Living in LA is not synonymous with having a career in film or TV. They shoot more in other cities these days than they do in LA. Mostly, meetings are in LA. And Julia Roberts doesn't seem to have sacrificed any part of her career for privacy.

There are certain celebrities who court the paparazzi and use their children when it benefits them. There are certain celebrities who maintain their privacy regardless of how famous they are. Yes, absolutely the paparazzi are vultures, but if some of these people really wanted privacy, they could absolutely have it, even while living in LA.