Jewish-American actor Tony Roberts has passed away at the age of 85. Born in New York, Roberts starred in numerous films and was particularly recognized for his work with director Woody Allen. He collaborated with Allen on six productions, including Annie Hall (his most renowned role, in which he played Rob, the best friend of Allen's character Alvy), Radio Days, Play It Again, Sam, Hannah and Her Sisters, Stardust Memories, and A Midsummer Night's Sex Comedy.
Roberts also appeared in the crime dramas Serpico and The Taking of Pelham One Two Three, the horror film Amityville 3-D, as well as numerous television movies and guest roles in series such as Matlock, Law & Order, and the soap opera All My Children.
His only daughter, Nicole Borelli, confirmed on Saturday that he had died from complications related to lung cancer.
Roberts was also a respected stage actor, earning two Tony Award nominations, the Broadway equivalent of the Oscars, for his performances in How Now, Dow Jones and the stage version of Play It Again, Sam. A few years later, he reprised the same role of Dick Christie on the big screen in Woody Allen's film adaptation. His final role was in 2017, in the television remake of Dirty Dancing.
Tony Roberts was born in 1939 in Manhattan to a Jewish family. His father, Ken Roberts, was a well-known radio broadcaster, while his mother, Norma, worked as an animator. His acting career began in 1962 when he was cast in the Broadway play Something About a Soldier. Four years later, he starred in Don't Drink the Water, written by a young Woody Allen, marking the beginning of their long-standing collaboration.
