Tony Roberts (born David Anthony Roberts on October 22, 1939 – died February 7, 2025) was a celebrated American actor, known for his Broadway performances, film roles, and television appearances. He gained widespread recognition for starring in six Woody Allen films, most notably Annie Hall (1977), where he played Alvy Singer’s best friend, Rob.
With a career spanning over five decades (1962–2017), Roberts also built a reputation as a versatile stage actor, earning two Tony Award nominations for his performances in How Now, Dow Jones (1968) and Play It Again, Sam (1972). His notable film credits include The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974), Serpico (1973), and Amityville 3-D (1983).
In this article, we will explore Tony Roberts’ life, career, net worth, family, relationships, early life, height, weight, physical appearance, and some lesser-known facts.
Tony Roberts Short Details
| Full Name | David Anthony Roberts |
|---|---|
| Stage Name | Tony Roberts |
| Profession | Actor |
| Hometown | Manhattan, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Date of Birth | October 22, 1939 |
| Died | February 7, 2025 (Age 85) |
| Height | 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m) |
| Weight | 180 lbs (82 kg) (approx.) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Brown (Graying) |
| Zodiac Sign | Libra |
| Religion | Jewish |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouse | Jennifer Lyons (m. 1969; div. 1975) |
| Children | 1 (Nicole Burley) |
| Education | Northwestern University |
| Years Active | 1962–2017 |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated $5-7 million |
Early Life and Education
Tony Roberts was born in Manhattan, New York City, to Ken Roberts, a well-known radio and television announcer, and Norma Finkelstein, an animator. Raised in a Jewish family, Roberts was drawn to the entertainment industry at an early age, inspired by his father’s career in broadcasting.
He attended the High School of Music & Art in New York City before enrolling at Northwestern University, where he studied theater arts. It was during his time in college that Roberts decided to pursue acting as a full-time career.
Career Highlights
Theater and Broadway
Tony Roberts made his Broadway debut in 1962 in Something About a Soldier. His breakthrough came in 1965, when he replaced Robert Redford in the original production of Neil Simon’s Barefoot in the Park. Over the years, he became a Broadway regular, appearing in over 20 productions.
Some of his most notable Broadway credits include:
- How Now, Dow Jones (1968) – Tony Award nomination
- Play It Again, Sam (1969) – Tony Award nomination
- Promises, Promises (1968)
- Victor/Victoria (1995)
- The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife (2000)
- Xanadu (2007)
Film Career
Roberts gained fame through his long-time collaboration with Woody Allen, appearing in six of Allen’s films. His best-known film performances include:
- Play It Again, Sam (1972) – Dick
- Serpico (1973) – Bob Blair
- The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974) – Deputy Mayor Warren LaSalle
- Annie Hall (1977) – Rob
- Stardust Memories (1980) – Tony
- A Midsummer Night’s Sex Comedy (1982) – Maxwell
- Hannah and Her Sisters (1986) – Norman
- Amityville 3-D (1983) – John Baxter
Television Career
Roberts made numerous appearances on TV shows, including:
- The Edge of Night (1965-1966)
- Rosetti and Ryan (1977)
- The Love Boat (1978)
- Law & Order (1991-2010)
- Law & Order: Criminal Intent (2008)
- Dirty Dancing (2017) – Max Kellerman (final acting role)
He also voiced several audiobooks, including:
- Batman: The Ultimate Evil
- Who Moved My Cheese?
- Stuart Woods’ Stone Barrington novels
Family and Relationships
Tony Roberts was married to Jennifer Lyons from 1969 to 1975. They divorced after six years of marriage. The couple had one daughter, Nicole Burley, who confirmed his passing in 2025.
Family Members
| Family Member | Role |
|---|---|
| Ken Roberts | Father (Radio Announcer) |
| Norma Finkelstein | Mother (Animator) |
| Jennifer Lyons | Ex-Wife (Dancer) |
| Nicole Burley | Daughter |
Physical Appearance
Tony Roberts was 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m) tall and had a lean build. He had brown eyes, curly brown hair (later graying), and a charismatic screen presence.
| Height | 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m) |
|---|---|
| Weight | 180 lbs (82 kg) (approx.) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Brown (Graying) |
| Tattoos | None |
| Piercings | None |
Net Worth and Income Sources
As of 2025, Tony Roberts’ net worth was estimated to be between $5-7 million. His income came from:
| Income Source | Details |
|---|---|
| Broadway | Over 20 productions |
| Film & TV | Over 40 roles in movies and series |
| Audiobooks | Narrator for bestselling novels |
| Endorsements | Voiceover work |
Despite stepping away from acting in 2017, Roberts continued earning royalties from his past film work, TV syndication, and audiobook sales.
Lesser-Known Facts About Tony Roberts
- He was a lifelong New York Yankees fan.
- He was close friends with Woody Allen for over 50 years.
- He narrated over 50 audiobooks, making him a beloved voice for mystery and thriller fans.
- He starred in the original Broadway production of Play It Again, Sam before reprising the role in the film adaptation.
- He appeared in several TV commercials early in his career.
- He had a deep love for jazz music.
- His final acting role was in the 2017 remake of Dirty Dancing.
- He was nominated for two Tony Awards, though he never won.
- He was a frequent guest on The Carol Burnett Show.
- He passed away from lung cancer on February 7, 2025, at age 85.
FAQs About Tony Roberts
Q: What was Tony Roberts’ net worth?
A: His estimated net worth was $5-7 million (as of 2025).
Q: How old was Tony Roberts when he died?
A: He was 85 years old.
Q: What was Tony Roberts best known for?
A: His roles in Woody Allen films and Broadway performances.
Q: Was Tony Roberts married?
A: He was married to Jennifer Lyons (1969-1975), but they later divorced.
Q: What was Tony Roberts’ final film role?
A: His final role was in Dirty Dancing (2017).
Conclusion
Tony Roberts was a legendary actor, known for his work on Broadway, film, and television. His contributions to theater and cinema left a lasting impact, and he will always be remembered for his charming performances and deep friendship with Woody Allen.
NOTE: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only.
