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!
My Father Asked Me to Dance with Him at My Wedding but Didn’t Show Up
My Father Asked Me to Dance with Him at My Wedding but Didn’t Show Up
Heartbreak from my father’s broken promises loomed over my wedding day. Just as despair set in, an unexpected hero stepped forward, turning a moment of disappointment into one of profound love and revelation. This is how I discovered the true meaning of family.
So, my parents split when I was just a little sprout (seven years old, to be exact). From then on, my dad was basically a ghost. He’d promise stuff like park trips, but then bail last minute.
A sad little girl sitting alone in her room | Source: Midjourney
Birthdays? Nope. Most nights were spent wondering if he’d even bother showing up. My mom did her best, but my dad’s absence left a hole that seemed impossible to fill.
Fast forward to when I was older, and Dad’s appearances became even more random. He’d pop up out of nowhere, full of apologies and promises to be a “better dad.” But then, poof! Gone again faster than you can say “empty promises.”
Important events? Missed, obviously. But hey, at least he tried to “buy” my forgiveness with random gifts: dolls, toys, anything shiny to distract me from, you know, his actual absence.
A teenage girl feeling sad while holding a gift box | Source: Midjourney
Like, seriously, a toy car can’t fix the fact you missed my graduation! So yeah, despite the whole “disappearing dad” thing, I still held onto hope. Then, BAM! Enter Dylan.
When I met Dylan at a mutual friend’s party, everything felt different. He had this warmth about him that drew me in. One evening, sitting on his couch, I asked him, “Dylan, do you think people can really change?”
He looked at me, his blue eyes full of thought. “I believe people can change if they truly want to, Val. But it has to come from within.”
A couple hugging on a lakeside | Source: Midjourney
Dylan and I quickly became close. We shared endless late-night talks, laughter, and a connection that felt like home.
One night, at our favorite spot by the lake, he got down on one knee, his voice shaking. “Valeria, will you marry me?”
Tears of joy filled my eyes. “Yes, Dylan, yes!”
As I started planning the wedding, my father suddenly reappeared, more consistently than ever before. He began calling regularly and showing up more often. He even insisted on paying for part of the ceremony.
One day, while we were discussing wedding plans, he asked, “Val, can I have the father-daughter dance at your wedding?”
A woman talking to her father in their living room | Source: Midjourney
I hesitated. “Dad, I don’t know…”
“Please, Val,” he said, his voice breaking. “I know I’ve let you down before, but I want to make it right. Just one dance. Please.”
I wanted to say no, remembering all the broken promises, but he was persistent. With a heavy heart and against my better judgment, I agreed.
On the day of the wedding, I was a bundle of nerves. Despite my doubts, a part of me hoped he would keep his promise. Throughout the ceremony and reception, he kept assuring me he’d be there for the dance. Each time, I wanted to believe him, hoping he had really changed.
A woman in a bridal dress on her wedding day | Source: Midjourney
“Val, you look beautiful,” Dylan whispered as we stood at the altar. His smile eased my nerves a bit.
“Thank you, Dylan,” I whispered back, my heart racing. “I just hope my dad shows up for the dance.”
“He will,” Dylan said confidently. “He promised, right?”
As the time for the father-daughter dance approached, my anxiety grew. Guests gathered around the dance floor and the music started, but my father was nowhere in sight.
A bride and groom hugging | Source: Midjourney
I tried calling him, but it went straight to voicemail. My heart sank as I realized he had let me down again. He sent a message with another one of his flimsy excuses but I knew better.
The text read: “Sorry, Val, stuck in traffic. Will be there soon. Promise.” But deep down, I knew it was just another excuse.
“Val, I’m so sorry,” my mom said, hugging me tightly.
“It’s okay, Mom,” I replied, trying to hold back tears. “I’m used to it.”
A while later, one of the wedding staff handed me a small, neatly wrapped gift: expensive earrings.
A bride feeling angry and displeased while holding a gift box | Source: Midjourney
It was yet another attempt by my father to buy my forgiveness. The disappointment was overwhelming, and I stood alone on the dance floor, tears streaming down my face.
Dylan rushed over, concern etched on his face. “Val, I’m here,” he said softly. “You’re not alone.”
I looked up at him, my vision blurred by tears. “He did it again, Dylan. He promised, and he broke it.”
Dylan wrapped his arms around me, holding me close. “I’m so sorry, Val. You don’t deserve this.”
A bride crying | Source: Midjourney
Just then, the rescue came in the most unexpected way. My stepfather, Richard, who had quietly supported me throughout my life without ever asking for anything in return, stepped forward.
Richard had always been there, a steady and reliable presence, even when I had pushed him away, insisting he was “just a stepfather.” I had never truly given him the credit he deserved.
“May I have this dance?” he asked gently, holding out his hand.
Surprised, I looked at him, my emotions a whirlwind. I hesitated for a moment but then took his hand.
A bride dancing with her stepdad on her wedding day | Source: Midjourney
As we began to dance, the room seemed to fade away. Richard held me close, his embrace warm and comforting. It was a moment of unexpected solace.
“Richard, I… I don’t know what to say,” I whispered as we swayed to the music.
“Val, you don’t have to say anything,” he replied softly. “I’m just happy to be here for you.”
His words, so simple yet so full of meaning, brought tears to my eyes. The music, a soft melody that seemed to cradle us, made the moment even more surreal.
A bride talking to her stepdad on her wedding day | Source: Midjourney
I had spent so much of my life longing for my father’s presence that I had overlooked the man who had been there all along. When the dance ended, Richard took the microphone for the father-daughter speech. He looked around the room, then at me, his eyes filled with a mix of pride and emotion.
“I never thought I’d be standing here,” he began, his voice steady but full of feeling.
A man giving a speech at his stepdaughter’s wedding | Source: Midjourney
“I know I’m not your biological father, but from the moment I met you and your mother, I felt a love and a bond that goes beyond blood. Being here today, sharing this dance with you is the greatest honor of my life. I am the happiest man in the world because I get to share this moment with you. You may have called me ‘just a stepfather,’ but to me, you have always been a daughter.”
His words broke through the last barriers I had built around my heart. The room erupted in applause, but all I could see was Richard.
A bride hugging her stepfather on her wedding day | Source: Midjourney
In that moment, I realized that family isn’t defined by blood alone, but by the love and commitment someone shows through their actions.
As we embraced, I whispered, “Thank you, Dad.”
And for the first time, I truly meant it.
The rest of the evening was a blur of joy and celebration. Dylan and I danced, laughed, and soaked in every precious moment. At one point, my mom came up to me, her eyes glistening with tears.
A bride with her mother on her wedding day | Source: Midjourney
“Val, I am so proud of you,” she said, pulling me into a hug. “And Richard… he loves you so much. I’m glad you finally see that.”
“I do, Mom,” I replied, hugging her back tightly. “I really do.”
Later that night, as Dylan and I finally had a moment to ourselves, he took my hands and looked at me with those caring eyes.
“How are you feeling?” he asked gently.
“Overwhelmed, but in a good way,” I said with a small laugh. “I never expected Richard to step up like that.”
A bride and groom laughing | Source: Midjourney
“He’s a good man,” Dylan said. “And he loves you. I’m glad he was here for you today.”
“Me too,” I said, my heart full of gratitude. “I spent so long waiting for my dad to be there for me, and I didn’t see what was right in front of me.”
Dylan smiled and kissed my forehead. “Sometimes, it takes moments like these to realize what’s truly important.”
As the night came to an end, I found myself reflecting on everything that had happened. My father’s absence had been a painful reminder of broken promises, but Richard’s presence had shown me the true meaning of love and family.
A woman is sitting on a porch and reading a letter | Source: Midjourney
It wasn’t about grand gestures or blood relations; it was about being there, day in and day out, without expecting anything in return. A few days after the wedding, I received a letter from my father. It read:
Dear Valeria, I’m sorry I couldn’t make it to your wedding and share our father-daughter dance with you. Believe me, I really was caught up in a bad traffic jam. And by the time I got out, it was too late. I hope you will forgive me.
– Your Dad.
But I knew better. I didn’t need his words anymore. I had found the love and support I needed in Richard, Dylan, and my mom.
A middle-aged man lost in his thoughts | Source: Midjourney
As I sat on the porch, reading the letter, Richard came out and sat beside me. He didn’t say anything, just offered his silent support. I turned to him, my eyes filled with gratitude.
“Thank you for everything, Richard,” I said, my voice trembling with emotion. “You have no idea how much you mean to me.”
He smiled, his eyes gentle and warm. “Val, being a part of your life has been the greatest gift. I love you, and I’ll always be here for you.”
We sat there in comfortable silence, the weight of the past slowly lifting from my shoulders. I had finally found peace, not in the father I had always longed for, but in the family I had right beside me all along. For the first time in a long time, I felt whole.
A woman sitting with her stepdad on the porch | Source: Midjourney
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