Tanya Roberts was one of the sexiest and funniest actresses of her time, dazzling audiences with her stunning beauty and talent in That ’70s Show and Charlie’s Angels.
Tragically, her unexpected passing was marked by confusion, as her boyfriend mistakenly announced her death , adding a bizarre twist to the loss of this vibrant star.
Before we dive into the bizarre circumstances surrounding Tanya Roberts’ passing, let’s take a moment to celebrate her incredible contributions to the screen.
In a world where her legacy seems somewhat overlooked today, a closer look at her impressive career reveals just how unforgettable she truly was. And I’m sure she created cherished memories for many of you reading this.
Running away from home
Born Victoria Leigh Blum in 1949, Tanya Roberts grew up in the gritty Bronx of New York City. The little girl with ice-blue eyes lived in a poor old house with her mother and big sisters. Despite her modest life, Roberts had big dreams of wearing beautiful clothes, riding horses, living in a mansion, and shopping in limousines. Most of all, she wanted to be a star in Hollywood.
At just 15 years old, she took a bold step and ran away to chase her dreams. This was after her family had moved to Toronto, where a tragic event would lead Roberts to distance herself from them. One day, shortly after her father tragically passed away, Tanya felt the walls closing in on her.
In that moment, she decided to leave home. After a heated argument with her mother, Roberts packed her bags and moved to a place in the Village, a neighborhood in Toronto. She supported herself by selling dance lessons to ”old guys”, who lusted after her body.
It wasn’t long before she met another boy, Colin, who had also dropped out of school. She fell head over heels for him.
“It just happened. A stupid, spontaneous thing. Colin was two years older than me, a Canadian, a dropout, doing nothing. It was a love affair that turned into hatred. We never were friends. We didn’t get along at all. But I loved him, you know. I was butterflies. I’d look at him and gasp, ‘Oh my God!’ I responded to the palpitations of the heart.”
Married in secret
The couple was together for seven months and married in secret. They moved to New York together, but then Colin’s mother intervened, annulling the marriage. Roberts and Colin were far too young and hadn’t received their parents’ consent.
Roberts never told her mother about the marriage; she didn’t want to shock her. Soon after, the relationship with Colin ended, but another man entered Roberts’s life— one who would change her whole life.
As Tanya Roberts pursued her acting dreams in New York, she met Barry Roberts while waiting in line for a movie. He was a truck driver earning $30 a week, and he quickly became her next great love.
It was actually Tanya who proposed to Barry in a subway station, and they quickly tied the knot in 1973. Her husband had originally set his sights on becoming a psychologist but soon dropped out of his studies to write scripts for various TV networks.
The couple moved to Hollywood, determined to lead as normal a life as possible.
”You know you’ve got the right guy when you can sit at home with him Saturday night, just you and him and pizza,” Tanya shared in 1980.
For most of their lives, Tanya and Barry lived peacefully and happily, tucked away in the serene and private surroundings of their secluded home in the Hollywood Hills.
“Living here is like being in the country, but civilization isn’t far away when I need it,” Tanya exclusively shared with Closer Weekly in 2015. “It’s the house I’d always dreamed of.”
Spell on Charlie’s Angels
Tanya Roberts’ upbringing on the streets of Bronx served her well when she landed the role of the streetwise Julie Roberts in Charlie’s Angels. Before that, she had already made a name for herself as a model in television ads and took on serious roles in off-Broadway productions like Picnic and Antigone.
However, it was in the summer of 1980 that the world truly took notice of her.
Tanya was chosen from over 2,000 candidates to replace Shelley Hack in the beloved detective series Charlie’s Angels, which was struggling to attract viewers.
The producers hoped that the vibrant 26-year-old would inject new life into the show alongside her co-stars, Jaclyn Smith, the last original ‘Angel,’ and Cheryl Ladd. With her charisma and talent, Tanya was determined to help turn the series around.
”I think there’s a lot of enthusiasm on the set. We are a real team. It’s very important for us to get along because it shows in our work. I think it’s hard do continually make a classy show every week for five years with three girls. It’s not Shakespeare but I think the public looks forward to seeing something new every week,” Roberts told The Daily Herald-Tribune in 1981.
Unfortunately, despite her efforts, Roberts — who described herself as a ‘workaholic’— couldn’t revive the series, and Charlie’s Angels was canceled in 1981.
However, her talent and dedication led to new opportunities in her career.
Nominated for Golden Raspberry Award
After Charlie’s Angels, Robert’s starred in a string of films that gained cult status, including The Beastmaster (1982), Sheena: Queen of the Jungle (1984), Body Slam (1987), and Night Eyes (1990).
Most people, however, associate her with her iconic roles as Stacey Sutton in the 1985 James Bond film A View to a Kill and as Midge Pinciotti on That ’70s Show, where she captivated audiences from 1998 to 2004.
In A View to a Kill, Tanya Roberts starred alongside Roger Moore, and the film became a massive box office success. However, critics weren’t entirely convinced; in retrospect, Moore himself expressed disappointment, stating that it was his worst Bond film due to its excessive blood and violence.
At 57, the Hollywood legend faced criticism for being too old for the role, and he even quipped about the age gap, revealing that he was mortified to discover he was older than Roberts’ mother. In a December 2007 interview, he humorously remarked, ”I was only about four hundred years too old for the part.”
Tanya, too, faced her share of criticism after her Bond debut. Interestingly, she wasn’t the original choice for the role. Producers had initially hoped to cast Priscilla Presley, but she was tied up with her contract for Dallas. They even considered former Bond girl Barbara Bach before ultimately selecting Tanya Roberts. Despite her efforts, she was nominated for a Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Actress, although she lost the dubious honor to Linda Blair, who appeared in Night Patrol.
Losing her husband
For the younger generation, many recognize Tanya Roberts from her role as Midge Pinciotti on the beloved sitcom That ’70s Show. She was a cherished presence on the show but had to leave after the third season.
The reason? Her husband, Barry, had become seriously ill, and she wanted to be there for him. Tragically, Barry died at the age of 60 after a long four-and-a-half-year battle with encephalitis, a condition that causes inflammation of the brain tissue, leading to personality changes, seizures, and weakness.
Tanya and Barry stood by each other from their marriage in 1973 until his passing in 2006. The couple never had any children.
Mysterious death
After the heartbreaking loss of her husband Barry in 2006, Tanya Roberts found love again with Lance O’Brien. The two met while working for Tahiti Village, a Las Vegas resort — Tanya as a spokesmodel. They spent 18 years together, seemingly inseparable, but their world took a tragic turn in December 2020.
At 71, Tanya was still vibrant and full of life, known for her daily hikes up the Hollywood Hills. Described as ”healthy as a horse,” there was no indication of any serious health issues. However, just before Christmas, Tanya began experiencing lower intestinal pain and difficulty breathing.
These symptoms surfaced during one of her hikes, and though she initially thought it might be COVID-19. Early the next morning, she collapsed, unable to get up, and was rushed to Cedars-Sinai Hospital.
Doctors determined Tanya had developed a severe urinary tract infection that had progressed to sepsis. The infection quickly spread to her liver, kidneys, and gallbladder, ultimately leading to multi-organ failure.
Tubes up her nose
“She was talking when I called 911. Next thing I know, she’s in intensive care on oxygen and she’s extremely sick,” O’Brien shared with the Daily Mail.
When O’Brien was finally allowed to see her, Tanya was barely conscious, kept alive by a ventilator. The iconic actress, who had once graced screens as a glamorous star, could only blink in response to her partner’s presence.
”When she saw me and I was there, I saw her eyes open,” he said. “I felt good. I said, ‘Hey, her eyes are opening. Her eyes are opening.’ They told me that’s just a reflex,” O’Brien told Inside Edition.
Sadly, Tanya’s final days were both chaotic and heartbreaking.
O’Brien expressed his frustration with the hospital’s handling of Tanya’s care, stating, “She had tubes up her nose and throat, and they kept calling her Victoria —she hasn’t been called that since she was a teenager. It was so busy, I can’t begin to tell you what an awful, terrible experience it was.”
“I think COVID played a big part in it,” O’Brien added. “If you called the hospital, it sounded like something out of [sitcom] M.A.S.H.”
Cause of death
Tanya’s condition worsened, and on January 3, 2021, she was taken off life support. The beloved star passed away on January 4.
However, the aftermath of her death was even more chaotic. The news of Tanya’s passing was initially announced prematurely by her publicist, leading to confusion.
In a bizarre twist, O’Brien learned she was still alive during a live interview with Inside Edition.
“Now, you’re telling me she’s alive?” O’Brien exclaimed, answering a phone call from the hospital mid-interview. Crying, he added, “The hospital is telling me she is alive. They are calling me from the ICU team.”
Eventually, all the confusion cleared up, and it became evident that Tanya Roberts had indeed passed away. However, the mix-ups didn’t stop there – several sources incorrectly reported her age as 65 at the time of her death. Despite the fact that she was actually 71, some outlets still haven’t corrected this mistake, even three years later.
Her last will
The handwritten note left behind by Tanya Roberts offered a hauntingly intimate and bittersweet glimpse into her final thoughts. According to Fox News, Roberts left her entire estate, valued at over $3 million, to her longtime partner, Lance O’Brien. She signed the note using both her Hollywood name, Tanya Roberts, and her birth name, Victoria Blum.
“I have no reason to live,” Tanya wrote, and she also made it clear that none of her estate would go to her sister, Barbara Leary, or her nephew, Zack Leary.
Instead, Roberts left everything to O’Brien, though the letter suggests their relationship may not have been as loving as it seemed to the public.
”I want to leave my house … and all its belongings to my best friend Lance O’Brien – I also leave my two dogs and my Pension Plan check to Lance O’Brien,” the actress penned, as captured in images obtained by Page Six.
Perhaps the most heartbreaking part of the note comes when she acknowledged the disconnect in their relationship. ”I know you don’t love me but you have been a true friend & for that I’m [grateful],” she wrote. ”Have a good life & don’t blame this on yourself. I was always [too] sensitive to live in this world.”
Behind the face
Tanya Roberts’ final chapter may have been marked by sorrow and confusion, but it’s important to remember the light she brought into the world.
When you take a moment to look back at old photos of her — whether she’s on set, starring in her iconic roles, or even candid behind-the-scenes shots — a picture emerges of a woman who was not only stunningly beautiful but fiercely independent.
At just 15, she knew exactly what she wanted out of life. Becoming a Charlie’s Angel made her immortal in Hollywood’s eyes, but what really stood out was how she handled fame. While some may have expected her journey through stardom to come with heartbreak, bad roles, or failed marriages, Tanya took a different path.
She remained loyal to her husband, Barry Roberts, staying by his side through illness and even stepping away from her career to care for him. That kind of dedication and strength speaks volumes about the kind of woman she truly was.
Looking back at those early photos and moments reminds us of her grace, resilience, and the lasting impression she left on her fans and loved ones alike!
I Told My Wife She Couldn’t Be a Stay-at-Home Mom, but What She Did in Response Left Me Stunned
I Told My Wife She Couldn’t Be a Stay-at-Home Mom, but What She Did in Response Left Me Stunned
When my wife, Lucy, began immersing herself in countless TikTok videos, I never imagined that her newfound interest would lead to her drastically changing our lives.
A mother cooking with her daughter | Source: Pexels
I’m Jack, and I’ve been married to my wonderful wife, Lucy, for eight years. We’ve been together for 12 years, sharing a life filled with love, challenges, and the joy of raising our two kids, an 11-year-old son and a 9-year-old daughter. Life has been a journey we’ve navigated as partners, each step of the way supporting one another.
A happy couple | Source: Shutterstock
Lucy and I both work to support our family. I work about 80% of a full-time schedule, while Lucy works 50%. This arrangement has always seemed perfect because it allows one of us to always be there for the kids after school. It’s a system that has worked well and helped us balance our professional and personal lives.
A couple cooking together | Source: Pexels
However, things started to shift about a year ago when Lucy began spending a lot of time watching videos on TikTok about being a “tradwife” also known as a stay-at-home wife. These videos seemed to have sparked something in her because she started talking about how she might want to quit her job and adopt that lifestyle.
A woman looking at her phone while working on her laptop| Source: Pexels
I did not take it seriously, because I thought she was responsible enough not to alter our lives because of a romanticized lifestyle. I was shocked when one evening, while we were cleaning up after dinner, Lucy brought it up again.
She had that hopeful look in her eyes as she said, “Imagine coming home to a freshly cooked meal every day, and everything organized and calm. Wouldn’t that be nice?”
A couple having a discussion | Source: Pexels
I paused, putting the dishes down, and replied, “Lucy, you know I appreciate all that you do and the idea sounds nice, but I think our current setup works great for us.”
“The kids are in school all day, and we’ve managed to keep everything running smoothly without needing to change who works and who stays home,” I continued.
A couple having a discussion | Source: Pexels
Lucy seemed a bit disappointed but nodded, understanding where I was coming from. I added, “Plus, our kids aren’t little anymore. They’re pretty independent. And honestly, I don’t think our house needs that much upkeep to require one of us at home full-time.”
I could tell she wasn’t entirely convinced, but she let the conversation drop for the night. However, it was clear this was a topic that wasn’t going away anytime soon. Lucy never stopped suggesting to quit her job but each time I tried to kindly tell her that our current work-life balance was ideal for our family’s needs and financial security.
A couple having a discussion while having coffee | Source: Pexels
I really did not understand the fuss and reason behind wanting to drastically change our lives. I also love that my kids get to grow up seeing both parents contributing to the household in various ways.
A man thinking | Source: Pexels
One Saturday morning, as we sat at the kitchen table with our coffee, Lucy brought it up again. “Jack, I’ve been thinking a lot about this,” she started, her tone serious. “I really believe I could make a big difference in our home’s atmosphere. It’s not just about cleaning or cooking; it’s about creating a nurturing environment for us and the kids. A calm house where you can relax after work.”
I listened, knowing this was important to her. “Lucy, I understand what you’re saying, and I love that you want to make our home even more welcoming. But aren’t we managing that already? You do so much, and I try to do my part. Why change everything?”
A couple in the kitchen with their cat | Source: pexels
She sighed, a little frustrated. “Because it’s not the same, Jack. Right now, everything feels rushed. We’re always trying to catch up with chores, cooking, or the kids’ activities. If I were at home full-time, I could handle those things better, making life less stressful for all of us.”
Her point was valid, but the practical side of me kicked in. “Lucy, think about the impact on our finances. And what about your career? You’ve worked so hard to get where you are. Do you really want to give that up?”
A couple speaking | Source: shutterstock
Lucy’s face showed determination. “Yes, I’m willing to do that. I think it’s worth it for the well-being of our family.”
“Lucy, it just doesn’t make sense right now. The kids are growing up; they’ll be more independent each year. And we both enjoy our jobs, don’t we?”
A couple having a heated conversation | Source: Shutterstock
“Yes, I love my job, but I love our family more. I want to do this for us, Jack. Can’t you see how much it means to me?” Lucy continued to emphasize.
The argument didn’t conclude with an agreement. Instead, it ended with Lucy shutting down. From that day, things between us began to change subtly.
A couple arguing | Source: Shutterstocj
After another day of barely speaking to each other, Lucy decided to make her point in a way that was impossible to ignore. She stopped engaging in our relationship as a partner and stopped cooking and cleaning to show me what it would be like if she stayed home.
A couple arguing | Source: Shutterstock
However, nothing changed. After weeks of tension and quiet dinners, I came home from work one evening, exhausted but hopeful as my birthday was just around the corner. I walked into the living room and I was greeted with a bunch of beautifully wrapped gifts laid out across our dining table. My heart lifted a bit. I thought Lucy was trying to mend things between us with a surprise.
A table full of gifts | Source: Pexels
As I walked closer, I started inspecting the gifts. They were elegantly wrapped, each with a card attached. I picked up one but as I read the card, my confusion mounted. It wasn’t addressed to me. The note was for Lucy, filled with words of gratitude and well-wishes for the future. The last line hit me hard: “It was such a pleasure working alongside you, and I wish you all the best moving forward.”
A man looking shocked while reading a note | Source: Pexels
My hands trembled slightly as I set the card down and opened another. Again, the message was similar, clearly meant for Lucy from her colleagues. Each card unfolded more of the reality I hadn’t seen coming—Lucy had quit her job.
I was still processing this when Lucy walked in. She seemed calm, almost nonchalant, as if nothing unusual had happened. Seeing the shock on my face and the cards in my hand, she must have known what I’d discovered.
A couple arguing | Source: Pexels
“What’s this, Lucy? Why didn’t you tell me you were quitting your job?” I asked, my voice a mix of surprise and frustration.
Lucy sighed, “I told you I was serious, Jack. I thought a lot about this. It’s what I need to do—for me, for us.”
“But quitting your job without even discussing it with me? How is that supposed to help us?” I couldn’t keep the disappointment from my voice.
A woman speaking to her husband | Source: Pexels
Lucy’s response was firm, her eyes meeting mine squarely. “You wouldn’t listen, Jack. You just kept saying it didn’t make sense, but this isn’t just about sense. It’s about what I feel is right for our family. I needed to do something drastic to show you how committed I am to this change.”
“But we’re supposed to be partners, Lucy. Decisions like this affect both of us, our kids, and our future. You’ve just turned everything upside down.”
A man looking stressed while speaking to a woman | Source: Pexels
Lucy moved closer, her expression softening. “I know, and I’m sorry for surprising you like this. But sometimes, you have to force change when it feels necessary. I hope, in time, you’ll see the benefits.”
That night, we didn’t resolve anything. The presents on the table started to annoy me because they were a reminder and the reason behind the hostility in my house. But I was not willing for this to be the way we handled disagreements.
A man sitting on the couch crying | Source: Pexels
I needed Lucy to see that we were a team and these kinds of drastic decisions could not be made without both of us agreeing and carefully planning for the future. So I started to think hard and finally came up with a perfect plan, and hoped it did not backfire.
A man thinking in front of a laptop | Source: Pexels
The day I decided to execute my plan, I was nervous but I thought of the bigger picture. I came home from work and as I stepped inside, I announced, “Pack up, everyone. We’re moving.” Lucy, who was setting the table for dinner, froze her fork halfway to the tablecloth. The kids looked up, confusion spreading across their faces.
A man walking up stairs | Source: pexels
“What are you talking about, Jack?” Lucy asked. Her voice was a mix of surprise and concern.
I held up a stack of papers I had prepared earlier. “I sold the house. We’re moving to a small village. If you want to be a tradwife, let’s go all the way. It’s more traditional there, and I can work remotely. It’ll be the perfect setup for what you want.”
A woman setting the table | Source: Pexels
The room went silent for a moment before Lucy’s astonishment turned into anger. “You sold our home without asking me? Without even a discussion?”
A woman shocked while looking at papers | Source: Pexels
I tried to keep my composure, even though my heart was racing. “Yes, I did. You’ll get over it.” Lucy’s face reddened, her eyes blazing. “Get over it? Just like that? Do you think you can make such huge decisions alone?”
The kids started to sense the tension and quietly left the room to give us space. Seeing her reaction, I knew I had made my point, but perhaps too forcefully. I sighed and lowered the papers, showing her the top sheet more clearly. “Look at them, Lucy.”
A couple fighting | Source: Pexels
She snatched the papers from my hand and quickly skimmed them. Her anger turned to confusion and then relief as she realized what was happening. “This… this is a joke? You didn’t sell the house?”
I shook my head. “No, I didn’t sell our house. These are fake. I wanted to show you how it feels when someone makes a big life decision without your input. I’m sorry for scaring you, but I needed you to understand.”
A couple holding hands | Source: Pexels
Lucy put the papers down, took a deep breath, and sat down. “That was cruel, Jack, but I get your point. I shouldn’t have made such a big decision about quitting my job without discussing it with you thoroughly.”
We sat down at the kitchen table and remained silent for a few minutes. Then I looked up and said, “Let’s really talk this through. No more games or drastic actions. We need to make decisions together, as partners.”
A couple sharing an intimate moment | Source: Pexels
Lucy nodded, her hand reaching across the table to squeeze mine. “Agreed. Let’s figure this out, together.”
Leave a Reply