Soap opera star Bree Williamson is mourning the devastating loss of her husband, Michael John Roberts, who died at just 48 after a brief battle with an aggressive form of brain cancer.
Roberts, an accomplished animator and director known for his work on BoJack Horseman, died Wednesday, November 11, at the family’s Los Angeles home, surrounded by loved ones. His death came after a sudden diagnosis of glioblastoma, leaving his wife and their teenage son facing an unimaginable loss.
“We were supposed to have more time,” the family wrote in an emotional obituary, reflecting on the conversations, laughter and everyday moments they would never get to share again.
The tribute described Roberts’ illness as unexpected, with the time between his diagnosis and death heartbreakingly short.
Williamson, best known for portraying Jessica Buchanan on One Life to Live and Claudette Beaulieu on General Hospital, broke her silence Thursday in a brief Instagram message.
“Thank you to everyone that has reached out. We are heartbroken and taking some time,” the actress wrote.
The couple married in September 2008 and welcomed their son, McGreggor, in 2010. Their nearly two decades together were filled with family memories and successful careers in the entertainment industry.
Roberts built an impressive career in animation, working on popular shows including BoJack Horseman, TripTank, F Is for Family and Strange Planet. He also contributed to Dallas & Robo, Hot Wheels Let’s Race and several other animated productions.
But while his creative accomplishments earned him recognition in Hollywood, his family said his greatest pride came from the life he built with Williamson and their son.
The obituary described the actress as his beloved partner and someone he was deeply proud to have by his side. Roberts also took tremendous pride in McGreggor, looking forward to watching the young man grow and pursue his dreams.
The heartbreaking announcement prompted an outpouring of condolences from Williamson’s former soap opera colleagues.
Actress Kristen Alderson, who worked on both One Life to Live and General Hospital, remembered Roberts as an exceptionally kind man, saying she always recalled seeing him with a smile.
Tuc Watkins, another One Life to Live veteran, shared an especially moving tribute, recalling Roberts’ kindness and expressing sadness over the experiences he would never get to have.
Michael Easton also offered his condolences, describing Roberts as a beautiful spirit whose memory would live on.
In a final reflection on his life, the family remembered Roberts as a gifted artist who viewed the world differently, finding meaning and beauty in things others might overlook.
They also included one unusual request that captured his personality perfectly.
Instead of sending flowers or making donations, the family encouraged mourners to save their money and buy a cool car, explaining that it was exactly what Roberts would have wanted.
For Williamson, who spent years captivating daytime television audiences, the loss marks a heartbreaking chapter in her life. As she and her son grieve privately, Roberts leaves behind a legacy of creativity, laughter and love that extends far beyond Hollywood.