Tony Roberts, the versatile actor renowned for his roles on Broadway and in film, has passed away at the age of 85. His daughter Nicole Burley confirmed to the New York Times on Friday, February 7, 2025, that the cause of death was complications from lung cancer.
Born David Anthony Roberts on October 22, 1939, in Manhattan, Roberts made his Broadway debut at just 23 years old, showing early signs of the talent and charisma he would be known for throughout his distinguished career. His debut came with the 1962 production of Something About a Soldier.
With remarkable versatility, he quickly became a celebrated figure on Broadway, capturing audiences' hearts with his performances. Among his noteworthy roles was his performance in How Now, Dow Jones, which earned him one of two Tony Award nominations during his career. His other nomination came for Play It Again, Sam.
Roberts had the kind of stage presence many actors can only aspire to achieve. His charming personality and comedic timing made him particularly well-suited to musical theater. Throughout his career, he took on roles in popular productions such as Sugar (1972), Victor/Victoria (1995)—where he co-starred with Dame Julie Andrews—and Xanadu (2007) among many others. His portrayal of the husband character in Charles Busch's The Tale of the Allergist's Wife (2000) went on to become one of his most defining performances.
Much of Roberts' acclaim came from his association with acclaimed filmmaker Woody Allen. Starting with Don't Drink the Water (1966), Roberts developed a close friendship and collaborative relationship with Allen. He went on to star prominently in several of Allen’s films, including Annie Hall (1977) where he played Rob, the best friend of Allen's character Alvy Singer. His appearances alongside Allen helped solidify his status as one of the prominent actors of his time.
Woody Allen, reflecting on their collaboration, noted, "You were great. How come you’re such a lousy auditioner?" This comment not only highlights Roberts' natural talent but also his ineptitude at traditional auditions—a predicament many talented actors contend with.
Roberts' career extended beyond theater and film; he also embraced the world of television, making guest appearances on various beloved shows including Murder, She Wrote, Law & Order, and The Carol Burnett Show. He was involved with several sitcoms, though many were short-lived. His time on Rosetti & Ryan (1977) and other series, such as The Four Seasons (1984) and The Lucie Arnaz Show (1985), showcased his adaptability across different mediums of entertainment.
Though Roberts achieved considerable success, he remained grounded. His reflections on life and career reveal his humility and gratitude. “I’ve never been particularly lucky at card games. I’ve never hit a jackpot. But I have been extremely lucky in life,” he wrote in his memoir, Do You Know Me? Roberts acknowledged his good fortune at finding his passion early on, stating, “Unlike many of my pals, who didn’t know what they wanted to become when they grew up, I knew I wanted to be an actor before I got to high school.”
His marriage to dancer Jennifer Lyons lasted from 1969 until their divorce in 1975 but resulted in the birth of their daughter, Nicole, who survives him. His familial ties remained meaningful to him as he dedicated part of his legacy to his daughter, recalling his upbringing and the role his father, radio and television announcer Ken Roberts, played in shaping his path.
Reflecting on his career, Roberts once remarked, “I was lucky enough to get in on the last years of the Golden Age of Broadway. There was a lot more going on then with high quality and great conviction.” His ability to capture the spirit of his times through performance will be sorely missed.
Though the lights have dimmed on one of Broadway’s shining stars, Tony Roberts' legacy will endure through his extensive body of work, charming performances, and deep friendships with those who admired his craft.