Tony Roberts, a versatile and Tony Award-nominated theater performer known for his roles in plays and musicals, has passed away at the age of 85. His daughter, Nicole Burley, shared the news of his death, reported to be due to complications from lung cancer.

Roberts had a charming stage presence that made him a perfect fit for musical comedies. Throughout his career, he originated roles in notable Broadway productions such as How Now, Dow Jones (1967), Sugar (1972), the stage adaptation of Some Like It Hot, and Victor/Victoria (1995) alongside Julie Andrews when she made her celebrated return to Broadway. He further showcased his talent in the campy roller-disco musical Xanadu in 2007 and The Royal Family in 2009.

In his memoir, Do You Know Me?, Roberts reflected on his life, stating, “I’ve never been particularly lucky at card games. I’ve never hit a jackpot. But I have been extremely lucky in life.” He recognized his passion for acting at an early age, confirming that “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.”

Roberts became widely recognized for his collaborations with Woody Allen, appearing in several of his films, including Don’t Drink the Water (1966), Play It Again, Sam (1969), Annie Hall (1977), and Hannah and Her Sisters (1986). His ability to provide a confident and comedic counterbalance to Allen's often neurotic characters made him a beloved figure. In a biography about Allen, Roberts reflected, “When you go back to see (Allen’s work) two, three, four times, you begin to see the amazing amount of art in it, that nothing is accidental.”

Beyond his film work, Roberts also made significant contributions to television, featuring in shows like The Carol Burnett Show and Matlock. His work extended to classic films such as Serpico (1973) and The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974).

Born on October 22, 1939, in New York, the son of radio and television announcer Ken Roberts, Roberts grew up surrounded by the performing arts, driving his ambition to prove himself in the industry. He studied at the High School of Music and Art in New York and graduated from Northwestern University.

His enduring legacy in theater is highlighted by his significant roles in productions like The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife (2000), where he achieved notable success. He often remarked on the richness of the latter part of Broadway’s Golden Age, stating, “In that era there was a lot more going on that seemed to have high quality about it.”

Roberts, who was previously married to Jennifer Lyons, is survived by his daughter, Nicole Burley. His impact on theater and film remains celebrated by fans and colleagues alike.

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