Hollywood actor and film veteran Tony Roberts passed away at 85 due to complications from lung cancer. Tony Roberts is best known for his roles in Broadway hits and Woody Allen films. His death was confirmed by his daughter Nicole Burley to The New York Times.
Tony’s Film Career
Roberts had a career that spanned decades on both the stage and screen. He earned two-time Tony Award nominations. He appeared in ‘How Now, Dow Jones’ in 1968 and then again in the Woody Allen play, ‘Play It Again’, ‘Sam’ in 1969. As if he could not get the much-needed recognition, he reprised his performance again in the film version of the movie in 1972.
One of the regular cast members for Woody Allen, Roberts added humor and charm to roles in various films by the director, such as ‘Annie Hall’ (1977), ‘Stardust Memories’ (1980), and ‘The Purple Rose of Cairo’ (1985).
Outside of the silver screen, Roberts was highly regarded in theater. He appeared in ‘Barefoot in the Park’, ‘Don’t Drink the Water’, ‘Victor/Victoria’, and ‘The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife’. He also replaced many successful productions while still contributing to Broadway history.
Contributions Beyond the Screen
Apart from acting, Roberts sat on the board of directors for Screen Actors Guild and Actors’ Equity Association. This helped him lobby for fellow actors. His final television appearance was in the 2017 miniseries version of Dirty Dancing.
In 2016, Roberts released his memoir, ‘Do You Know Me?’, where he reflected on his career and the recognition he received from fans who often struggled to recall exactly where they had seen him before.
His contributions to theater and film will be remembered for generations, as his performances continue to entertain audiences worldwide.
