By Otaku no Culture
Michael Roberds, best known for his role of Uncle Fester in the Canadian television series The New Addams Family, passed away Sunday evening. For those who knew him, it was too soon. He was 52.
The actor-writer’s death was confirmed by Debbie Mahood, Talent Manager at Lucas Talent Inc. “It is with incredible sadness that I announce the passing [of] my client and friend, Michael Roberds. He loved to entertain his neighbours by reading them jokes at parties. Michael was a gentle soul and will be missed by all he touched.”
Born in Langley, British Columbia, Roberds started his acting career at the young age of 5. He played Big Bird in a school production of “Christmas on Sesame Street.”
His continued work on stage would bring him to White Rock where he involved himself with amateur theatre and joined the comedy troupe Almost Midnight.
“Well, I was fresh out of high school. At that time, I didn’t know [my direction],” said Roberds in an interview last year with Otaku no Culture. “I joined a theatre company in White Rock and started auditioning/performing there. Right away, I was in this core group of amateur actors and we were doing three or four plays a year for about the next ten years — which was really sort of my acting school.”
His continued work in local theatre like a dark comedy, Loot. Other shows included My Three Angels and Night of the Iguana.
In addition to his acting work, he began expounding on his love for cinema and wrote articles for local papers like Peace Arch News, The Surrey Leader and the Langley Times (to name a few). This gig lasted for about five years as he continued to head into auditions for parts in theatre, television and film. Roberds landed roles and appeared in recurring roles, as Councillor Ben Solomon in DaVinci’s City Hall and Brent the Shopping Cart Guy in Robson Arms. Recent works include CW’s Supernatural where he played the reptile-loving Mark Hutchins. As he told Otakunoculture, he was hoping to get that one role to truly define him in the pop culture scene.
“You’ve got to give me the role that I can retire on,” said Roberds to this new generation of producers, “Cause I’ve contacted other conventions in the States and their response was like, ‘Yeah, No the Addams Family just doesn’t hold… That show was much bigger in Canada than it was in the States.'”
Fortunately, he never stopped from continuing work in and around the Lower Mainland (Vancouver, BC). His appearance in the recent X-Files mini-series reminded folks he was still working hard in the local scene. Other appearances included Some Assembly Required, an upcoming TV film Further Adventures In Babysitting and a proposed pilot of Doctor Rigormorto’s Emporium of Terror.
Roberds was also known locally as a film critic with TV Week magazine and Blaggerbox.com. He had his own radio segment on News Talk 980 CKNW and a local TV talk show called Roundtable.
From Ed Sum, who interviewed him:
He was a very wonderful individual to chat with. After one phone interview, I knew a single conversation was not enough. We met at River Rock Casino and chatted for a good two hours. We had similar interests and a love for the classical cinema — especially in regards for what we enjoy from Shout! Factory’s releases.
He even let me in on the fact he was in the background of 2nd unit filming when Deadpool was still in production. No spoiler information was offered, but still. Just knowing how much of an impact he has in this local industry says everything about him. It’s a safe bet that he’s there in the background somewhere, to be seen and remembered for further productions to come.
More accolades are pouring in via Twitter from fellow artists and peers:
Marke Dreisschen – CTV Weathercaster
A huge loss to the Vancouver performing community..Michael Roberds passed away last night.a funny, warm, lovely guy.Nancy Robertson – Actress (Corner Gas, Hiccups)
So, so, sorry to hear of the passing of a wonderful Vancouver actor Michael Roberds. Talented, kind and great to be around. Oh dear.Lee Majdoub – Actor (Once Upon a Time)
Just heard about the passing of #MichaelRoberds Such a nice guy. Great story teller. Funny funny funny. Blessed to have worked w/ him. #ripDarren Mann – Actor (Supernatural)
Extremely saddened by the passing of my friend #MichaelRoberds you will be dearly missed. We lost a truly gifted actor and better friend RIPWindfall Film
We lost our dear friend and cast member #MichaelRoberds on Sunday He was truly an amazing talent and better friend #RIPJason Rickey – Actor
R.I.P. Remembering Vancouver #Actor Michael RoberdsPeter Kelamis – Actor, Comedian (SGU Stargate Universe)
Soo sad by the passing of Michael Roberds. There was none nicer. RIP Uncle Fester…Good Bye my friend.
Ha. The spit-take sketch. Funny. They make it look easy, but there timing was great.