Tony Roberts (actor) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tony Roberts
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Roberts in 2019
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| Born |
David Anthony Roberts
October 22, 1939 New York City, U.S.
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| Died | February 7, 2025 (aged 85) New York City, U.S.
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| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1962–2017 |
| Height | 6'1" |
| Spouse(s) |
Jennifer Lyons
(m. 1969; div. 1975) |
| Children | 1 |
David Anthony Roberts (born October 22, 1939 – died February 7, 2025) was an American actor. He was famous for his many roles in movies and on stage. He worked often with filmmaker Woody Allen, appearing in six of his films. His most well-known role was in Annie Hall (1977).
Roberts also acted in movies directed by Sidney Lumet, Blake Edwards, and Herbert Ross. He started his career on Broadway in 1962 in the play Something About a Soldier. He was nominated for two Tony Awards for his roles in How Now, Dow Jones (1968) and Play It Again, Sam (1969).
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Tony Roberts' Early Life
Roberts was born in Manhattan, New York City. His father, Ken Roberts, was a radio announcer. His mother, Norma Finkelstein, was an animator. His family was Jewish.
Roberts went to the High School of Music & Art. He also studied at Northwestern University. He began his acting career on Broadway in 1962.
Tony Roberts' Acting Career
Tony Roberts worked a lot with director Woody Allen. In the movie Annie Hall, Roberts played Rob, who was the main character Alvy Singer's best friend.
He also appeared in other Allen films and plays, including:
- Both the Broadway play and movie versions of Play It Again, Sam
- Stardust Memories (1980)
- A Midsummer Night's ... Comedy (1982)
- Hannah and Her Sisters (1986)
- Radio Days (1987)
In 2001, Roberts was part of Allen's section in The Concert for New York City.
Movies and TV Shows
Roberts played Deputy Mayor Warren LaSalle in The Taking of Pelham One Two Three. He also appeared in Sidney Lumet's movies Serpico and Just Tell Me What You Want.
In the 1983 horror movie Amityville 3-D, Roberts had a main role as John Baxter. John was a journalist who didn't believe in ghosts but bought a haunted house. Roberts also acted with George Burns in Eighteen Again! (1988). He co-starred in the horror-comedy Popcorn (1991) as Professor Davis. He was also in Blake Edwards's comedy Switch (1991) as Arnold Freidkin.
Other movies Roberts appeared in include:
- The Walt Disney comedy The Million Dollar Duck (1971)
- Star Spangled Girl (1971), both co-starring Sandy Duncan
- Key Exchange (1985)
- Le Sauvage (1985)
- Seize the Day (1986)
- Twelve and Holding (2005)
Roberts's last movie role was in the 2014 romantic comedy-drama The Longest Week. He played a therapist. His final TV movie role was in the 2017 ABC production Dirty Dancing.
Broadway Stage Roles
Tony Roberts had many roles on Broadway. Some of his notable plays and musicals include:
- Barefoot in the Park
- How Now, Dow Jones
- Murder at the Howard Johnson's
- Promises, Promises
- Sugar (a musical based on the movie Some Like It Hot)
- The Sisters Rosensweig
- They're Playing Our Song
- Victor/Victoria
- The Tale of the Allergist's Wife
- Arsenic and Old Lace
- Cabaret
In 1998, he played Buddy Plummer in Follies. In 2007, Roberts returned to Broadway in the musical Xanadu.
Television Appearances
On television, Roberts played Lee Pollock on The Edge of Night. He also appeared in many TV series, such as:
- The Carol Burnett Show
- Matlock
- Law & Order
- Law & Order: Criminal Intent
In 1977, he was a main actor in the short-lived NBC legal drama Rosetti and Ryan. In 1978, he was a guest star on The Love Boat. Roberts also appeared on the ABC comedy The Thorns.
He was a regular performer on the CBS Radio Mystery Theater. Roberts also recorded many audiobooks, including novels by Stuart Woods. Other audiobooks he narrated include Batman: The Ultimate Evil, Cat's Cradle, and Who Moved My Cheese?.
Tony Roberts' Personal Life
Tony Roberts passed away from lung cancer at his home in Manhattan on February 7, 2025. He was 85 years old.
Awards and Nominations
Tony Roberts was recognized for his acting with two Tony Award nominations:
- How Now, Dow Jones – Nominated for Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical (1968)
- Play It Again, Sam – Nominated for Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play (1969)
