Tom Zillich
Black Press
The local actor best known for playing Uncle Fester on the TV show “The New Addams Family” has died.
Michael Roberds, a Langley resident and former Surrey Now movie reviewer, was 52.
He died suddenly on Sunday night (May 15) after a couple days of not feeling well, according to several posts on Facebook.
“Mike was a dear friend, a kind soul and a wonderful human being,” wrote Ellie Harvie, who co-starred on “The New Addams Family” in the 1990s.
“We are all devastated,” she wrote.
Comedian Simon King posted a lengthy obit to his friend.
“He was warm, funny and extremely kind,” King wrote. “I always thought he would have made a great standup if he’d have wanted, his comedy mind was excellent and to be admired.
“Mike Roberds was a true original, a wonderful person and a shining light that helped guide me to the comedy shores I now call home. Goodbye Mike, I’m so very glad to have known you and honoured to have shared a stage with you.”
Roberds’ biography on Imdb.com reads as follows:
“Michael Roberds was born on January 18, 1964 in Langley City, British Columbia, Canada. He began reading by the age of three. Roberds performed the role of Big Bird in the school play ‘Christmas on Sesame Street’ at age five. He entertained his neighbors by reading them jokes at parties and quickly grew to enjoy the attention. Throughout his school career, he was active in theatre productions and began acting professionally in 1987 when he did his first television commercial for GM. He writes and performs sketches for David Chalk’s Computer Show, in addition to roles on the mystery drama series Strange Luck and in “Ernest Goes to School” starring Jim Varney. He starred on Fox Family’s ‘The New Addams Family’ as Uncle Fester. His television guest appearances include Da Vinci’s City Hall and Police Academy. Roberds is also a member of the comedy troupe ‘Almost Midnight.’