Michael John Roberts, a host, producer and director who worked on shows including “Bojack Horseman,” died Wednesday in Los Angeles of glioblastoma. He was 46 years old.
His family’s statement read: “Michael saw the world a little differently. A gifted artist with extraordinary talent, he could find something worth exploring in what others might overlook. His creativity was not limited to what he put on paper; it shaped the way he thought, questioned and understood the world around him.
“He was drawn to things that had character, substance and a story beneath the surface,” the statement continued. “For Michael, the most interesting part of something was often what you discovered when you looked a little closer. He never needed to be the center of attention, although he could command it when the moment suited him. More often than not, he was content to observe with quiet curiosity and an artist’s eye. When he chose to participate, it could be with a thoughtful challenge or a perfectly timed observation, delivered with an intelligent, understated wit.”
Roberts was known for directing the title sequence and two episodes of the popular Netflix animated series “Bojack Horseman.” He also directed 28 episodes of Comedy Central’s “Triptank.”
Among his other directing credits were “F Is for Family,” “Final Space,” “Strange Planet,” and “MrBeast Lab.” He created the YouTube Red series “Dallas & Robo” with John Cena and Kat Dennings, which premiered in 2018.
Roberts grew up in Toronto and graduated from Canada’s Sheridan College, before becoming a junior animator, then writer and director. He has also directed commercials for Honda, Burger King, ABC Television and Pulse Electric Scooters as well as music videos for The Sadies and The Pack AD.
He is survived by his wife, actress Bree Williamson, a son, McGreggor, his parents and a sister.
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