Tanya Roberts, a dazzling and talented actress best known for her roles in That ’70s Show and Charlie’s Angels, captivated audiences with her beauty, humor, and on-screen charisma. Her sudden and tragic passing, however, was marked by confusion and a strange twist when her death was mistakenly announced by her boyfriend. This bizarre event cast a shadow over the loss of a vibrant star whose legacy deserves to be remembered.

Before we dive into the mysterious circumstances of her death, let’s take a moment to celebrate Tanya Roberts’ incredible journey, from her early struggles to her shining moments on the big screen. Many fans will recall her as an unforgettable presence in Hollywood.

A Bold Start: Running Away from Home

Born as Victoria Leigh Blum in 1949, Tanya Roberts grew up in the gritty Bronx of New York City. Despite her modest upbringing, she had dreams far bigger than her circumstances. The little girl with ice-blue eyes wanted to live in a mansion, ride horses, and shop in limousines. Most of all, she wanted to be a star.

At just 15, Tanya ran away from home to chase her dreams. Her family had moved to Toronto, but after her father’s sudden passing, Tanya decided to break free from the constraints of her life. She left after a heated argument with her mother and supported herself by teaching dance lessons to older men who admired her beauty.

It wasn’t long before she met a boy named Colin, and the two became inseparable, eventually getting married in secret. Unfortunately, the young couple’s marriage didn’t last, as Colin’s mother intervened to have it annulled. This chapter in Tanya’s life, though brief, marked the beginning of her pursuit of happiness and success.

From Secret Marriage to Hollywood Love

After her relationship with Colin ended, Tanya found herself in New York City, determined to make it in the entertainment industry. It was here that she met Barry Roberts, a truck driver with dreams of becoming a writer. It was Tanya who proposed to Barry in a subway station, and the couple married in 1973.

Barry and Tanya soon moved to Hollywood, determined to lead a life as normal as possible despite the pressures of fame. Their relationship was one of mutual support and love, lasting until Barry’s death in 2006. Tanya described their marriage as peaceful and fulfilling, often sharing how much she valued their time together in their secluded Hollywood Hills home.

A Spell on Charlie’s Angels

Tanya Roberts’ big break came in 1980 when she was cast in the iconic detective series Charlie’s Angels. She was selected from over 2,000 candidates to replace Shelley Hack, and her street-smart, charming persona quickly won over viewers. Although the show was struggling to maintain its audience, Tanya’s presence gave it a new burst of energy.

Despite her efforts and dedication, Charlie’s Angels was canceled in 1981. However, this didn’t stop Tanya from pursuing new opportunities. Her work in the series showcased her talent, and she soon became a recognizable face in Hollywood.

From Bond Girl to ’70s Show Star

After Charlie’s Angels, Tanya appeared in several films that gained cult status, including The Beastmaster and Sheena: Queen of the Jungle. However, her most iconic role came in the 1985 James Bond film A View to a Kill, where she played Stacey Sutton. Although the film was a box office success, Tanya faced some criticism and was even nominated for a Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Actress.

Nevertheless, Tanya Roberts found lasting fame on the small screen with her role as Midge Pinciotti on That ’70s Show. From 1998 to 2004, she captivated audiences once again, this time with her comedic timing and memorable performance.

Losing Her Husband and Taking a Step Back

Tanya’s life took a tragic turn when her husband, Barry Roberts, became seriously ill. After a four-year battle with encephalitis, Barry passed away in 2006. Devastated by the loss, Tanya stepped away from her acting career to care for him during his illness.

The couple’s deep bond, which lasted over three decades, was marked by love and loyalty. Even as Tanya faced personal hardship, she remained committed to her family and chose to be by Barry’s side through his battle with illness.

Mysterious Circumstances of Tanya Roberts’ Death

In late 2020, Tanya Roberts began experiencing health issues while on one of her daily hikes in the Hollywood Hills. Initially, she thought it might be COVID-19, but her condition quickly worsened. She was rushed to the hospital, where doctors discovered a severe urinary tract infection that had developed into sepsis.

Tragically, Tanya passed away on January 4, 2021. However, her death was first mistakenly announced prematurely by her boyfriend, Lance O’Brien, leading to widespread confusion. During a live interview with Inside Edition, O’Brien received a call from the hospital, informing him that Tanya was still alive, only to confirm her passing a short time later.

The Shocking Handwritten Will: Tanya’s Final Words

One of the most surprising aspects of Tanya Roberts’ death was the discovery of her handwritten will. In this note, she left her entire estate, worth over $3 million, to her longtime partner, Lance O’Brien. The will, signed by Tanya using both her Hollywood name and her birth name, revealed some of her deepest feelings.

In the will, Tanya acknowledged that O’Brien didn’t love her, but she still chose to leave everything to him, expressing gratitude for his friendship. She also made it clear that her estate would not go to her sister or nephew, further adding intrigue to her personal life.

The note, both intimate and bittersweet, offers a glimpse into Tanya’s final thoughts and reflects the complex emotions she experienced in her later years.

A Legacy Remembered

Tanya Roberts may have left this world under confusing and tragic circumstances, but her legacy remains strong. From her role as a streetwise angel to her unforgettable presence in That ’70s Show, Tanya captivated audiences for decades. Despite the challenges she faced, both in her career and personal life, she left behind a legacy of resilience, beauty, and talent.

As we look back on her life, we remember the woman behind the star: a fiercely independent spirit who pursued her dreams from a young age and remained true to herself through it all. Tanya Roberts will always be remembered not only for her beauty and charm but for the strength and grace she showed, both on and off the screen.