Veteran actor Tony Roberts, best known for his collaborations with Woody Allen, has passed away at the age of 85. His daughter, Nicole Burley, confirmed to the New York Times that he died on Friday due to complications from lung cancer.
A Storied Career in Film and Theater
Tony Roberts was a familiar face in several of Woody Allen’s most acclaimed films. His most notable role was in the 1977 classic “Annie Hall,” in which he played the best friend of Woody Allen’s character. The film won multiple Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
Roberts’ collaboration with Allen extended to several other films, including:
- “A Midsummer Night’s Sex Comedy”
- “Stardust Memories”
- “Hannah and Her Sisters”
- “Radio Days”
A Celebrated Broadway Career
Beyond the silver screen, Roberts also made a significant impact on Broadway. His work on stage earned him two Tony Award nominations:
- Best Actor in a Musical for “How Now, Dow Jones” (1968)
- Featured Actor in a Play for Woody Allen’s “Play It Again, Sam” (1986)
His first collaboration with Allen came in 1966 when he starred in the theater production “Don’t Drink The Water.”
A Career Spanning Decades
Roberts made his film debut in the 1971 Disney comedy “The Million Dollar Duck”, marking the beginning of a long and diverse acting career. He continued to take on roles well into the 2000s, with appearances in a 2017 made-for-TV adaptation of “Dirty Dancing” and a 2010 episode of “Law & Order.”
Remembering Tony Roberts
With a career spanning over five decades, Roberts was a versatile actor beloved for his charisma and comedic timing. His work in film, television, and theater cemented his legacy as a talented performer who could seamlessly transition between different mediums.
RIP, Tony Roberts.
