Bree Williamson's Husband Michael Roberts Dies at 48

Michael Roberts, a director and animator best known for his work on the Netflix series BoJack Horseman, died on Wednesday, November 11, at the age of 48. His cause of death was glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer.

His widow is Bree Williamson, who portrayed Jessica Buchanan on One Life to Live and Claudette Beaulieu on General Hospital. The couple, both Toronto natives, married on September 6, 2008. Their only child, son McGreggor, was born on September 21, 2010.

What did Roberts' family say?

Roberts' family announced his death in his obituary. "With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Michael John Roberts," they wrote. His illness "came suddenly and the time that followed was heartbreakingly short," they said.

In their tribute, the family described him as an artist of uncommon perception. "Michael saw the world a little differently. A gifted artist with an extraordinary talent, he could find something worth exploring in what others might overlook," they wrote. "His creativity was not limited to what he put on paper; it shaped the way he thought, questioned, and understood the world around him."

The family also addressed Roberts' marriage directly. "Above all, Michael cherished the family he had built. His wife, Bree (Williamson), was his beloved partner and the person he was so proud to have beside him," the obituary stated. "He treasured their shared journey, their everyday moments, and the simple privilege of walking through the world together."

The obituary closed with an unusual request in place of flowers: "In lieu of flowers or donations, please save your money and buy a cool car, that's what Michael would have wanted."

How has the soap opera community responded?

Williamson addressed the loss publicly on Instagram on November 12. "Thank you to everyone that has reached out. We are heartbroken and taking some time," she wrote.

Colleagues from both One Life to Live and General Hospital offered condolences in the comments.

• Michael Easton (ex-John McBain, OLTL/GH; ex-Hamilton Finn, GH): "Michael was a beautiful spirit and he lives on in our hearts. Our thoughts are with you and Mac and your family."
• Kristen Alderson (ex-Starr Manning, OLTL/GH; ex-Kiki Jerome, GH): "He was so kind, I only remember him with that exact smile every time I saw him. I remember when we met him & just knew you found the best partner. So deeply sorry Bree. We love you so much."
• Tuc Watkins (ex-David Vickers, OLTL): "Words are clumsy. I watched the ways he was kind, and I admired him. I love him and his family, individually and collectively. He was so many things. He did so much. There would have been more."

What does this change for Williamson?

For now, the actor has said she and her family are taking time away. Williamson has not announced any change to professional commitments, and her statement suggests she will grieve privately in the coming weeks. Roberts is survived by Williamson and their son McGreggor, 15.

Roberts' death places him among the thousands claimed each year by glioblastoma, a cancer known for its rapid progression — a fact his family's words about the heartbreakingly short time confirm.