As the Hollywood couple mourn the loss of their dog who passed away this week, both stars shared emotional tributes that quickly drew love and condolences from fans and celebrities.
Julia Roberts and her husband, Daniel Moder, are mourning the loss of their cherished dog, Myrtle, who recently passed away at the age of 19. On May 17, 2025, the Oscar-winning actress took to Instagram to share the sad news, posting a touching photo of Myrtle resting peacefully on a picnic blanket. In the caption, she wrote, “Our Myrtle. A Legend. 2006–2025 👑,” paying tribute to the loyal companion who had been part of their family for nearly two decades.
Daniel Moder also paid tribute to Myrtle with a heartfelt post of his own, sharing a close-up shot of the scruffy terrier’s soulful eyes. “The definition of Fierce Loyalty,” he wrote, adding with a touch of humor, “Even if she bit the pizza man once.”
Myrtle, lovingly referred to as Myrtle Von Mertzenberger, was a beloved member of the Roberts-Moder family for nearly two decades. Her presence clearly left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Friends and fans swiftly filled the comments with heartfelt condolences. Jennifer Aniston expressed her sympathy, writing, “I’m so so sorry ❤️🩹 I love you all and always here 🌈🐾.” Rita Wilson added, “I’m so sorry, Julia.” One fan, sharing in the grief, commented on Daniel’s post, “😢 so sorry… Those of us who have ‘been there’ know the pain.. 🌿🤍🌿.” Another follower noticed a special connection, writing, “Aw so sweet. She looks like you! The eyes!”
More heartfelt messages continued to flood in from friends and admirers. Fashion editor Edward Enninful also expressed his sympathy, writing, “I am so deeply sorry for your loss.” His words added to the outpouring of support from all who knew and loved Myrtle.
Another commenter shared a sentiment that resonated deeply with many pet owners, expressing the familiar heartbreak of losing a beloved pet. “Dogs never stay with us long enough,” the message read, followed by, “Run free with your wings,” accompanied by heart and paw print emojis. The words captured the bittersweet nature of saying goodbye to a loyal companion.
Myrtle clearly held a special place in the Roberts-Moder family’s life, and Julia’s deep love for dogs has been evident for years. Her longtime friend and fellow actor, Dermot Mulroney, once shared a heartwarming story about the actress rescuing a stray dog while they were filming in Oklahoma. This act of compassion perfectly reflects Julia’s enduring bond with animals and her commitment to giving them a loving home.
“She had adopted a stray dog,” Dermot Mulroney recalled, reflecting on their journey back to Los Angeles aboard a private jet. “I told her it was inadvisable. But we fell in love with the mangy beast.” His words highlighted Julia’s unwavering kindness and the deep connection she shares with the animals she cares for, no matter their appearance or past.
What Julia didn’t know at the time was that the dog was pregnant. Shortly after, she gave birth to four puppies — all of which Julia lovingly kept. True to her fondness for literature, she named them Amy, Jo, Meg, and Beth, drawing inspiration from the beloved March sisters in Little Women. This heartwarming gesture reflected Julia’s deep affection for both animals and storytelling.
In December 2024, the Hollywood star shared a joyful post featuring herself alongside a chocolate lab named Major. The photo was part of a campaign supporting Frankie Lola and Friends, a nonprofit rescue organization dedicated to animal welfare. Julia’s continued advocacy for animal rescues underscores her passion for giving back and supporting causes close to her heart.
Smiling alongside Major, who sported a bandana that read “We Are Family,” Julia celebrated the work of Frankie Lola and Friends, praising the group’s mission of rehoming pups in need. She described their efforts as “incredible,” highlighting her genuine admiration for the organization’s dedication to giving animals a second chance at a loving home.
Just days before sharing the news of Myrtle’s passing, Daniel posted a rare family photo in celebration of Mother’s Day. The sunlit image captured Julia surrounded by their three children, all grown and smiling warmly as they sat together on a wooden bench. The heartfelt moment showcased the strong family bond they share, filled with love and togetherness.
The image sparked an outpouring of warm comments from fans. “While I agree with Julia that the kids look a lot like you @modermoder, Henry looks JUST like her here!” one person pointed out. Another commented, “They are all grown up! Wow, time flies,” reflecting on how quickly the children have grown and the passage of time.
Another commenter wrote, “Kids are so grown up 👍👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️❤️ Happy Mother’s Day,” while a fourth shared, “Wow, time flies! They are so big now 😍❤️❤️❤️.” Yet another fan remarked, “Beautiful mother and beautiful kids 😍,” further emphasizing the warmth and admiration surrounding the family’s special moment.
Julia and Daniel are known for their privacy when it comes to their family life. However, every so often, they offer fans a rare glimpse of their three children through social media, allowing their followers to catch a brief, heartfelt glimpse of their close-knit family.
At the age of 37, Julia gave birth to her twins, Phinnaeus and Hazel, both of whom arrived healthy and happy. According to a source, the twins were born around 3 a.m. on November 28, 2004, at a Los Angeles hospital. Three years later, on June 18, 2007, Julia and Daniel welcomed their third child, Henry, who is now 17.
Reflecting on becoming a mother in her late 30s, Julia shared that she believes her children chose her to be their steward and guide in life when the time was right. Despite her confidence in this timing, she admits that, as a mother of three, there are moments when she fears she might make mistakes in parenting. Nevertheless, Julia remains firm in the belief that her kids came into her life when she was ready to embrace motherhood fully.
As a result, Julia made it a priority to cherish every moment with her children, especially when they were young. She once shared a funny story where Henry, in his early years, believed that when people spoke about “the twins” in their family, they were actually referring to him and his siblings, rather than just Phinnaeus and Hazel. This lighthearted moment highlighted the joy and humor that often accompanies family life.
Julia not only made sure to have fun with her children, but she also worked hard to protect them from the harsh realities of fame. When they were younger, her kids were aware that their mom was famous, but they didn’t fully grasp what that meant. The most they encountered were tabloid headlines when they were out shopping, which Julia found to be uncomfortable moments. She has always been protective of their privacy, shielding them from the invasive side of her celebrity life.
Meanwhile, tabloid stories that were far from the truth would deeply hurt Julia’s feelings, particularly when they speculated about the end of her marriage. Despite these false rumors, she remained perfectly happy with Daniel and continued raising their children together. The baseless speculation was a painful reminder of the challenges that come with being in the public eye, but Julia’s commitment to her family remained unwavering.
In response to these challenges, Julia and Daniel made the decision to take their children out of the public eye and move away from the constant scrutiny of Los Angeles. They found solace in a ranch they own in New Mexico, where they could enjoy a more private and peaceful life. While they would still occasionally stay in the City of Angels for work, their primary focus became providing their children with a more grounded, less exposed upbringing away from the spotlight.
However, according to a close friend, Julia and Daniel quickly realized they didn’t want their children to grow up immersed in the show business culture that comes with being so close to Hollywood. For the sake of their family’s well-being, they eventually made the decision to relocate to San Francisco. There, Phinnaeus, Hazel, and Henry were able to live more anonymously, without the constant scrutiny or expectations that come with being the children of movie stars. The move allowed them a sense of normalcy and privacy that they cherished.
In true protective mom fashion, the Ocean’s Eleven star revealed in 2019 that she had banned her children from using social media. This decision was made to shield them from the pressures and scrutiny of the modern world, allowing them to grow up without the added stress that often comes with online attention and the digital landscape. Julia’s priority has always been to give her kids as normal and private a childhood as possible, away from the invasive nature of social media.
The actress also set clear boundaries on what her children could watch on TV and instituted family meetings. These measures were designed to safeguard her kids from the pressures and potentially harmful influences that can be prevalent in a globalized world. By creating a controlled and open environment at home, Julia ensured that her children had a strong foundation, grounded in family values and the awareness to navigate the world responsibly.
Julia firmly believed that, as a parent, it was her responsibility to keep her children offline, emphasizing that they didn’t need the distractions or pressures of the digital world while growing up. In addition to protecting them from external influences, she showered them with unconditional love, helping them build the resilience to handle any challenges they might face. Julia also took an active role in guiding her kids through the complexities of today’s world, offering them support and wisdom to navigate modern-day issues with confidence and grace.
When Hazel was going through a tough time and had lost hope, Julia seized the opportunity to remind her that she still had a voice. In a powerful gesture, she took Hazel to her first Women’s March in Washington, showing her that she had a place in the world where she could stand up for her beliefs. This experience not only empowered Hazel but also reinforced the importance of using one’s voice to make a difference, no matter the challenges life may present.
According to the 57-year-old mother, Hazel is truly “one of a kind.” When the teen attended the 74th Cannes Film Festival in 2021 with her dad, she kept her look simple and even brushed off her mother’s suggestion to wear eyeliner. Hazel was more focused on enjoying the experience and was simply happy to be participating in the prestigious event with her father, highlighting her grounded and carefree nature.
However, Hazel has a special fondness for her mom’s prized possessions. Julia shared that her daughter once rummaged through her closet in search of a prom dress and tried on the actress’ iconic black and white Valentino gown — the very one Julia wore when she won her Academy Award in 2001. This moment not only reflected Hazel’s admiration for her mother’s style but also a deeper connection to her family’s history and legacy.
Unfortunately, Hazel found the dress to be too big for her, but Julia fondly recalls how stunning her daughter looked in it, regardless. Overall, Julia has poured her love, protection, and unwavering support into raising her children. Yet, despite all her efforts, she humbly admits that there’s no “mastering” motherhood — it’s a journey of growth, learning, and adapting as her kids navigate life’s challenges.
Julia believes that the best way to navigate motherhood is to accept that you can’t do everything on your own and that it’s perfectly okay to ask for help when needed. She emphasizes that parents shouldn’t feel ashamed or fearful about seeking support. However, despite this mindset, she acknowledges that every new challenge can still be difficult. It’s a continuous learning process, where embracing vulnerability and seeking guidance are essential for personal growth and for the well-being of her family.
In 2022, the Pretty Woman star admitted that she felt lightheaded as her twins were preparing to go off to college. While it was a bittersweet moment, she also felt a sense of fascination and excitement for them, as she had never had that particular experience herself. Julia recognized the significance of the milestone, both for her children and for herself as a mother, and embraced the mix of emotions that came with this next chapter in their lives.
When it comes to looks, Julia often believes her kids resemble her, but she admits that when Daniel comes home from work and she sees him, it quickly dawns on her that they most resemble him. Fans seem to agree, often noting the striking similarities between the children and their father. It’s a reminder of how both parents contribute their unique traits to their children’s appearance, creating a beautiful blend of both their personalities.
On November 28, 2021, when the kids turned 17, Daniel, now 55, shared a photo that had his followers talking. “They’re so beautiful,” one admirer commented, while another noted, “Hazel looks like her dad.” Many others echoed this sentiment, remarking on the striking resemblance between Hazel and her father, further sparking conversations about the family’s close-knit bond and their shared features.
A year later, when Julia’s twins turned 18, the actress shared an adorable picture of them as babies. Reflecting on how quickly time had passed, she reminisced about those diaper-wearing days. It’s hard to believe that in late 2024, those same kids will be turning 20! Julia’s post captured both the joy and the bittersweet nature of watching her children grow up so fast.
Julia Roberts and Daniel Moder have been happily married for 22 years, maintaining a strong and loving union. Together, they’ve carefully chosen how to raise their children and shield them from the pressures of today’s world, including the challenges that come with their fame. Based on the glimpses of their lives shared on social media, it’s clear that they’ve succeeded in creating a joyful, close-knit family filled with love and laughter. Their commitment to one another and their children shines through in every moment they share.