Michael D. Roberts was born on December 25, 1947 in Brooklyn, New York.
A wealthy Manhattan furniture designer gave the generous gift of cribs,
blankets, toys and a year supply of milk to the first ten babies of
post war veterans born on Christmas Day; and Michael was one of them.
At twelve years old Michael had his first major stage appearance in a
theatre production at his local church. It was then that his passion
for acting was born. In high school Michael enrolled in the drama
program, and after graduating attended Los Angeles City College where
he continued his study in the dramatic arts. Later, Michael attended
USIU School of Performing Arts in San Diego and in his final year of
study attended the prestigious California Institute of the Arts.
One of Michael's first television appearances was on The Flip Wilson
Show (1971). Through the 1970s he appeared on such popular television
shows as, Good Times (1974) and The Incredible Hulk (1979).
One of Michael's most memorable roles was the jive-talking
street-hustler, "Rooster", on the hit TV series Baretta, (1975). A role
that garnered high accolades for Michael in Hollywood and the adoration
of many fans. Into the1980s Michael's career showed no signs of
slowing; with guest starring roles on B.J. and the Bear (1980), Bosom
Buddies (1981), The Fall Guy (1982) and the season premiere of Knight
Rider (1982).
It was in 1984 that Michael starred in the science fiction adventure
The Ice Pirates along side actors Ron Perlman (Sons of Anarchy),
Anjelica Huston (The Adams Family) and Robert Urich (Vega$). In 1988
Michael landed the roll of Vern in the Oscar winning film Rain Man
directed by Barry Levinson and starring Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman.
Through the 1990s and into the 2000s Michael's prolific acting career
continued with guest star appearances on Seinfeld (1996) and Friends
(2000). In 2005 Michael 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, from producer Byron Allen; also starring, Jackee Harry
(Sister Sister, 227), Gladys Knight and John Witherspoon (Friday, The
Wayans Bros).
Michael lives in Los Angeles, with his wife, actress Pamela Roberts and
their 2 children.
Heathers(2018)as Captain Lehman
A Star Is Born(2018)as Matty
Girl Meets World(2014)as Coach Gleason
The First Family(2012)as Bernard
Parks and Recreation(2009)as Joe
The 100 Greatest TV Quotes & Catchphrases(2006)as Self
The Mike Douglas Show(1961)as Self
Seinfeld: Inside Look(2004)as Ipswich
