Barbara N. Roberts

Barbara N. Roberts, actor and Equity councilor, passed away on October 1, 2025, days after her 75th birthday. An Equity member since 1988, Roberts had a career that spanned several decades, having worked at theatres like South Coast Repertory of Costa Mesa, CA, Theater League of Kansas City, Missouri, and TheatreWorks Silicon Valley. She last appeared in the remount of Romeo and Juliet at the Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles.

A Los Angeles resident, Roberts first began her governance work with the union by serving as a member on a committee in 2005. After that experience, Roberts decided to throw her hat in the ring and run for a Western principal seat on Equity's National Council. She served in that capacity from 2006–2012, and then again from 2014–2025, passing away while in office.

During her time on council, she was an active member on numerous committees, working groups and negotiating teams. She served on the Equal Employment Opportunity Committee (EEOC) in many capacities, including as chair and vice chair. As a vice chair of EEOC, she recognized that Black actors have historically been subject to unfair practices within the theatre industry, and that many employers were failing to provide adequate and skilled care for actors with textured hair. Because Black actors are often burdened with the responsibility of maintaining their own hair for a show with little or no support, she helped spearhead the inclusion of "hair texture" in the list of protected characteristics within Equity's anti-discrimination clause, and Equity would be encouraged to negotiate that language into its contracts.

Roberts was also instrumental as the former chair of the Committee to Prevent Harassment and Hostile Work Environments, and as a vice chair on the National Public Policy Committee, the House Affairs Committee and the Western Committee for Independent Theatres. She enjoyed serving as a delegate to the Los Angeles Federation of Labor, attending special events like the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast on behalf of Equity.

A funeral service was held on October 18th at Unity Baptist Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Councilor Roberts is survived by her loving son.

— Equity News Staff

Bret Shuford

Beloved Broadway actor and social media influencer (Broadway Husbands), and Dad. His generosity and authentic enthusiasm was contagious. He made an indelible positive mark in any space he held. He will be missed and remembered.

— Jennifer Swiderski