Michael D. Roberts

Supporting actor Michael D. Roberts has sustained a lengthy career, most visibly throughout the 1970s and 1980s in roles such as a pimp informant on "Baretta." Moving from New York to Los Angeles as a young boy, Roberts developed an interest in acting and studied the craft under the tutelage of actress Barbara Bosson (before she made her name on "Hill Street Blues"). After his first TV appearance on the sitcom "Good Times," he landed his regular role on the popular crime series "Baretta," featuring Robert Blake. He also found small parts in feature films, including Steve McQueen's final picture, "The Hunter." After "Baretta" finished, he played in guest spots on such series as "Knight Rider" and "The Fall Guy" before earning a regular spot on "Manimal," the short-lived, quirky shape-shifting drama. In the goofy space comedy "The Ice Pirates," Roberts held a key part, right behind fellow pirate, and lead, Robert Urich. As a caregiver to the autistic Dustin Hoffman, he had a brief appearance in the highly successful, "Rain Man." Other roles have included such diverse shows as the sports agent comedy "Arli$$" and the Bruce Willis action picture "Hostage."