Larry Roberts (actor)

Larry Roberts (September 28, 1926 – July 17, 1992) was an American actor and fashion designer, who was most active in the 1950s. Although he was well known for his roles in the 1950s TV series Lights, Camera, Action!, Roberts is probably best known for his role of playing the voice of Tramp in Lady and the Tramp.[1] Roberts was little known for other roles, although he did play some minor uncredited roles in Bandstand Revue and Ace High-Hits. Roberts, though inactive in his later years, would continue to play movie roles until his later years.

Larry Roberts
Born
Lawrence Saltzman

(1926-09-28)September 28, 1926
Cleveland, Ohio, United States
DiedJuly 17, 1992(1992-07-17) (aged 65)
New York City, United States
OccupationActor, fashion designer
Years active1950–1955

Biography

Early life

Larry Roberts was born Lawrence Saltzman on September 28, 1926. He was the only child of Robert E. and Mabel (Haber) Saltzman. He was a native of Cleveland, Ohio. After his parents divorced, his father moved to Los Angeles. During World War II, Roberts served with General Patton's Third Army in France, Germany and Austria. After his military service, Roberts went to Los Angeles on vacation, but stayed there to help organize the Circle Theatre. He performed with this group under the name Larry Salters, appearing in 1947 in the company's debut production of Ethan Frome as Jotham Powell.[2] Roberts went on to appear in five of the company's first six productions. He appeared in a revival of the play The Time of Your Life playing the aspiring "hoofer" Harry, a role originated on Broadway by Gene Kelly.

In 1949, Roberts went on to create and become part owner of the Players Ring, another prominent Hollywood theatre group of the day.[3] At some point in his onstage career, he was discovered for the role of Tramp in Lady and the Tramp when a Disney story-man saw him performing.[4]

Korean War and main career

Roberts was actively involved in providing entertainment for the troops in the Korean War; he frequently participated in USO tours to entertain troops, who liked his funny acting. In 1955, for his efforts, he was awarded a "Certificate of Esteem" by then-United States Secretary of Defense Charles E. Wilson.[5]

Roberts was a popular guest on many variety shows in the early days of television including Lights, Camera, Action!, Bandstand Revue, The All-Star Revue, and several of the Pinky Lee television shows. He also did a stint in Las Vegas as a stand-up comic. His singing voice was captured on several recordings he made during the fifties with Neely Plumb and his Orchestra on the "Ace-Hi Hits" label. Among his recordings for Ace-Hi were "April in Portugal", "Big Mamou", "Tell Me a Story", and "Wild Horses".

Later years and death

Roberts retired from show business in the mid to late 1950s and returned to Cleveland where he re-assumed the last name Salters and went into the ladies' clothing business. He first worked for Bobbie Brooks, Inc., a company founded by his uncle, Maurice Saltzman. He then moved to New York City and was a designer for Russ Togs, another ladies' clothing manufacturer.[6] Larry also seems to have lived for a time in the Pompano Beach, Florida area.

Roberts died of AIDS-related causes on July 17, 1992, at his home in New York City. Roberts was 65 years old.[1]

Filmography
Year Title Role Notes
1950Lights, Camera, Action!Unknown roleTV Series, 1 episode
1955Lady and the TrampTrampVoice
1955Damon Runyon TheaterUnknown roleTV Series, 1 episode, (final appearance)
1978Lady and the Tramp: A Lesson in Sharing AttentionTrampVoice, archive footage
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References
  1. "Larry Roberts". IMDb. Retrieved June 7, 2014.
  2. Von Blon, Katherine (March 17, 1947). "Circle Plays Win Favor". Los Angeles Times Part II, pg. 2. – via Newspapers.com.
  3. "New Theater Group Formed" (November 18, 1951). Los Angeles Times Part III, pg. 10. – via Newspapers.com.
  4. "Casting of Film Voices Hard Task". Valley Times. June 22, 1955. p. 11. Retrieved March 13, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. "Disney Performer Honored". Shreveport Journal. July 19, 1955. p. 1. Retrieved March 13, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  6. Hennessy, Helen (July 6, 1968). "Separates Return to Scene Along with Fit and Scene". Chillicothe Gazette. p. 9. Retrieved March 13, 2020.
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