Legendary Broadway and film actor Tony Roberts, cherished for his roles in numerous Woody Allen films, is confirmed by his only child to have passed away at 85 amid health struggle.
- February 9, 2025
AceShowbiz - Tony Roberts, an iconic figure in both Broadway and film, has died at the age of 85. His daughter, Nicole Burley, confirmed to The New York Times that he passed away on February 7 at his Manhattan home due to complications from lung cancer.
Roberts' extensive career in the entertainment industry spanned multiple decades, leaving behind a legacy of memorable roles and performances.
Born on October 22, 1939, in New York to radio and television announcer Ken Roberts, Tony grew up in Manhattan's Upper East Side. He showed early promise in the arts, attending the High School of Music & Art in Manhattan, before majoring in speech and theatre at Northwestern University.
Roberts' first Broadway role came in the comedy "Take Her, She's Mine" in 1962, alongside Art Carney. This marked the beginning of a luminous career on stage and screen.
Roberts' association with Woody Allen began when the latter spotted him on Broadway in 1966's "Barefoot in the Park." Allen cast him in the stage production of "Don't Drink The Water," sparking a long-term collaboration.
Roberts starred in six of Allen's films, including "Annie Hall" (1977), where he played Rob, the self-assured television actor and confidant of Allen's character, Alvy Singer. Roberts also appeared in "Stardust Memories" (1980), "A Midsummer Night" (1982), "Hannah and Her Sisters" (1986), and "Radio Days" (1987).
During his distinguished career on Broadway, Roberts earned two Tony Award nominations, first for the musical "How Now, Dow Jones" in 1968 and then for the stage version of "Play It Again, Sam" in 1969.
His movie debut came with "The Million Dollar Duck" in 1971, followed by roles in classics like "Serpico" (1973) and "The Taking of Pelham One Two Three" (1974).
Beyond his work in film and theater, Roberts made significant contributions to television. He appeared in "The Lucie Arnaz Show" (1985), "The Four Seasons" (1984), and the soap opera "The Edge of Night" (1965-66). His last role was in the TV movie "Dirty Dancing" in 2017.
Roberts was married to actress Jennifer Lyons from 1969 until 1975, with whom he had his only immediate survivor, daughter Nicole Burley.
Reflecting on his collaborations with Woody Allen in a 2014 interview, Roberts said, "There have been times when I wished I was him. I would like to have his gift and his genius and his brain."
His legacy in the arts remains indelible, inspiring future generations of actors and theater enthusiasts.
