Dallas Roberts

Though a couple of unremarkable independent films preceded it, the Michael Mayer-directed, Michael Cunningham-scripted 2004 picture A Home at the End of the World (an adaptation of Cunningham's beloved novel) marked Roberts' first noteworthy cinematic achievement. The picture also shot Roberts instantly to third billing -- not an unpromising start for a cinematic newcomer. It concerns the relationship triangle that develops between Jonathan (Roberts), a thirtysomething gay man desperate to act as a father to his roommate's baby; the eccentric roommate Clare (Robin Wright Penn); and Jonathan's lifelong, heterosexual best friend, Bobby (Colin Farrell), who move to a house together in rural, upstate New York. Roberts, who reportedly felt a bit thrown by the lack of advance character preparation and dramatic adjustment in film (compared to theater) nonetheless delivered a bravura performance; the film itself received mixed reviews.

Many supporting roles followed for Roberts over the next several years. He was particularly memorable as record mogul Sam Phillips in James Mangold's Johnny Cash biopic Walk the Line (2005) and as ranch hand Gus in the family adventure film Flicka (2006). Roberts could also be seen on the popular lesbian cable drama The L Word starting in 2006, during its third season, playing Angus, the straight male nanny to Bette (Jennifer Beals) and Tina's (Laurel Holloman) baby; also a musician, Angus eventually enters into a May-December relationship with Bette's older sister, once-famous singer Kit (Pam Grier). In 2007, Roberts re-teamed with Mangold for a plum role in the remake of the Western 3:10 to Yuma. That same year, Roberts also joined the cast of George Ratliff's thriller Joshua, about a sociopathically malevolent tyke who attempts to wreak havoc on his family. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide