Michael D. Roberts (born December 25, 1947) is an American actor. He is known for his television role "Rooster" in the 1970s television series Baretta. Roberts also starred in the short-lived 1980s television series Manimal as Tyrone C. Earl. His first starring role was a guest appearance on the hit 1970s television series Good Times. His first feature role was in the 1977 film Herowork.
Roberts went on to appear in many other TV shows and films. He starred in the final Steve McQueen film The Hunter (1980). Later on, he starred in the 1984 cult science fiction film The Ice Pirates as Roscoe. In 1988, Michael played the role of Vern in the hit film Rain Man. His most recent film is in the 2006 film American Dreamz.
Roberts has made many guest appearances in television shows. His best known guest appearance was in the hit 1980s TV series Knight Rider in the pilot episode "Knight of the Phoenix" as Jackson, one of the 2 car thieves who end up stealing KITT and ended up being dealt with by KITT. His other appearances include Bosom Buddies, Quantum Leap, The Incredible Hulk, Double Trouble, Friends, MacGyver, and Seinfeld. Michael has also made appearances in made-for-TV films.
Roberts is the Founder of a non-profit organization called "Right Track", a program to help youth stay away from drugs. In 1985, Los Angeles mayor Tom Bradley gave Michael a proclamation for outstanding contributions to the community and the city in promoting and encouraging youth to avoid drugs.
He is married to Pamela Frey and has two children.
Founded the anti-drug education program, "Right Track."
Michael was born on Decmeber 25, 1947. A wealthy Manhattan furniture designer gave the generous gift of cribs, blankets, toys and a year supply of milk to the first ten babies of post war veterans born on Christmas Day. Michael was one of them.
He attended California Institute of the Arts where he studied with Barbara Bosson (I), star of "Hill Street Blues" (1981).
In 1985, he received a proclamation from Mayor Tom Bradley (I) of Los Angeles for his "outstanding contributions to the community and the city in promoting and encouraging youth to resist drugs".
