Mike Ratledge, Alice Hirson, Tommy Hunt, and Tony Roberts Dies

Several Actors and Musicians passed away in February of 2025.

These guys played keyboards in bands like Soft Machine, appeared in films such as Private Benjamin and soap operas like Another World and One Life to Live, sang doo-wop in groups like The Flamingos and recorded Northern Soul albums, and were in movies like Annie Hall and TV such as Night Gallery, The Lucie Arnaz Show, and Law and Order.

Mike Ratledge

Michael Roland “Mike” Ratledge, born on May 6, 1943, in Maidstone, Kent, England, was a pioneering British musician and composer best known as a founding member of the influential band Soft Machine. Raised in a household steeped in classical music, Ratledge developed his musical talents early, mastering the piano and clarinet. His education at Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys in Canterbury introduced him to future bandmates Robert Wyatt and Hugh Hopper.

Pursuing higher education, Ratledge earned a degree in psychology and philosophy from University College, Oxford, where he also delved into avant-garde music studies. In 1966, he co-founded Soft Machine, a band that seamlessly blended psychedelic rock and jazz fusion, becoming a cornerstone of the Canterbury scene.

Non-Soft Machine Works

  • 1963 Live 1963 Daevid Allen Trio
  • 1964–68 Canterburied Sounds Vols. 1-3 Various artists
  • 1967-68 The Wilde Flowers Wilde Flowers
  • 1969 Joy of a Toy Kevin Ayers
  • 1970 The Madcap Laughs Syd Barrett
  • 1971 Just Us Elton Dean & Just Us
  • 1972 Bananamour Kevin Ayers
  • 1974 The Confessions of Dr. Dream and Other Stories Kevin Ayers
  • 1977 Instructions For Angels David Bedford
  • 1978 Planet Earth Planet Earth
  • 1978 Star Clusters Nebulae & Places in Devon / The Song of the White Horse David Bedford
  • 1979 Push Button Rubba
  • 1980 Wonderin’ Rollercoaster
  • 1981 Cuts for Commercials Vol. 3 Karl Jenkins & Mike Ratledge
  • 1981 For Christmas, for Children Karl Jenkins & Mike Ratledge
  • 1982 Crystal Gazing (unreleased soundtrack) Mike Ratledge
  • 1983 The Bad Sister (unreleased soundtrack) Mike Ratledge
  • 1995 Adiemus: Songs of Sanctuary Karl Jenkins
  • 2010 Movement Karl Jenkins & Mike Ratledge
  • 2010 Some Shufflin’ Karl Jenkins & Mike Ratledge
  • 2013 Riddles of the Sphinx (soundtrack recorded in 1977) Mike Ratledge

Ratledge’s innovative keyboard work and compositions were instrumental in defining the band’s sound on seminal albums like “Volume Two” (1969) and “Third” (1970). After a decade with Soft Machine, he departed in 1976 to explore solo projects, including composing for film and theater,

and collaborating with Karl Jenkins1 on various musical endeavors. Ratledge was previously married to Marsha Hunt, and at the time of his passing, he was survived by his partner Elena and two sisters. He passed away on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at the age of 81, after a brief illness.

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Alice Hirson

Alice Hirson, born Alice C. Thorsell on March 10, 1929, in New York City, was a distinguished American actress renowned for her extensive work in television and film. She began her career on the off-Broadway stage, appearing in productions such as “Traveller Without Luggage” (1964) and “The Investigation” (1966). Transitioning to television, Hirson secured roles in daytime soap operas,

notably portraying Stephanie Martin on “The Edge of Night” (1969–1970), Marcia Davis on “Another World” and its spin-off “Somerset” (1970–1972), and Eileen Riley Siegel on “One Life to Live” (1972–1976). Her prime-time television success included recurring roles as Mavis Anderson on “Dallas” (1982–1988) and Lois Morgan,

the mother of Ellen DeGeneres’s character on “Ellen” (1994–1998). Hirson’s filmography features appearances in “The Gang That Couldn’t Shoot Straight” (1971), “Being There” (1979) as the First Lady, “Private Benjamin” (1980), and “Revenge of the Nerds” (1984).

Film

  • 1971 The Gang That Couldn’t Shoot Straight
  • 1979 Nightwing
  • 1979 Being There
  • 1980 Private Benjamin
  • 1984 Revenge of the Nerds
  • 1984 Mass Appeal
  • 1987 Blind Date
  • 1989 The Big Picture
  • 1993 Stepmonster
  • 2001 The Glass House
  • 2006 The Lost

Television

  • 1951 Starlight Theatre
  • 1952 Hallmark Hall of Fame
  • 1968 N.Y.P.D.
  • 1970 Another World (43 episodes)
  • 1972–1976 One Life to Live (59 episodes)
  • 1977 Maude
  • 1977 The Waltons (2 episodes)
  • 1977–1983 Quincy, M.E. (3 episodes)
  • 1978 Loose Change
  • 1978 Family
  • 1978 Barnaby Jones
  • 1978 A Woman Called Moses (2 episodes)
  • 1979 The Ropers
  • 1979 Paris
  • 1979 ABC Afterschool Special
  • 1979 Julie Farr, M.D.
  • 1980 When the Whistle Blows (4 episodes)
  • 1981 Flamingo Road
  • 1981 Taxi
  • 1981 Barney Miller
  • 1982 General Hospital (4 episodes)
  • 1982–1988 Dallas (26 episodes)
  • 1983 St. Elsewhere
  • 1985 Hotel
  • 1985 The 13 Ghosts of Scooby-Doo (Voice 13 episodes)
  • 1986 Foley Square
  • 1986 Crossings
  • 1986 Matlock
  • 1986 If Tomorrow Comes
  • 1986, 1987 The Magical World of Disney (2 episodes)
  • 1987 Starman
  • 1987 Full House (3 episodes)
  • 1987, 1988 Houston (2 episodes)
  • 1990 Equal Justice
  • 1990, 1996 Murphy Brown (3 episodes)
  • 1991 Dear John
  • 1992 Home Fires (12 episodes)
  • 1993 Law & Order
  • 1993 Loving (4 episodes)
  • 1994–1998 Ellen (28 episodes)
  • 1996–2006 7th Heaven (8 episodes)
  • 1999 ER
  • 2000 Godzilla: The Series
  • 2000–2002 Baby Blues(voice 3 episodes)
  • 2001 NYPD Blue
  • 2001 Judging Amy
  • 2003 Just Shoot Me!
  • 2008 Cold Case
  • 2008–2011 The Secret Life of the American Teenager (6 episodes)
  • 2011 Men of a Certain Age (2 episodes)
  • 2019 Will & Grace
  • 2021 Trash Truck

In her personal life, she married writer Roger O. Hirson2 in 1952, with whom she had two sons, David and Christopher; the couple later divorced. In 1980, she married actor Stephen Elliott3, remaining together until his passing in 2005. Alice Hirson passed away on Friday, February 14, 2025, at the age of 95, leaving behind her two sons.

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Tommy Hunt

Tommy Hunt, born Charles James Hunt on June 18, 1933, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was a celebrated American soul and R&B singer whose career spanned over seven decades. Raised by his mother, Georgianna Derico, Hunt earned the nickname “Tommy” during his school years. Despite a challenging youth that included time in reform school, he developed a passion for music,

participating in numerous talent shows. After serving in the United States Air Force, Hunt pursued a musical career, initially joining the Five Echoes before becoming a member of the renowned doo-wop group The Flamingos. With The Flamingos, he contributed to the timeless classic “I Only Have Eyes for You.”

US Singles

  • Scepter 1219 – “Human” / “Parade of Broken Hearts” – 1961
  • Scepter 1226 – “The Door Is Open” / “I’m Wondering” – 1962
  • Scepter 1231 – “So Lonely” / “The Work Song” – 1962
  • Scepter 1235 – “Didn’t I Tell You She’ll Hurt You” / “Poor Millionaire You’re So Fine” – 1962
  • Scepter 1236 – “And I Never Knew” / “I Just Don’t Know What to Do with Myself” – 1962
  • Scepter 1252 – “Do You Really Love Me” / “Son, My Son” – 1963
  • Scepter 1261 – “I Am a Witness”* / “I’m with You” – 1963 written by Ed Townsend
  • Scepter 1275 – “It’s All a Bad Dream” / “You Made a Man out of Me” – 1964
  • Atlantic 2278 – “I Don’t Want to Lose You” / “Hold On” – 1965
  • Capitol 5621 – “I’ll Make You Happy” / “The Clown” – 1966 Dynamo 101 – “The Biggest Man” / “Never Love a Robin” – 1967
  • Dynamo 105 – “Words Can Never Tell It” / “How Can I Be Anything” – 1967
  • Dynamo 110 – “Complete Man” / “Searchin’ for My Love” – 1967
  • Dynamo 113 – “I Need a Woman of My Own” / “Searchin’ for My Baby (Lookin’ Everywhere)” – 1967
  • Dynamo 124 – “Born Free” / “Just a Little Taste (Of Your Sweet Lovin’)” – 1968
  • Private Stock 45,115 – “Loving on the Losing Side” / “Sunshine Girl” – 1976
  • Collectables Col 030077 – “Oh No Not My Baby” / “Human” – 1981 Flip by Tommy Hunt
  • Town 103 – “The Work Song” / “Please Stay” – 198? *Flip by The Ivory’s

UK Singles

  • Top Rank Jar-605 – “The Door Is Open” / “I’m Wondering” – 1962
  • Polydor 236 – “Mind Body and Soul” / “One Mountain to Climb” – 1972
  • Spark 1132 – “Crackin’ Up” / “Get Out” – 1975
  • Spark 1146 – “Loving on the Losing Side” / “Sunshine Girl” – 1976
  • Spark 1148 – “One Fine Morning” / “Sign on the Dotted Line” / “Loving You” – 1976

In 1960, Hunt embarked on a solo career, achieving success with hits like “Human” and becoming a prominent figure in the Northern Soul4 movement in the United Kingdom. His contributions to music were recognized with inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001 and the Doo-Wop Hall of Fame in 2004. Hunt passed away on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at the age of 91.

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Tony Roberts

Tony Roberts, born David Anthony Roberts on October 22, 1939, in Manhattan, New York, was a versatile American actor celebrated for his extensive work in theater and film. The son of renowned radio and television announcer Ken Roberts5, Tony was immersed in the performing arts from an early age. He honed his craft at the High School of Music & Art in Manhattan and furthered his studies at Northwestern University.

Roberts made his Broadway debut in 1962 with “Something About a Soldier” and earned Tony Award nominations for his performances in “How Now, Dow Jones” and “Play It Again, Sam.” He was perhaps best known for his frequent collaborations with filmmaker Woody Allen, appearing in six of Allen’s films, including “Annie Hall” (1977), “Stardust Memories” (1980), and “Hannah and Her Sisters” (1986).

Movies

  • 1971 The Million Dollar Duck
  • 1971 Star Spangled Girl
  • 1972 Play It Again, Sam
  • 1973 Serpico
  • 1974 The Taking of Pelham One Two Three
  • 1975 Le Sauvage
  • 1977 Annie Hall
  • 1980 Just Tell Me What You Want
  • 1980 Stardust Memories
  • 1982 A Midsummer Night’s Sex Comedy
  • 1983 Amityville 3-D
  • 1985 Key Exchange
  • 1986 Hannah and Her Sisters
  • 1986 Seize the Day
  • 1987 Radio Days
  • 1988 18 Again!
  • 1991 Popcorn
  • 1991 Switch
  • 1996 Apologies to Buñuel
  • 1998 Dead Broke
  • 2001 My Best Friend’s Wife
  • 2005 Twelve and Holding
  • 2014 The Longest Week

Television

  • 1965 The Trials of O’Brien
  • 1965, 1966 The Edge of Night (2 episodes)
  • 1970 Men at Law
  • 1971 Love, American Style
  • 1971 Night Gallery
  • 1975 Phyllis
  • 1977 McMillan and Wife
  • 1978, 1979 The Love Boat (3 episodes)
  • 1983, 1985 Trapper John, M.D. (2 episodes)
  • 1984 The Four Seasons (13 episodes)
  • 1985 Finder of Lost Loves
  • 1985 The Lucie Arnaz Show (6 episodes)
  • 1985 Hotel
  • 1988 The Thorns (12 episodes)
  • 1991 Matlock
  • 1991 The Carol Burnett Show (2 episodes)
  • 1991, 1994, 1998, 2010 Law & Order (4 episodes)
  • 1992 Murder, She Wrote
  • 1994 All My Children
  • 2001 American Masters (Narrator)
  • 2004 Married to the Kellys
  • 2008 Law & Order: Criminal Intent

Beyond his work with Allen, Roberts showcased his range in films like “Serpico” (1973) and “The Taking of Pelham One Two Three” (1974). On television, he appeared in series such as “The Edge of Night” and “Law & Order.” In his personal life, Roberts was married to Jennifer Lyons from 1969 until their divorce in 1975;

they had one daughter, Nicole Burley. Tony Roberts passed away on Friday, February 7, 2025, at his Manhattan home due to complications from lung cancer, as confirmed by his daughter. He was 85 years old.

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Videos

Footnotes
  1. Sir Karl William Pamp Jenkins, born on February 17, 1944, in Penclawdd, Gower, Wales, is a renowned Welsh composer and multi-instrumentalist. Educated at Cardiff University and the Royal Academy of Music, Jenkins began his career as a jazz and jazz-rock musician, co-founding the group Nucleus and later joining the progressive rock band Soft Machine in 1972. Transitioning to composition, he achieved global recognition with works like “Adiemus: Songs of Sanctuary” (1995) and “The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace” (2000). Notably, “The Armed Man” surpassed 1,000 weeks on the UK Classical Chart, and his music was featured at the Coronation of King Charles III in 2023. Jenkins has been honored with titles such as Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) and was knighted for his services to music. He continues to be one of the most performed living composers worldwide. ↩︎
  2. Roger Overholt Hirson (May 5, 1926 – May 27, 2019) was an American dramatist and screenwriter best known for authoring the book of the Broadway musical “Pippin,” which earned him a Tony Award nomination. Born in Manhattan, New York City, Hirson graduated from Friends Seminary in 1943. He began his career in the 1950s, writing for television anthology series such as “The Armstrong Circle Theatre,” “Goodyear Television Playhouse,” and “Studio One.” His Broadway credits include “Walking Happy” and “Darling of the Day.” Hirson also contributed to films, co-writing the screenplay for “The Bridge at Remagen” (1969) and adapting “A Christmas Carol” (1984) for television, which starred George C. Scott. He won an Emmy Award for the miniseries “A Woman Named Jackie.” Hirson was married to actress Alice Hirson, with whom he had two sons, including playwright David Hirson. He passed away in Manhattan at the age of 93. ↩︎
  3. Stephen Elliott, born Elliott Pershing Stitzel on November 27, 1918, in New York City, was a distinguished American actor recognized for his extensive work in theater, film, and television. He studied acting under Sanford Meisner at the Neighborhood Playhouse from 1940 to 1942 before serving in the U.S. Merchant Marine during World War II. Elliott’s Broadway career included notable performances in “Marat/Sade,” for which he received a Tony Award nomination in 1967, and “A Whistle in the Dark,” earning him a Drama Desk Award in 1969. In film, he is perhaps best remembered for his roles as Burt Johnson in “Arthur” (1981) and Chief Hubbard in “Beverly Hills Cop” (1984). On television, he made guest appearances on series such as “Kojak,” “The Streets of San Francisco,” and “Dallas.” Elliott was married to actress Alice Hirson from 1980 until his death on May 21, 2005, at the age of 86. ↩︎
  4. Northern soul is a music and dance movement that emerged in Northern England and the Midlands in the early 1970s, rooted in the British mod scene. It centers on a particular style of Black American soul music characterized by a heavy beat and fast tempo, typically 100 beats per minute (bpm) and above. The movement is known for its appreciation of rare and obscure soul records, often referred to as “rare grooves,” and generally eschews Motown or Motown-influenced music that achieved significant mainstream commercial success. Northern soul enthusiasts would gather at all-night dance parties to celebrate these lesser-known tracks, fostering a vibrant subculture that continues to influence music and dance scenes today. ↩︎
  5. Ken Roberts, born Saul Trochman on February 22, 1910, in New York City, was a prominent American radio and television announcer whose career spanned several decades. He began his broadcasting journey in the mid-1920s and joined the CBS announcing staff in 1931. Roberts became a familiar voice during the Golden Age of Radio, lending his talents to programs such as “The Shadow,” “Quick as a Flash,” and “It Pays to Be Ignorant.” Transitioning to television in the 1950s, he served as the original announcer for “Candid Camera” and was the voice behind long-running daytime soap operas like “The Secret Storm” and “Love of Life.” Roberts was a founding member of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) and the Screen Actors Guild. He passed away on June 19, 2009, at the age of 99. ↩︎
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Sources

Author: Doyle

I was born in Atlanta, moved to Alpharetta at 4, lived there for 53 years and moved to Decatur in 2016. I've worked at such places as Richway, North Fulton Medical Center, Management Science America (Computer Tech/Project Manager) and Stacy's Compounding Pharmacy (Pharmacy Tech).

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