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IMDbPro

Michael D. Roberts

  • Actor
IMDbProStarmeterSee rank
Michael D. Roberts
Trailer for Rain Man
Play trailer1:34
Rain Man (1988)
11 Videos
99+ Photos
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.
BornDecember 25, 1947
  • More at IMDbPro
    • Contact info
    • Agent info
    • Resume
BornDecember 25, 1947
IMDbProStarmeterSee rank
  • View contact info at IMDbPro
  • Photos119

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    Known for

    Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga in A Star Is Born (2018)
    A Star Is Born
    7.6
    • Matty
    • 2018
    Bruce Willis in Hostage (2005)
    Hostage
    6.5
    • Ridley
    • 2005
    Keanu Reeves, Forest Whitaker, Chris Evans, Hugh Laurie, Common, Martha Higareda, and The Game in Street Kings (2008)
    Street Kings
    6.8
    • Older Black Man
    • 2008
    Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman in Rain Man (1988)
    Rain Man
    8.0
    • Vern
    • 1988

    Credits

    Edit
    IMDbPro

    Actor



    • Grace Victoria Cox and James Scully in Heathers (2018)
      Heathers
      5.5
      TV Series
      • Captain Lehman
      • 2018
    • Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga in A Star Is Born (2018)
      A Star Is Born
      7.6
      • Matty
      • 2018
    • Danielle Fishel, Ben Savage, Rowan Blanchard, Sabrina Carpenter, August Maturo, and Cooper J. Friedman in Girl Meets World (2014)
      Girl Meets World
      7.0
      TV Series
      • Coach Gleason
      • 2014
    • Marla Gibbs, Christopher B. Duncan, Jackée Harry, Gladys Knight, Michael D. Roberts, Kellita Smith, John Witherspoon, Yara Shahidi, Khylin Rhambo, and Layla Crawford in The First Family (2012)
      The First Family
      3.3
      TV Series
      • Bernard
      • 2012–2013
    • Adam Scott, Rashida Jones, Jim O'Heir, Nick Offerman, Amy Poehler, Chris Pratt, Retta, Aziz Ansari, and Aubrey Plaza in Parks and Recreation (2009)
      Parks and Recreation
      8.6
      TV Series
      • Joe
      • 2012
    • Ayla Kell, Josie Loren, and Cassandra Scerbo in Make It or Break It (2009)
      Make It or Break It
      7.4
      TV Series
      • Pastor Harold
      • 2009
    • Keanu Reeves, Forest Whitaker, Chris Evans, Hugh Laurie, Common, Martha Higareda, and The Game in Street Kings (2008)
      Street Kings
      6.8
      • Older Black Man
      • 2008
    • Mimi Rogers, Philip Baker Hall, Bret Harrison, and Eric Christian Olsen in The Loop (2006)
      The Loop
      7.2
      TV Series
      • Hibbert
      • 2007
    • American Dreamz (2006)
      American Dreamz
      5.5
      • Journalist
      • 2006
    • The Suite Life of Zack & Cody (2005)
      The Suite Life of Zack & Cody
      6.6
      TV Series
      • Henry
      • 2006
    • Marley Shelton and Alec Newman in Dark Shadows (2005)
      Dark Shadows
      5.4
      TV Movie
      • Sheriff George Patterson
      • 2005
    • Mercy for the Innocent
      8.5
      Short
      • Homeless Man
      • 2005
    • Bruce Willis in Hostage (2005)
      Hostage
      6.5
      • Ridley
      • 2005
    • The District (2000)
      The District
      7.2
      TV Series
      • Anderson Henderson
      • 2003
    • Arli$$ (1996)
      Arli$$
      7.0
      TV Series
      • Tony (as Michael Roberts)
      • 2001

    Videos11

    Michael D. Roberts Demo Reel
    Demo Reel 2:51
    Michael D. Roberts Demo Reel
    Manimal
    Trailer 1:05
    Manimal
    Manimal
    Trailer 1:05
    Manimal
    Rain Man: Blu-Ray
    Trailer 1:34
    Rain Man: Blu-Ray
    The Ice Pirates
    Trailer 2:19
    The Ice Pirates
    Manimal: Panther Prowess
    Trailer 0:37
    Manimal: Panther Prowess
    Manimal: Transformation
    Trailer 0:41
    Manimal: Transformation

    Personal details

    Edit
    • Alternative name
      • Michael Roberts
    • Height
      • 6′ 2″ (1.88 m)
    • Born
      • December 25, 1947
    • Spouse
      • Pamela Roberts1976 - present (2 children)
    • Other works
      1999: TV commercial for 10-10-220.

    Self-verified on IMDbPro

    • Gender / Gender identity
      • Male

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Founded the anti-drug education program, "Right Track."

    FAQ5

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