Tanya Roberts, known for her roles in Charlie’s Angels and That ’70s Show, left behind a legacy that was as complex as it was glamorous. A beloved actress of her time, her tragic death at 71 brought with it a whirlwind of confusion and heartbreak, but also a handwritten will that revealed an intimate, poignant look at her final thoughts.
In this article, we’ll explore Tanya Roberts’ incredible life journey, the strange circumstances surrounding her death, and the deeply personal details of her last will.
The Rise of a Hollywood Star: From the Bronx to Fame
Tanya Roberts, born Victoria Leigh Blum in 1949, grew up in the tough streets of the Bronx, New York. Even as a young girl, she had big dreams of escaping her modest upbringing and living a life of fame and luxury in Hollywood. Her journey to stardom was anything but easy.
At just 15 years old, Tanya made a bold move by running away from home. Her family had relocated to Toronto after her father’s death, but the grief and tension with her mother pushed her to leave. She supported herself by teaching dance lessons and eventually married a boy named Colin, but the marriage was annulled due to their young age.
Shortly after, Roberts met Barry Roberts, a truck driver with whom she would spend the rest of her life. It was Tanya who proposed to Barry in a subway station, and the two married in 1973. Together, they moved to Hollywood, where Tanya began to pursue her acting career in earnest.
Making Her Mark on Hollywood: Charlie’s Angels and Beyond
Tanya Roberts’ big break came when she was cast as the streetwise Julie Rogers in the popular TV series Charlie’s Angels. In 1980, she was selected from over 2,000 candidates to join the cast, replacing Shelley Hack. Though the show was struggling in its fifth season, Tanya brought a fresh energy to the series. Despite her efforts, Charlie’s Angels was canceled in 1981, but Tanya had already made her mark.
Following her stint on Charlie’s Angels, Tanya appeared in a string of films that garnered cult status, including The Beastmaster (1982) and Sheena: Queen of the Jungle (1984). However, her most iconic role came in 1985 when she starred as Stacey Sutton in the James Bond film A View to a Kill. While the movie was a box office hit, critics weren’t kind, and Tanya’s performance earned her a Golden Raspberry Award nomination.
The Role of a Lifetime: That ’70s Show
While Tanya’s film career may have had its ups and downs, her role as Midge Pinciotti on That ’70s Show solidified her place in pop culture. From 1998 to 2004, she played the ditzy yet lovable mother on the hit sitcom, charming audiences with her comedic timing.
However, Tanya left the show during its third season to care for her ailing husband, Barry, who was battling encephalitis. Her dedication to Barry during his illness showcased her deep loyalty and commitment to her loved ones. After 32 years of marriage, Barry passed away in 2006, leaving Tanya devastated.
The Mysterious Circumstances of Tanya Roberts’ Death
Tanya Roberts’ tragic death in January 2021 shocked the world. Known for her vibrant spirit, she was still active and enjoying her daily hikes in the Hollywood Hills. But just before Christmas 2020, Tanya began experiencing severe intestinal pain and breathing difficulties. She collapsed at home and was rushed to the hospital, where doctors discovered she had a urinary tract infection that had turned septic, leading to multi-organ failure.
In a bizarre twist, her longtime partner, Lance O’Brien, mistakenly announced her death prematurely, only to discover during a live interview that she was still alive. This confusion created a media frenzy, but Tanya eventually passed away on January 4, 2021, leaving behind a cloud of sorrow.
Tanya Roberts’ Handwritten Will: A Haunting Final Message
After Tanya’s death, her handwritten will surfaced, offering a glimpse into her final thoughts and emotional state. The will, valued at over $3 million, was left entirely to her partner, Lance O’Brien. What makes the will particularly heartbreaking is the note she penned, expressing her feelings of isolation and detachment.
In the will, Tanya wrote, “I have no reason to live,” making it clear that she wanted none of her estate to go to her sister, Barbara Leary, or her nephew, Zack Leary. Instead, she left everything to O’Brien, despite acknowledging that their relationship may not have been filled with love. “I know you don’t love me but you have been a true friend & for that I’m [grateful],” Tanya wrote. This raw admission revealed a profound sadness, contrasting with the vibrant image she projected on screen.
Perhaps the most striking part of the will was her desire for Lance to “have a good life” and not blame himself for her death. Tanya’s note reflected a deep sensitivity, as she admitted to feeling “too sensitive to live in this world.”
A Life of Strength and Resilience
Despite the sorrow and confusion surrounding Tanya Roberts’ death, it’s important to remember her life for the joy and talent she shared with the world. From her humble beginnings in the Bronx to her success in Hollywood, Tanya’s life was one marked by resilience, dedication, and independence. She lived life on her own terms, staying true to herself and her loved ones until the very end.
Her handwritten will may have revealed a vulnerable side to Tanya, but it also showcased her unwavering spirit. Even in her final days, she made sure to express gratitude and ensure that her affairs were in order.
Tanya Roberts may be remembered for her beauty, charm, and iconic roles, but her life was much more than that. Her journey from a runaway teenager to a Hollywood star speaks volumes about her determination and strength. While her final days were marked by tragedy and confusion, the memories she left behind are a testament to her resilience and grace.
In the end, Tanya Roberts was not just a star—she was a woman who lived life fully, faced challenges head-on, and touched the hearts of those who knew her both on and off the screen. Her legacy lives on through her unforgettable performances and the lessons she leaves behind for us all.
