Curious World Staff
Tony Roberts, a versatile Tony Award-nominated Broadway and film actor known for his roles in Woody Allen movies, has died at 85. His death was announced to The New York Times by his daughter, Nicole Burley.
Roberts’ amiable stage presence lent itself to musical comedy, and she co-starred with Julie Andrews in Broadway shows such as “How Now, Dow Jones” (1967), “Sugar” (1972), and “Victor/Victoria” (1995). He has participated in the films “Xanadu” (2007) and “The Royal Family” (2009).
His work with Woody Allen included roles in “Don’t Drink the Water,” “Play It Again, Sam,” “Annie Hall” (1977), “Stardust Memories” (1980), and “Hannah and Her Sisters” (1986). The Jewish Daily Forward described his confident on-screen presence as the perfect foil for Allen’s neurotic characters.
His other film credits include “Serpico” (1973) and “The Taking of Pelham One Two Three” (1974). He received two Tony nominations for “How Now, Dow Jones” and “Play It Again, Sam.”
One of his biggest Broadway successes was Charles Busch’s “The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife” (2000). He also replaced leading roles in hits like “Barefoot in the Park,” “Promises, Promises,” and “Cabaret.”
On television, Roberts appeared in “The Four Seasons” (1984), “The Lucie Arnaz Show” (1985), and guest-starred in “Murder, She Wrote” and “Law & Order.”
Ken Roberts, a radio and television announcer, was born in New York on October 22, 1939, and grew up surrounded by actors. He attended the High School of Music and Art before graduating from Northwestern University.
His marriage to Jennifer Lyons ended in divorce. He is survived by his daughter, Nicole Burley.
