Henry Roberts, 92; Tap-Danced in Movies, on TV and Stage

Henry Phace Roberts, 92, a professional tap dancer in film and on TV and stage who last performed as an octogenarian, died Nov. 8 in New York City of unspecified causes.

A native of Savannah, Ga., Roberts began performing on the streets and by age 14 was working professionally. He danced with a group called the Five Blazers, a synchronized quintet that moved as one man, and worked with the Three Rockets.

In the 1950s, Roberts became a charter member of the Copasetics, tap stars who danced as a group. His last professional appearances, at age 87, were on a European tour of the Copasetics.

Roberts was a popular guest on major television variety shows including Milton Berle’s, Sammy Davis Jr.’s, “The Ed Sullivan Show” and “The Tonight Show.” Among his films were “Cabin in the Sky,” “Stormy Weather” and “The Cotton Club.”