Tony Roberts, an acclaimed theater actor widely recognized for his versatility in both plays and musicals, has passed away at the age of 85. The news of his death was shared by his daughter, Nicole Burley, with The New York Times.
Roberts was known for his charming stage presence, making him a perfect fit for musical comedy. He originated roles in notable Broadway productions, including “How Now, Dow Jones” in 1967, “Sugar” in 1972, which was adapted from the classic film “Some Like It Hot,” and “Victor/Victoria” in 1995, where he starred alongside Julie Andrews during her celebrated return to Broadway. His Broadway journey also included performing in the disco-themed musical “Xanadu” in 2007 and the drama “The Royal Family” in 2009.
In his memoir, “Do You Know Me?”, Roberts reflected on his life, noting his lack of fortune in card games but expressing gratitude for his fortune in life. He revealed that he had always aspired to be an actor, a dream he recognized even before he reached high school.
Roberts also had significant appearances in Woody Allen’s works, starting with the Broadway comedy “Don’t Drink the Water” in 1966, where he reprised his stage role in the film adaptation. He was featured in Allen’s “Play It Again, Sam” in 1969, both on stage and in the movie version. His filmography with Allen includes classics like “Annie Hall,” “Stardust Memories,” “A Midsummer Night’s Sex Comedy,” “Hannah and Her Sisters,” and “Radio Days.” His strong physical presence complemented Allen’s neurotic characters, enhancing their humor on screen.
In Eric Lax’s biography of Woody Allen, Roberts described the meticulous filmmaking process, recalling a particularly intricate scene in “A Midsummer Night’s Sex Comedy.” He acknowledged the artistry behind Allen’s repetitions and edits, which often revealed deeper layers of the film.
Aside from his collaborations with Allen, Roberts appeared in notable films such as “Serpico” and “The Taking of Pelham One Two Three.” He received two Tony Award nominations during his career: one for “How Now, Dow Jones” and another for “Play It Again, Sam,” which credited him as Anthony Roberts.
A standout moment in Roberts’ Broadway career came with the comedy “The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife” in 2000, where he played the husband of the main character. Making his Broadway debut in 1962 in “Something About a Soldier,” he was also part of many successful long-running shows, including “Barefoot in the Park,” “Promises, Promises,” and “Cabaret.” He once expressed his gratitude for being part of the Golden Age of Broadway, highlighting the exceptional quality and conviction of the productions during that period.
Roberts took his talents to London’s West End, where he starred alongside Betty Buckley in “Promises, Promises,” effectively playing the role originally portrayed by Jack Lemmon in the film “The Apartment.” His television career included roles in the short-lived series “The Four Seasons,” “The Lucie Arnaz Show,” and guest appearances on hit shows like “Murder, She Wrote” and “Law & Order.”
Born on October 22, 1939, in New York City, Tony Roberts was the son of radio and television announcer Ken Roberts. He grew up immersed in the world of acting, with family ties to the industry—his cousin being esteemed actor Everett Sloane. He attended the High School of Music and Art and later graduated from Northwestern University.
Though his marriage to Jennifer Lyons ended in divorce, he is survived by his daughter, Nicole Burley. His connection with Woody Allen began when he replaced Robert Redford in “Barefoot in the Park.” Despite facing challenges in auditioning for Allen’s first play, Roberts’ performance ultimately won him a role that marked the beginning of a fruitful collaboration, with Allen famously remarking on his great talent amidst audition struggles.
