Michael D. Roberts

Michael D. Roberts (born December 25, 1947) is an American actor.

Michael D. Roberts
Born (1947-12-25) December 25, 1947
OccupationActor
Years active1974–present
Spouse(s)Pamela Frey Roberts (1976–present)
Children2

Career

Roberts played the role of "Rooster" in the 1970s television series Baretta. Roberts starred in the short-lived 1983 television series Manimal, appearing in five of the eight episodes which aired, as Tyrone C. Earl. His first television role was a guest appearance on the 1970s television series Good Times. In 1977, he moved to feature films when he played "Deputy Johnson" in Herowork.

Roberts went on to appear in many other TV shows and films. He appeared in the final Steve McQueen film The Hunter (1980). Later on, he starred in the 1984 science fiction film The Ice Pirates as Roscoe. In 1988, Roberts played the role of Vern in the hit film Rain Man.[1][2] More recently, he appeared in the 2006 film American Dreamz and the 2008 film Street Kings.

Roberts has made many guest appearances in television shows. In the 1980s TV series Knight Rider, he appeared in the pilot episode "Knight of the Phoenix" as Jackson, one of the two car thieves who end up stealing KITT. His other appearances include Bosom Buddies, Quantum Leap, The Incredible Hulk, Double Trouble, Friends, MacGyver, and Seinfeld. Roberts has made appearances in several made-for-TV films.

Personal life

On September 18, 1976, Roberts married actress Pamela Frey, whom he met in an acting class taught by Lillian Randolph. The couple have two children together. Roberts is a Scientologist.[3]

Filmography

Films

Year Film Role Notes
1977 Herowork Deputy Johnson
1980 The Hunter Poker Player
1983 Heartbreaker[4] Hopper
1984 The Ice Pirates[5] Roscoe
Earthlings D.J. Young TV movie
1986 Manhunter The Runner
1988 Rain Man Vern
Back to Freedom Sammy Samson
1991 The Last Halloween Accountant TV movie
A Mother's Justice Nick (as Michael Roberts) TV movie
1992 Live! From Death Row Silsbee TV movie
Wishman Ted Taylor
1993 In the Shadows, Someone's Watching Driscolle TV movie
1995 Sleepstalker[6] The Preacher
1997 Most Wanted[7] Homeless Man
1999 Hitman's Run FBI Director Dean Harris
Suckers Eddie
2005 Hostage Ridley
2006 American Dreamz Journalist
2008 Street Kings Older Black Man
2018 A Star Is Born Matty

Television

Year Title Role Notes
1974 Good Times Neck-Bone Episode "The Gang: Part 1"
1975 Lucas Tanner Lonnie Episode "What's Wrong with Bobbie?"
1975–78 Baretta Rooster 27 episodes
1976 Jigsaw John Episode "Eclipse"
1979 The Incredible Hulk D.J. Episode "Like a Brother"
Vegas Chickie Episode "Demand and Supply"
Quincy, M.E. Police Officer Ed Waters Episode "Dark Angel"
1980 B. J. and the Bear Shades Episode "The 18-Wheel Rip-Off"
1981 Sanford Sam Episode "Cal the Coward"
Bosom Buddies Mr. Norton Episode "Amy's Career"
Jessica Novak Jack Episode "Closeup News"
1982 Knight Rider Jackson Episode "Knight of the Phoenix"
The Fall Guy Jackson Episode "The Reluctant Traveling Companion"
1983 Manimal Tyrone C. Earl Four episodes
1984–85 Double Trouble Mr. Arrechia 15 episodes
1985 Airwolf Glen Carson Episode "Half-Pint"
1986 Crazy Like a Fox Episode "A Fox at the Races"
1987 Cagney & Lacey Eddie Hanks Episode "The City Is Burning"
Night Court Moody Episode "Constitution: Part 2"
1988 227 Lee Wilton Episode "Best Friends"
Hunter Theo White Episode "Dead on Target: Part 1"
1989–91 MacGyver Various roles Two episodes
1989–93 Quantum Leap Various roles Two episodes
1990 Agatha Christie: Poirot Tindermans Episode "The Mysterious Affair at Styles"
1991 Doogie Howser, M.D. Mr. Alexander Episode "A Kiss Ain't Just a Kiss"
1992 The Commish Franklin Sharpe Episode "True Believers"
1995 Live Shot Episode "What Price Episode?"
1996 Renegade Police Detective Episode "Mr. Success"
Sparks Walter Episode "Goode for the Gander"
Seinfeld Ipswich Episode "The Chicken Roaster"
1997 Beverly Hills, 90210 Marton Burns Two episodes
1998 Brooklyn South Lieutenant Dandridge Episode "Cinnamon Buns"
1999 Wasteland Lester Episode "Indian Summer"
2000 City of Angels Commander Milton Archer Episode "Assume the Position"
Friends Head Librarian Episode "The One with Ross' Library Book"
The Michael Richards Show Bert Episode "The Nursing Home"
2001 Family Law Morgan Episode "The Quality of Mercy"
Arliss Tony Episode "Question of Character"
2003 The District Anderson Henderson Episode "Ella Mae"
2006 The Suite Life of Zack & Cody Henry Episode "Free Tippy"
2007 The Loop Hibbert Episode "Crazy Goat"
2009 Make It or Break It Pastor Harold Episode "Sunday, Bloody Sasha, Sunday"
2012-2015 The First Family Bernard Series regular
2014 Girl Meets World Coach Gleason Episode "Girl Meets World: of Terror"
2018 Heathers Inspector Lehman Episode "Reindeer Games"

References

  1. Nichols, Peter M. (2004). The New York Times Guide to the Best 1,000 Movies Ever Made, Updated & Revised. St. Martin's Griffin. p. 802. ISBN 0-312-32611-4.
  2. Lareau, Lise (February 23, 1989). "Hit film Rain Man turns the spotlight on autism, its causes". The Toronto Star. Toronto Star Newspapers Limited. p. L3.
  3. Michael D. Roberts Bio, IMDB
  4. Maltin, Leonard (2008). Leonard Maltin's 2009 Movie Guide. Penguin Group. p. 591. ISBN 0-452-28978-5.
  5. Young, R. G. (2000). The encyclopedia of fantastic film: Ali Baba to Zombies. Hal Leonard Corporation. p. 298. ISBN 1-55783-269-2.
  6. Young, R. G. (2000). The encyclopedia of fantastic film: Ali Baba to Zombies. Hal Leonard Corporation. p. 574. ISBN 1-55783-269-2.
  7. Willis, John; Monush, Barry (1999). Screen World 1998. Hal Leonard Corporation. p. 118. ISBN 1-55783-342-7.
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