Acclaimed actor Tony Roberts, known for his diverse roles in various Woody Allen films and Broadway shows, passed away on February 7, 2025. His death occurred at his Manhattan, New York City residence and was confirmed by his daughter, Nicole Burley. Roberts, who was 85, succumbed to complications arising from lung cancer.
The versatile actor was the progeny of Ken Roberts, a popular radio and television announcer. After graduating from the High School of Music and Arts, he studied acting under the tutelage of Alvina Krause, laying the groundwork for his illustrious career.
Roberts’ Broadway journey began in 1962, when he debuted in “Take Her, She’s Mine,” following his education at Northwestern University. His illustrious career spanned almost five decades and encompassed 24 Broadway productions. His early success led to his casting in Woody Allen’s “Don’t Drink the Water” and “How Now, Dow Jones” by theater producer David Merrick, earning him his maiden Tony nomination.
The actor built a lasting professional bond with Allen, beginning with their meeting during the 1966 audition for “Don’t Drink the Water.” This rapport led to Roberts’s appearance in six of Allen’s films, including “Annie Hall” (1977), “Stardust Memories” (1980), “A Midsummer Night’s Sex Comedy” (1982), “Hannah and Her Sisters” (1986), and “Radio Days” (1987).
In a 2014 interview, Roberts openly admired Allen, stating, “There have been times when I wished I was him. I would like to have his gift and his genius and his brain, which is something to revel at… That’s a pleasure to be around. I wouldn’t want his deeper neuroses, but I don’t think he’d want mine.”
The actor started his on-screen journey with “The Million Dollar Duck” (1971), taking on the role of Fred Hines. This was swiftly followed by “Star Spangled Girl” (1971), in which he played Andy Hobart. His film credits grew to feature notable roles such as Bob Blair in “Serpico” (1973), Mike Berger in “Just Tell Me What You Want” (1980), and John Baxter in “Amityville 3-D” (1983).
Apart from his collaborations with Allen, Roberts was directed by other well-known figures like Sidney Lumet for “Serpico.” He was also part of successful stage productions, including “Promises, Promises,” “Sugar,” “Cabaret,” and “Victor/Victoria.” He received his second Tony nomination for “Play It Again, Sam” (1969), a role he reprised in the film adaptation.
Throughout his career, Roberts was actively involved in the broader entertainment community, serving on the Board of Directors of the Screen Actors Guild and Actors’ Equity Association. He also held the position of President of the Theater Authority.
In 1997, Roberts acknowledged the significant impact his roles in Woody Allen’s films had on his career. He noted that these roles influenced how industry professionals, including casting agents, perceived him. He found that their strong association with his on-screen characters made it difficult for them to envision him in diverse roles.
Roberts’ television resume included appearances in “The Lucie Arnaz Show” (1985), “The Four Seasons” (1984), and the soap opera “The Edge of Night” (1965-66). He also portrayed Senator Bryce Peterson, Paul Redfield, and Nicholas Bennett in “Law & Order,” Jack Chenault in “The Love Boat,” and Lawrence Kolleeny and Dr. Jerry Kulyn in “Trapper John, M.D.”
Roberts showcased his remarkable acting range over his four-decade career, transitioning seamlessly between comedy and drama in theater, film, and television. Despite his extensive filmography, he primarily identified as a theater actor, starring in a wide array of productions, including “Barefoot in the Park,” “Xanadu,” and “Arsenic and Old Lace.”
In his 2015 memoir “Do You Know Me?” Roberts wrote, “I’ve never been particularly lucky at card games. I’ve never hit a jackpot. But I have been extremely lucky in life.”
In 2009, during a Broadway performance, Roberts experienced a minor seizure but was able to return to the stage within a few days. His last Broadway performance was in “The Royal Family” in the same year, and his final film role came in “The Longest Week” (2014).
Roberts was married to actress Jennifer Lyons from 1969 to 1975. He is survived by their daughter, Nicole Burley.
