Tony Roberts, Stage and Film Actor Known for Woody Allen Films, Dies at 85
Tony Roberts, a talented stage actor and film star who was best known for his roles in Woody Allen movies, has passed away at 85. His death was confirmed by his daughter, Nicole Burley, in a statement to The New York Times.
A Versatile Stage and Screen Talent
Roberts, who was nominated for a Tony Award, enjoyed a long and successful career in both theater and film. He was widely appreciated for his genial stage presence, which made him a perfect fit for musical comedies. Some of his most notable Broadway roles included starring in musicals like “How Now, Dow Jones” (1967), “Sugar” (1972) (an adaptation of the classic movie Some Like It Hot), and “Victor/Victoria” (1995), in which he shared the stage with Julie Andrews. He also appeared in the campy roller-disco musical “Xanadu” (2007) and “The Royal Family” (2009).
In his memoir “Do You Know Me?” Roberts reflected on his career, saying, “I’ve never been particularly lucky at card games. I’ve never hit a jackpot. But I have been extremely lucky in life.” He went on to share how he had always known he wanted to be an actor, even before high school.
Hollywood and Woody Allen Films
Roberts was a familiar face in many of Woody Allen’s films, often playing Allen’s best friend or a charming supporting role. He first collaborated with Allen on Broadway in the 1966 comedy “Don’t Drink the Water” and later reprised his role in the film adaptation. He also starred in “Play It Again, Sam“ (1969) on Broadway, which was also made into a movie.
Other memorable roles in Allen films included appearances in “Annie Hall” (1977), “Stardust Memories” (1980), “A Midsummer Night’s Sex Comedy” (1982), “Hannah and Her Sisters” (1986), and “Radio Days” (1987). His performances were often the perfect foil to Allen’s neurotic characters, and his tall frame and broad shoulders made him a striking presence onscreen. In “A Midsummer Night’s Sex Comedy”, Roberts recalled the challenges of filming a complicated scene that Allen insisted on repeating for perfection.
Roberts once remarked, “When you go back to see [Allen’s work] two, three, four times, you begin to see the amazing amount of art in it, that nothing is accidental.”
Tony Award Nominations and Broadway Success
Roberts earned two Tony Award nominations, first for his role in “How Now, Dow Jones” and again for “Play It Again, Sam”, where he was billed as Anthony Roberts. He also found great success with “The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife” (2000), playing the husband in this Charles Busch comedy, which became one of his most beloved Broadway roles.
His Broadway career spanned decades, and he appeared in iconic productions like “Barefoot in the Park”, “Promises, Promises”, “They’re Playing Our Song”, “Jerome Robbins’ Broadway”, “The Sisters Rosensweig”, and the 1998 revival of “Cabaret” by the Roundabout Theatre Company. Roberts was proud to have performed during the final years of what he considered Broadway’s Golden Age. He once told Broadway World, “In that era, there was a lot more going on that seemed to have high quality about it and great conviction.”
A Lifelong Actor
Born in New York City on October 22, 1939, Roberts was the son of radio and television announcer Ken Roberts. Surrounded by actors growing up—his cousin was actor Everett Sloane—Roberts was immersed in the world of performance from an early age. He attended the High School of Music and Art in New York and later graduated from Northwestern University.
Though Roberts’ marriage to Jennifer Lyons ended in divorce, he is survived by his daughter, actor Nicole Burley.
Final Days and Lasting Legacy
Roberts’ work extended beyond Broadway and film. He had a recurring role in the short-lived TV series “The Four Seasons” (1984) and appeared in other popular shows like “Murder, She Wrote” and “Law & Order”. His career was a testament to his versatility and enduring appeal, whether he was making audiences laugh on Broadway or playing off Woody Allen’s signature neuroses in the films.
In a memorable anecdote, Roberts once recalled his first meeting with Allen. After initially being turned down for an audition for Allen’s first Broadway play, “Don’t Drink the Water”, Roberts’ performance in “Barefoot in the Park” convinced Allen to cast him, with Allen famously saying, “You were great. How come you’re such a lousy auditioner?”
Tony Roberts leaves behind a rich legacy of theater and film performances, forever remembered for his humor, charm, and ability to light up the stage and screen.
