Les Roberts is an American author, best known for his mystery novels. Born as Lester Roubert in Chicago, Illinois, on July 18, 1937, Roberts changed his name in 1968. He completed his graduation from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and studied at Roosevelt University from 1954 to 1956. After completing his academic studies, Roberts served in the United States Army for three years from 1960 to 1962.
Before embarking on his writing career, Roberts spent 24 years in Hollywood, where he wrote and produced over 2,500 half-hour segments of television. He worked on popular shows such as The Hollywood Squares, The Lucy Show, The Andy Griffith Show, The Jackie Gleason Show, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., and more. His diverse career also includes stints as a professional actor, singer, jazz musician, and teacher. In 2003, he received the Sherwood Anderson Literary Award.
Roberts is the author of the Milan Jacovich series, a collection of 15 mystery novels featuring a Cleveland detective. He has also written nine other books of fiction. In addition to his work as an author, Roberts has served as the president of both the Private Eye Writers of America and the American Crime Writer's League. He is also a film and literary critic, currently residing in Northeast Ohio. Roberts became a vegan in 2012 after watching the inspirational show 'Peaceful Kingdom: The Journey Home.' He is a proud father of two children, Darren Jon and Valerie Lynne, and a grandfather to Shea Thompson.