Tanya Roberts, a dazzling actress known for her roles in That ’70s Show and Charlie’s Angels, left a legacy of talent, beauty, and charm. However, her unexpected passing in 2021 came with a strange twist that left many shocked. Alongside the confusion surrounding her death was the discovery of a heartfelt, handwritten will that offered a glimpse into her final thoughts and emotions.
While her death was clouded by a mix-up that saw her falsely reported dead before she actually passed, Roberts’ life and career deserve celebration. In this article, we’ll explore her rise to stardom, the intimate details of her will, and her legacy in Hollywood.
The Early Life of Tanya Roberts: Running Away from Home
Born Victoria Leigh Blum in 1949 in the Bronx, Tanya Roberts didn’t have the glamorous start many associate with Hollywood. Growing up in a poor household, Roberts dreamed of something more. At just 15, she left her home in Toronto, where her family had relocated, following the death of her father. With nothing but ambition, Roberts set out to achieve her dream of stardom.
Her journey wasn’t easy. To support herself, she sold dance lessons and met a young man, Colin, who would become her first husband. They married in secret but soon annulled the marriage due to their age. Despite this setback, Roberts continued her pursuit of a career in the entertainment industry.
A Star is Born: Tanya’s Path to Fame
Tanya Roberts’ big break came in the summer of 1980 when she landed a role in Charlie’s Angels. With her captivating beauty and talent, she was selected from over 2,000 candidates to replace Shelley Hack on the hit series. Her role as Julie Roberts in the show was meant to revive its viewership, but despite her best efforts, the show was canceled in 1981.
Although Charlie’s Angels ended, Roberts’ career continued to soar. She went on to star in films that gained cult status, including The Beastmaster (1982), Sheena: Queen of the Jungle (1984), and A View to a Kill (1985), where she played a Bond girl alongside Roger Moore. Her role in the James Bond film made her a household name, even though critics were divided on the film.
Personal Life and Dedication: Married to Barry Roberts
In 1973, Tanya Roberts married Barry Roberts, a man she met while waiting in line for a movie. He was a truck driver at the time but later pursued screenwriting. The couple moved to Hollywood, living a quiet life away from the public eye. Despite her fame, Roberts and her husband maintained a simple, loving relationship. Tanya often spoke of how happy she was spending time with Barry, saying they enjoyed peaceful evenings together with pizza and movies.
Tragically, in 2006, Barry passed away after battling encephalitis, a condition that causes inflammation of the brain. Roberts left her acting career temporarily to care for him, proving her loyalty and dedication. The couple had no children, and his death marked a significant turning point in her life.
The Final Years: Health and the Mysterious Death Announcement
Tanya Roberts found love again with Lance O’Brien, a man she met while working as a model for a resort in Las Vegas. They spent 18 years together, but in December 2020, Roberts’ health took a turn for the worse. After experiencing pain and difficulty breathing, she was hospitalized with what was initially believed to be a severe urinary tract infection that developed into sepsis. On January 3, 2021, she was taken off life support and passed away the following day.
However, a bizarre mix-up occurred when her death was falsely announced on January 3. Lance O’Brien was being interviewed by Inside Edition when he received a phone call from the hospital informing him that Roberts was still alive. This confusion shocked fans and family, but sadly, the actress passed for real on January 4.
Tanya Roberts’ Handwritten Will: A Heartbreaking Revelation
Following her death, the discovery of Tanya Roberts’ handwritten will made headlines. The note, obtained by Page Six, revealed a deeply personal and emotional message. In the will, Roberts left her entire estate, valued at over $3 million, to her longtime partner Lance O’Brien. She made it clear that her sister and nephew would not receive any part of her estate, indicating a rift within her family.
Perhaps the most heartbreaking aspect of the will was Roberts’ admission that she felt unloved. In her note, she wrote, “I know you don’t love me, but you have been a true friend & for that I’m [grateful].” She expressed her gratitude to O’Brien, despite the perceived lack of love in their relationship. The note also mentioned her desire to leave her two dogs and pension to O’Brien.
The will provided a glimpse into the actress’s final moments, revealing feelings of isolation and sensitivity to the world around her. Her note reflected both gratitude and sadness, adding a bittersweet layer to her legacy.
A Legacy Remembered
Despite the tragic circumstances surrounding her death, Tanya Roberts’ legacy endures. She was a trailblazing actress, a dedicated wife, and a star who left a lasting impression on the entertainment industry. From her early days on Charlie’s Angels to her iconic role in A View to a Kill, Roberts’ performances captured the hearts of many.
Her handwritten will offers a poignant reminder that even those who appear to have it all can experience loneliness and sadness. However, her contributions to Hollywood and her strength in her personal life continue to inspire her fans.
Conclusion: The Final Chapter of Tanya Roberts
Tanya Roberts’ life was a remarkable journey filled with highs and lows, from her rise to stardom in Hollywood to the heartbreaking discovery of her handwritten will. While her death may have been marred by confusion, her legacy remains clear. She was an actress of great talent, a woman of loyalty and strength, and a person who left a lasting mark on the lives of those who knew her.
Her will, with its mix of gratitude and sorrow, reflects the complexity of her life. Though her final words suggest a sense of isolation, her impact on film and television—and the memories she created for her fans—will continue to live on.
