Roberts made her big screen debut playing supporting role in the 1971 romantic comedy film, Minnie and Moskowitz directed by John Cassavetes.

Her first notable role was in the 1977 black and white cult horror film, Eraserhead by David Lynch playing "Beautiful Girl Across the Hall" opposite Jack Nance.

[5] In 1978 she appeared in the film adaptation of The Late Great Planet Earth, and in 1980 had supporting role in the comedy-drama Stardust Memories by Woody Allen.

Roberts performed in a many Off-Broadway, Broadway and regional theatre productions since 1970s, appearing in The Threepenny Opera, Medea, A Streetcar Named Desire and The Little Foxes.

[7] Her notable off-Broadway credits include Three Tall Women, Master Class, The Clean House, A Little Night Music, Richard III, The Voysey Inheritance and Close Ties.

[8][9] In 2014, Roberts originared the role of Miss Ruby in the Steppenwolf Theatre Company play Airline Highway and the following year performed on its Broadway production.