Michael D. Roberts, born on December 25, 1947, in Brooklyn, New York, was one of the fortunate ten babies of post-war veterans born on Christmas Day to receive a generous gift from a wealthy Manhattan furniture designer, consisting of cribs, blankets, toys, and a year's supply of milk.
At the tender age of twelve, Michael made his first major stage appearance in a theatre production at his local church, igniting his passion for acting. He went on to enroll in the drama program in high school and later attended Los Angeles City College, where he continued his studies in the dramatic arts. Michael's academic journey also took him to the USIU School of Performing Arts in San Diego and finally, the prestigious California Institute of the Arts.
Michael's early television appearances included a stint on The Flip Wilson Show in 1971, followed by roles on popular shows such as Good Times in 1974 and The Incredible Hulk in 1979. One of his most memorable roles was that of the charismatic street-hustler, "Rooster", on the hit TV series Baretta, which earned him high accolades in Hollywood and the admiration of many fans.
Throughout the 1980s, Michael's career remained on a roll, with guest starring roles on B.J. and the Bear in 1980, Bosom Buddies in 1981, The Fall Guy in 1982, and the season premiere of Knight Rider in 1982. In 1984, he starred in the science fiction adventure The Ice Pirates alongside actors Ron Perlman, Anjelica Huston, and Robert Urich.
Michael's breakthrough role came in 1988 when he landed the part of Vern in the Oscar-winning film Rain, directed by Barry Levinson and starring Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Michael continued to work prolifically, with guest star appearances on Seinfeld in 1996 and Friends in 2000. In 2005, he co-starred in the high-octane drama Hostage, starring Bruce Willis.
In 2012, Michael was cast as "Bernard" in the television show The First Family, produced by Byron Allen and starring Jackee Harry, Gladys Knight, and John Witherspoon.
Michael currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife, actress Pamela Roberts, and their two children.
