Tony Roberts, a versatile actor known for his memorable roles in Woody Allen films and Broadway productions, died on February 7, 2025, at his home in Manhattan, New York City. He was 85. His daughter Nicole Burley confirmed his death was due to complications from lung cancer.

Roberts, the son of radio and television announcer Ken Roberts, graduated from the High School of Music and Arts. He studied acting with Alvina Krause before launching his career. 

After attending Northwestern University, Roberts made his Broadway debut in 1962 with “Take Her, She’s Mine.” His career on Broadway would span nearly five decades and include 24 productions. Theater producer David Merrick cast him in Woody Allen’s “Don’t Drink the Water” and “How Now, Dow Jones,” the latter of which earned him his first Tony nomination. 

Roberts forged a lasting partnership with Allen after meeting him in 1966 during the audition for “Don’t Drink the Water.” This connection led to collaborations in six films, including “Annie Hall” (1977), “Stardust Memories” (1980), “A Midsummer Night’s Sex Comedy” (1982), “Hannah and Her Sisters” (1986), and “Radio Days” (1987). 

In a 2014 interview, Roberts reflected on his relationship with Allen, saying, “There have been times when I wished I was him. I would like to have his gift and his genius and his brain, which is something to revel at… That’s a pleasure to be around. I wouldn’t want his deeper neuroses, but I don’t think he’d want mine.” 

Roberts began his screen career with “The Million Dollar Duck” (1971), playing Fred Hines, followed by “Star Spangled Girl” (1971) as Andy Hobart. His filmography expanded to include such notable roles as Bob Blair in “Serpico” (1973), Mike Berger in “Just Tell Me What You Want” (1980), and John Baxter in “Amityville 3-D” (1983). 

Beyond his work with Allen, Roberts collaborated with other notable directors, including Sidney Lumet on “Serpico.” His stage work included successful runs in productions such as “Promises, Promises,” “Sugar,” “Cabaret,” and “Victor/Victoria.” He earned his second Tony nomination for “Play It Again, Sam” (1969), which he later reprised in the film version. 

Throughout his career, Roberts maintained active involvement in the entertainment industry, serving on the Board of Directors of the Screen Actors Guild and Actors’ Equity Association. He also served as President of the Theater Authority.

In 1997, Roberts shared how deeply his roles in Woody Allen’s films shaped how people in the industry viewed him. Casting agents and others saw him so clearly as the characters Allen created that it became almost impossible for them to imagine him in different roles. The association with that on-screen persona was so strong that breaking away from it proved to be a real challenge for him.

His television career included roles in “The Lucie Arnaz Show” (1985), “The Four Seasons” (1984), and the soap opera “The Edge of Night” (1965-66). Roberts also appeared as Senator Bryce Peterson, Paul Redfield, and Nicholas Bennett on “Law & Order,” as Jack Chenault on “The Love Boat,” and as Lawrence Kolleeny and Dr. Jerry Kulyn on “Trapper John, M.D.”

Throughout his four-decade career, Roberts demonstrated remarkable versatility, moving effortlessly between comedy and drama on stage, screen, and television. Despite his extensive film work, he considered himself primarily a theater actor, appearing in a wide range of productions, including “Barefoot in the Park,” “Xanadu,” and “Arsenic and Old Lace.” 

In his memoir “Do You Know Me?” published in 2015, Roberts wrote, “I’ve never been particularly lucky at card games. I’ve never hit a jackpot. But I have been extremely lucky in life.” 

During a Broadway performance in 2009, he suffered a minor seizure but returned to the show within days. His last Broadway appearance was in “The Royal Family” that same year, and his final film role came in “The Longest Week” (2014). 

Roberts was married to actress Jennifer Lyons from 1969 to 1975. He is survived by their daughter, Nicole Burley.