The Ex Factor? Julia's Secret Call To Former Fiancée Kiefer Sutherland EXPOSED!

More than two decades after Julia Roberts left him at the altar, bitter Kiefer Sutherland has buried the hatchet with his Runaway Bride!

The 49-year-old start of TVs Designated Survivor says Pretty Woman Roberts, 49, showed "courage" dumping him just three days before they were set to take their vows in 1991.

"I think she was being realistic for herself," he says.

"I think that's much better. I think she had the courage — it wasn't what she wanted to do."

But Roberts poured salt on the wound by flying to Ireland with heartbroken Kiefer's good pal, actor Jason Patric.

While he and Patric eventually shook hands, Sutherland avoided his Flatliners leading lady for the next 25 years.

Sutherland also spiraled into booze hell, racking up four DUIS and a string of embarrassing, alcohol related public incidents.

"For a long time, Kiefer was angry at Julia," a source told RadarOnline.com.

"But after battling so many demons he can finally understand why they were doomed as a couple."

After praising her courage, Roberts, who has three kids with her husband of 14 years, Danny Moder, called and they made up.

"I think he was genuinely touched by her call," the source explained to RadarOnline.com.

"Julia said it was finally time to talk. They laughed about how young and stupid they were then."

They also gushed about their families. Sutherland reportedly praised his daughter Sarah, 28, now starting on Julia Louis-Dreyfus's is cable hit Veep, and daughter of his first wife, actress Camelia Kath.