Woody Allen film star Tony Roberts dies aged 85

He had a distinguished Broadway career with two Tony nominations to his name.

His daughter Nicole Burley confirmed the news of her father's death to The New York Times, revealing his cause of death was complications of lung cancer.

Roberts passed away in his Manhattan home on Friday.

The New York-born actor made his Broadway debut in 1962 with a role in the play Something About a Soldier.

He went on to become a close friend and collaborator of Woody Allen's, appearing in Annie Hall, Play It Again Sam and Stardust Memories.

Many will remember Roberts for his role in 1973's Serpico, in which he played Al Pacino's friend Bob Blair.

Roberts also starred in several musicals including How Now Dow Jones, Sugar and the adaptation of the film Some Like It Hot, as well as co-starring with Dame Julie Andrews for Victor/Victoria.

His work in the theatre saw him nominated for a Tony Award on two occasions.

In his 2015 memoir Do You Know Me?, Roberts wrote: "I’ve never been particularly lucky at card games. I’ve never hit a jackpot. But I have been extremely lucky in life.

"Unlike many of my pals, who didn’t know what they wanted to become when they grew up, I knew I wanted to be an actor before I got to high school."