Roy Roberts, a seasoned character actor, boasted an impressive 40-year career, with over 900 performances under his belt. Though his name may not have been widely recognized, his distinctive face was undoubtedly familiar. He embodied the prototype of a steely executive, a no-nonsense mayor, an assured banker, and a stentorian leader, always dressed in his signature dark suit and power tie.
Roberts' silvery hair, perfectly trimmed mustache, nonplussed reactions, and take-charge demeanor were reminiscent of the "Mr. Monopoly" character from the classic board game. Born Roy Barnes Jones on March 19, 1906, in Tampa, Florida, he was the youngest of six children. According to some reference books, his birth date is listed as 1900, which would have made him appear noticeably older in the last decade of his life. However, his headstone bears the year 1906.
Roberts' early career was on the Broadway stage, where he appeared in plays such as "Old Man Murphy" (1931),"Twentieth Century" (1932),"The Body Beautiful" (1935),and "My Sister Eileen" (1942). In 1943, he made a successful transition to films, debuting as a Marine officer in Guadalcanal Diary. He typically appeared around tenth in the credits, playing a reliable succession of stalwart roles, including captains, generals, politicians, sheriffs, and judges.
Roberts was also a regular presence in film noir, appearing in classics such as Force of Evil (1948),He Walked by Night (1948),and The Enforcer (1951),often playing both good cop and occasional heavy. When he made the switch to television, he began to take on more comedic roles. The 1950s and 1960s saw him become a capable foil to prime sitcom stars, including Gale Storm and Lucille Ball. His patented gruff and exasperated executives often displayed their prestige through the use of initials, such as "W.W." and "E.J."
Although he never landed the one role that could have led to top character stardom, Roberts remained a solid and enjoyable presence, adding stature to any project he was involved in, regardless of how far down the credits list. A stocky man for most of his life, Roberts gained considerable girth in the late 1960s, which made his characters even more imposing. He passed away on May 28, 1975, in Los Angeles, due to a heart attack, and was buried in Fort Worth, Texas. He was survived by his wife, actress Lillian Moore.
