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| Tony Roberts, 1939 - 2025 |
Tony Roberts, who died at the age of 85, had a genial stage personality perfect for musical comedy, according to the Associated Press. But he also excelled in other genres.
Roberts originated roles in such diverse Broadway musicals as “How Now, Dow Jones” (1967); “Sugar” (1972), an adaptation of the movie “Some Like It Hot,” and “Victor/Victoria” (1995), in which he co-starred with Julie Andrews when she returned to Broadway in the stage version of her popular film. We were fortunate enough to see him on Broadway in "Play It Again, Sam" as well as "Don't Drink The Water" and Victor/Victoria" among other shows. He also was in the campy, roller-disco “Xanadu” in 2007 and “The Royal Family” in 2009.
“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?” “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,” he added.
Roberts was nominated twice for a Tony Award — for “How Now, Dow Jones” and “Play It Again, Sam,” when he was billed as Anthony Roberts. Considering all the shows he appeared in and his versatile talent, it's amazing he wasn't nominated more, and never won.
One of Roberts’ biggest Broadway successes was Charles Busch’s hit comedy “The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife” (2000), in which he played the title character’s husband. One of the hardest working stage and screen actors, Roberts was also was a replacement in some of Broadway's longest-running hits including “Barefoot in the Park,” “Promises, “Promises,” “They’re Playing Our Song,” “Jerome Robbins’ Broadway,” “The Sisters Rosensweig” and the 1998 Roundabout Theatre Company revival of “Cabaret.”
Of course, most people remember Roberts from so many Woody Allen movies where he often played Allen's best friend and sidekick. These included “Annie Hall” (1977), “Stardust Memories” (1980), “A Midsummer Night’s Sex Comedy” (1982), “Hannah and Her Sisters” (1986) and “Radio Days” (1987).
Whether as a supporting actor or a dashing leading man, Roberts always shined. His tall frame, bright smile, thick curly mane and warm eyes gave him star quality. How else could he replace someone like Robert Redford in the hit "Barefoot in the Park"? Still, even into his later years, Roberts continued to gain desirable roles and display his acting chops with a seemingly effortless ease.
He will be greatly missed!
“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?” “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,” he added.
Roberts was nominated twice for a Tony Award — for “How Now, Dow Jones” and “Play It Again, Sam,” when he was billed as Anthony Roberts. Considering all the shows he appeared in and his versatile talent, it's amazing he wasn't nominated more, and never won.
One of Roberts’ biggest Broadway successes was Charles Busch’s hit comedy “The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife” (2000), in which he played the title character’s husband. One of the hardest working stage and screen actors, Roberts was also was a replacement in some of Broadway's longest-running hits including “Barefoot in the Park,” “Promises, “Promises,” “They’re Playing Our Song,” “Jerome Robbins’ Broadway,” “The Sisters Rosensweig” and the 1998 Roundabout Theatre Company revival of “Cabaret.”
Of course, most people remember Roberts from so many Woody Allen movies where he often played Allen's best friend and sidekick. These included “Annie Hall” (1977), “Stardust Memories” (1980), “A Midsummer Night’s Sex Comedy” (1982), “Hannah and Her Sisters” (1986) and “Radio Days” (1987).
Whether as a supporting actor or a dashing leading man, Roberts always shined. His tall frame, bright smile, thick curly mane and warm eyes gave him star quality. How else could he replace someone like Robert Redford in the hit "Barefoot in the Park"? Still, even into his later years, Roberts continued to gain desirable roles and display his acting chops with a seemingly effortless ease.
He will be greatly missed!
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