Photo Credit: Getty Images
Broadway and film legend Tony Roberts, who was known for his dynamic stage presence and a long-standing collaboration with Woody Allen, has passed away at the age of 85. His daughterand actress, Nicole Burley, confirmed his death to The New York Times, marking the end of a fruitious career that spanned over six decades.
Tony made his Broadway debut in 1962 with Something About a Soldier, Although his breakout roles came with musicals like How Now, Dow Jones (1967) and Sugar (1972), an adaptation of the classic film Some Like It Hot. His collaboration with Julie Andrews in Victor/Victoria (1995) further cemented his reputation as a versatile performer who could effortlessly navigate between comedy and drama. Looking back on his career in a 2015 interview with Broadway World, the late remarked, "I was lucky enough to get in on the last years of the Golden Age of Broadway."
A two-time Tony Award nominee, Roberts earned critical acclaim for his performances in How Now, Dow Jones and Allen's Play It Again, Sam. His confident demeanor and distinctive voice made him a beloved fixture on the New York stage. Broadway composer, Jule Styne, once described Roberts as having a "genial charm that lit up every scene he touched."
On the big screen, he became a familiar face through his roles in several Woody Allen films, including Annie Hall (1977), Stardust Memories (1980), and Radio Days (1987). His portrayal of Allen's level-headed best friend offered a perfect foil to the director's neurotic characters. In The Jewish Daily Forward, a 2016 retrospective highlighted Roberts' ability to "make Allen's chaos more bearable and infinitely funnier."
Recalling his early encounters with Allen, Roberts shared in his memoir Do You Know Me?, "I auditioned four times for Don't Drink the Water and failed each time. But seeing me in Barefoot in the Park changed Allen's mind." Allen famously told him backstage, "You were great. How come you're such a lousy auditioner?"
Beyond Broadway and film, Roberts made memorable appearances on television in shows such as Murder, She Wrote and Law & Order. Despite his extensive screen work, theater remained his first love. Reflecting on his craft, Roberts once noted, "There's nothing quite like the energy of a live audience."
Roberts' legacy extends beyond his accolades. His memoir reveals a man deeply grateful for his career. "I've never hit a jackpot at cards," he wrote, "but I've been incredibly lucky in life." He is survived by his daughter Nicole, who carries forward his artistic spirit.
As Broadway mourns the loss of one of its enduring stars, The body of work he has left standing behind serves a testament to his talent and dedication. His influence, both on and off-stage, remains ingrained in history for generations to come.
