On November 28, 2025, Hazel Moder and Phinnaeus Moder, the fraternal twins of legendary actress Julia Roberts, celebrated a major milestone: their21st birthday. This coming-of-age moment, marking the legal transition into adulthood in the United States, was celebrated quietly yet poignantly by the family. In a rare public gesture, Julia Roberts shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram: a throwback photo of the twins as infants sitting side by side in highchairs, enjoying what appears to be a simple snack.

This small but meaningful gesture offered fans and media outlets an intimate glimpse into a part of the Roberts family life that is usually shielded from public view. Julia Roberts, known globally for her extraordinary talent in film and her iconic smile, has long maintained a firm boundary between her professional persona and her personal family life. While the world knows her as a superstar, her fans rarely see her children, making this rare birthday post particularly newsworthy.

The post itself was accompanied by a touching caption that conveyed nostalgia, love, and pride. Through a simple photograph, Roberts captured not only the twins’ growth from babies to adults but also the passage of time, the complexities of motherhood, and the bittersweet nature of raising children who quickly grow up.

The Milestone: Turning 21

Turning 21 is a milestone for any young adult. It symbolizes independence, the ability to make legally recognized decisions, and the transition from youth into adulthood. For Hazel and Phinnaeus, this birthday carries an additional layer of significance: it marks the twins’ passage from the protective environment of their parents’ home into a world where they can carve out their own identities.

In her Instagram post, Roberts wrote:

These game changers, life alterers, ❤️ expanders once were 1 and now are 21! That was fast 😭 Happy Birthday my Dears 🎉💥⚡🎁”

The emotional tone of her message reflects both the pride of a parent and the astonishment at how quickly time has flown. Choosing athrowback photo of the twins as babies rather than a recent image demonstrates Roberts’ reflective and sentimental approach. Instead of showcasing the twins as young adults in staged or glamorous images, she highlighted the innocence of their early years, evoking the universal parental sentiment of “where did the time go?”

Family Background and Privacy

Julia Roberts and her husband, cinematographer Danny Moder, are renowned not only for their work in Hollywood but also for the way they have intentionally protected their family’s privacy. Despite the immense media attention surrounding Roberts’ career and public life, the Moders have maintained a deliberate distance between their children and the spotlight.

Hazel and Phinnaeus were born in 2004, followed by their younger brother Henry in 2007. All three children have largely grown up outside the glare of the media. This careful navigation of celebrity privacy has become a defining characteristic of Roberts’ personal life. It is a contrast to the lives of many other Hollywood stars, whose children often grow up under public scrutiny from a young age.

Roberts’ approach to parenting reflects a conscious effort to allow her children to develop identities separate from her fame. While they are inevitably recognized as her children, public appearances have been minimal, and social media exposure has been carefully controlled. The 21st birthday tribute was one of the rare exceptions, chosen not for publicity but as a genuine expression of love and pride.

The Throwback Photo: Symbolism and Meaning

The photograph Julia Roberts shared is simple but deeply symbolic. It shows Hazel and Phinnaeus as babies sitting in highchairs, surrounded by pastel decorations, suggesting a small celebration or perhaps their first birthday. Their expressions are candid, capturing the natural curiosity and innocence of infancy. The simplicity of the image emphasizes the authenticity of the moment: no celebrity glamour, no red carpet, just two children and a loving parent.

Several layers of meaning are present in this image:

Nostalgia: The photo invites viewers to reflect on the rapid passage of time, capturing the transformation from tiny infants to adults on the cusp of independence.Privacy: By sharing a personal family photograph rather than a professional photoshoot, Roberts respects her children’s privacy while still celebrating their milestone.

Family Values: The focus is not on fame, wealth, or status, but on love, growth, and memory-making.

Transition: The twins turning 21 signals a new chapter not just for them, but for the family as a whole, as the Moders enter a phase often described as an “empty nest.”

This post reflects a conscious decision by Roberts to communicate emotion and connection, rather than image or publicity.

Public Reactions and Social Media Response

Fans and celebrities alike reacted warmly to Roberts’ post. Many expressed admiration for her parenting style and the sweetness of the tribute. Comments flooded the post, praising the twins and wishing them a happy birthday. Actress Ali Wentworth commented: “Happy Birthday to the best!” Others echoed sentiments of admiration for Roberts’ discretion and warmth as a mother.

The media coverage highlighted the post as one of the few glimpses into the private lives of the Moders. Outlets emphasized that while the family typically avoids public exposure, when they do share moments, they are always heartfelt and genuine.

Fans found the post relatable, a reminder of their own family milestones and the bittersweet experience of watching children grow. The authenticity of the post was particularly resonant in a social media culture often dominated by curated and polished images.

Julia Roberts as a Parent

Over the years, Julia Roberts has skillfully balanced her global career with the responsibilities and joys of motherhood. The 21st birthday post exemplifies several key aspects of her approach to parenting:

Love and Pride: Her affectionate words and choice of photo highlight her deep emotional connection to her children.

Discretion: By limiting public exposure of her children, Roberts provides a model of privacy and respect in celebrity parenting.

Reflective Sentiment: Her nostalgic tone indicates mindfulness about the fleeting nature of childhood.

Emphasis on Family Values: Despite her status as an icon of film and culture, Roberts centers family above public recognition.

Roberts’ reference to her twins as “game changers, life alterers, heart expanders” speaks to the profound impact her children have had on her life, illustrating that her identity extends beyond Hollywood stardom to her roles as mother and nurturer.

Cultural Significance

This birthday post holds broader cultural significance beyond the Roberts family. In an era dominated by public performance and social media exposure, it demonstrates that privacy, reflection, and intimacy are possible even for celebrities. It also resonates with universal themes of growing up, family milestones, and the bittersweet nature of parenting.

The timing of the post underscores several themes:

Coming of Age: Turning 21 is a critical milestone marking independence and responsibility.

Empty Nest: Parents adjusting to the departure of grown children can experience a mix of pride, nostalgia, and adjustment.

Authenticity: The choice of an unpolished throwback photo contrasts with the curated perfection typical of celebrity culture, offering a refreshing glimpse into real life.

Reflection on Life: The post reminds audiences of the universal experience of time passing, highlighting the emotional depth of parenthood.

Conclusion

Julia Roberts’ tribute to Hazel and Phinnaeus Moder on their 21st birthday was more than a birthday greeting. It was an intimate celebration of growth, love, and family, delivered with warmth, humor, and profound emotion. Through a single photograph and a few heartfelt words, Roberts encapsulated the passage of time, the beauty of family, and the joy of watching children mature into adulthood.

For fans, the post offered a rare and humanizing glimpse into the life of one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars. For Roberts herself, it marked a reflective and emotional acknowledgment of the milestones she has witnessed as a mother. In a world where celebrity life is often curated for public consumption, this moment stood out for its authenticity and sentiment.

Ultimately, the post is a testament to the enduring bonds of family, the importance of celebrating milestones, and the universal truth that time passes all too quickly. Through this gesture, Julia Roberts reminded her audience that beyond the fame, awards, and accolades, life’s most meaningful moments are often private, intimate, and shared with the people we love most.