Tanya Roberts was one of the most captivating actresses of her era, mesmerizing audiences with her beauty and talent in both That ’70s Show and Charlie’s Angels. However, her unexpected passing was surrounded by confusion due to her boyfriend mistakenly announcing her death, adding an odd layer to the loss of such a lively and humorous star.
Born Victoria Leigh Blum in 1949, Tanya Roberts grew up in the Bronx, New York. Despite a modest upbringing, Roberts harbored grand dreams of stardom, longing for a life of luxury and fame. At just 15, she ran away from home, following her family’s move to Toronto, after feeling trapped by circumstances following her father’s death. She left after a heated argument with her mother, supporting herself by selling dance lessons to older men.
She soon met Colin, a fellow school dropout, and the two married in secret after seven months together. However, the marriage was annulled due to their young age and lack of parental consent. Roberts never revealed the marriage to her mother, not wanting to shock her. After her relationship with Colin ended, she met Barry Roberts, a truck driver. It was Tanya who proposed to him, and they married in 1973. Barry eventually shifted careers to become a screenwriter, and the couple moved to Hollywood, where they settled into a quiet, private life.
Tanya’s breakthrough came when she was cast as Julie Roberts in Charlie’s Angels, a role that highlighted her street-smart Bronx roots. Although she had already gained recognition as a model and in off-Broadway productions, this role propelled her to fame. Chosen from over 2,000 candidates, Roberts joined Jaclyn Smith and Cheryl Ladd in an attempt to revive the series. While she put her heart into the role, the show was canceled in 1981.
After Charlie’s Angels, Tanya took on roles in films that achieved cult status, including The Beastmaster and Sheena: Queen of the Jungle. She also starred as Stacey Sutton in the 1985 James Bond film A View to a Kill. Despite the film’s box office success, critics were divided, with even Roger Moore later expressing disappointment in the movie. Tanya, too, faced criticism, though her roles solidified her place in pop culture.
For many in a younger generation, Tanya Roberts is best remembered as Midge Pinciotti from That ’70s Show, a role she held from 1998 until she left to care for her husband, Barry, after he became gravely ill. Tragically, Barry passed away in 2006 after a lengthy battle with encephalitis. Tanya and Barry had no children but spent over three decades together, supporting one another.
After Barry’s death, Tanya found companionship with Lance O’Brien. However, in December 2020, Tanya fell ill, initially believing she had contracted COVID-19. She was rushed to the hospital after collapsing, and doctors determined that she had a severe urinary tract infection, which had spread to her organs and led to sepsis. Her health rapidly declined, and despite O’Brien’s hope when seeing her open her eyes during his visit, it was just a reflex. Tanya passed away on January 4, 2021, though confusion initially arose when O’Brien mistakenly announced her death prematurely.
In her final will, Tanya left her estate, valued at over $3 million, to O’Brien, writing a heartfelt note that acknowledged the complexity of their relationship. Despite feeling that he didn’t love her, she expressed gratitude for his friendship and care.
Looking back, Tanya Roberts’ career was marked by memorable roles, her captivating beauty, and her commitment to those she loved. Whether as a glamorous Bond girl, a Charlie’s Angel, or a sitcom mom, she left a lasting impression on fans and colleagues alike, standing out not only for her talent but for her quiet strength and loyalty. Tanya Roberts will always be remembered for the light she brought into the world, both on-screen and in her personal life.
