Have you ever felt like the odds are stacked against you? Consumer advocate Erin Brockovich says that she's felt like this many times. As a young girl, Erin struggled with dyslexia. Whenever Erin would come home with poor grades, Erin's mother would always tell her to maintain her “sticktoitiveness.” At first Erin thought that her mother had made up this word, but actually, it's defined in Webster's dictionary as "the quality that allows someone to continue trying to do something, even though it is difficult or unpleasant." When you feel the odds are stacked against you, Erin says that that’s precisely the moment you don’t give up.
See below for more of Erin's accomplishments:
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Erin's Incredible Story
In 1993, Erin Brockovich played a key role in winning a major contamination suit, Anderson vs. Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E). She was a struggling single mother and legal secretary at the time. In 2000, a film was made to share her amazing true story on the big screen. Julia Roberts, shown here in a strikingly similar pose to Erin, was cast to portray Erin.
Walking The Red Carpet
Following the success of the film made about her life, a starstruck Erin poses for photographers at the 2000 Hollywood film premiere of "Erin Brockovich."
Environmentalist Erin
Following her celebrated PG&E environmental contamination suit win, Erin became a national spokeswoman and activist, appearing numerous times to raise awareness about chromium 6 levels in the San Fernando Valley water system. Here, Erin delivers a speech at the National Press Club in Washington, DC in 2001.
Successful Author
In 2001, Erin penned an inspirational memoir, 'Take It From Me: Life's A Struggle But You Can Win.' Here, she makes an in-store appearance at a Barnes and Noble to promote her new book in New York City.
The Reason Behind The Movie
The film "Erin Brockovitch" is based on families in the San Fernando Valley who were affected by polluted water caused by a nearby oil well for nearly three decades. Many people suffered from chronic health issues due to the contamination. Here, San Fernando Valley resident Leon Park sits on his porch with his family; they were all affected by the pollution.
A Dynamic Duo
Erin and lawyer Ed Masry were the two key players in winning the PG&E case. Here, they share a laugh at an impromptu news conference following their victory.
A Call To Action
This oil well in Long Beach, California, reportedly had the world's highest oil production per acre by the mid-twentieth century. Erin and her boss, lawyer Ed Masry, alleged that fumes emitted from this oil well led to a 'cancer cluster' of nearby residents 20 times higher than the national average.
Making Movie Magic
When Hollywood director Steven Soderbergh decided to create a movie chronicling Erin Brockovitch's incredible true story, the film became an instant sensation.
Overcoming The Odds
In both the film and true story, Erin is a struggling single mother and secretary who goes on to help win the largest settlement ever paid in a direct-action lawsuit in the U.S.
Casting Key Players
For the hit movie, Julia Roberts and Aaron Eckhart were cast in opposite starring roles to play Erin and Ed.
From Rags To Riches
The film dramatizes Brockovich's rags-to-riches tale as a single mother and file clerk who discovered an environmental disaster in a seemingly ordinary real-estate deal. Roberts portrayed real-life Erin with charisma and passion.
An Oscar-Winning Performance
Julia Roberts won an Oscar for Best Actress at the 73rd Annual Academy Awards for her heartfelt portrayal of Erin.
Speaking Out
Erin now works as a legal clerk and environmental activist, playing a key role in representing consumers' rights following the success of the PG&E case.
The Fight Continues
Erin's work as an environmental advocate was far from over following the success of the PG&E case. In 2001, Erin testified before the Senate Health and Human Services Committee in Sacramento, CA to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of mold levels in homes.
Political Activist
In 2010, Erin spoke on behalf of concerned Oakvile, CA citizens about a gas power plant slated to be built beside residential neighborhood. She was invited by the Citizens for Clean Air Oakville. She continues her environmental activism today.
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