn’t quite turn out that way. He also gained a reputation for temperament. But his silky performance as mob boss Maroni in last year’s The Dark Knight raised his profile. Still, daughter Emma is described as Julia’s niece more often than as Eric’s daughter.

Olivia de Havilland and Joan Fontaine remain moviedom’s most famous sibling rivals. Onscreen they frequently played soft and vulnerable ladies (respectively, Melanie in Gone With the Wind and the second Mrs. DeWinter in Rebecca). But offscreen, they showed a fighting spirit, particularly toward each other. For the Academy Awards’ 50th anniversary in 1977, all former winners were invited to be presenters, and the staff had to come up with intricate backstage maneuvers to make certain the sisters’ paths never would cross.

What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? would seem an ideal vehicle for Olivia and Joan. But Vanessa and Lynn Redgrave starred in the 1991 television remake of the Gothic tale. The magic year for the Redgrave sisters was 1966. They both headlined noteworthy “Swingin’ London” features — Vanessa in Blowup and Morgan, Lynn in Georgy Girl. Both were nominated for Oscars that year, but neither won. Vanessa has been the more consistent art film presence, but there have been no reports of sibling rivalry. And Lynn was a major mourner at niece Natasha Richardson’s funeral.

Owen and Luke Wilson occupy secure berths in the Hollywood hierarchy, helped by the fact that they’re both likable in different ways. Owen’s loose and likable. Luke’s laid-back and likable. Brother Andrew keeps a relatively low profile.

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