Tanya Roberts, a beloved actress known for her roles in Charlie’s Angels and That ’70s Show, captivated audiences with her beauty, wit, and undeniable charm. Tragically, her passing in January 2021 left her fans and the entertainment world in mourning. However, the circumstances surrounding her death—and the contents of her handwritten will—unveiled a complex story that extended far beyond her on-screen persona. This article explores Tanya Roberts’ life, the mysterious circumstances of her passing, and the revelations contained in her final will, which left many shocked.
Tanya Roberts: Hollywood’s Unforgettable Star
Before delving into the details of her will, it’s essential to appreciate Tanya Roberts’ remarkable career. Born Victoria Leigh Blum in the Bronx in 1949, Roberts grew up in a modest environment, far from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. Yet, from a young age, she dreamt of a life filled with fame, success, and elegance.
Her determination led her to run away from home at the age of 15, eventually pursuing a career in modeling and acting. Her breakthrough came when she was cast in the popular detective series Charlie’s Angels in 1980, where she portrayed street-smart Julie Roberts. While the show struggled with declining viewership, Tanya’s presence injected fresh energy into the cast, even if the series was ultimately canceled a year later.
Her Hollywood career blossomed with memorable roles in cult classics like The Beastmaster and Sheena: Queen of the Jungle, before landing the iconic part of Stacey Sutton in the James Bond film A View to a Kill in 1985. For many fans, however, Tanya Roberts will always be remembered as Midge Pinciotti, the fun-loving mom on That ’70s Show.
A Life Marked by Tragedy and Love
Despite her glamorous Hollywood career, Tanya Roberts’ life was filled with personal struggles and heartbreak. One of the most poignant aspects of her story is her relationship with her husband, Barry Roberts, a screenwriter whom she married in 1973. Their love story began in New York when they met while waiting in line for a movie. It was Tanya who boldly proposed to Barry in a subway station, and the couple tied the knot soon after.
The Roberts’ marriage was one marked by devotion. In 2006, after more than three decades together, Tanya tragically lost Barry to a long battle with encephalitis. In a testament to her loyalty, she left her role on That ’70s Show to care for him during his illness. Although the couple had no children, they shared an enduring bond that spanned decades.
Following Barry’s death, Tanya eventually found love again with Lance O’Brien, a man she would spend her final years with. But as the world would soon learn, her final days were marked by confusion, sorrow, and revelations that shook those closest to her.
Tanya’s Tragic and Mysterious Death
Tanya Roberts’ sudden death came as a shock to her fans, but even more shocking was the confusion that surrounded her passing. In late December 2020, Tanya collapsed at her home after experiencing severe pain. She was rushed to Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, where she was diagnosed with a severe urinary tract infection that had spread to her organs, leading to sepsis and multi-organ failure.
On January 3, 2021, Tanya was taken off life support, and reports of her death circulated in the media. However, in a bizarre twist, her partner Lance O’Brien learned during a live interview that Tanya was still alive, despite earlier announcements of her passing. This chaotic situation was emblematic of the confusion that characterized Tanya’s final days. Tragically, she did pass away on January 4, 2021, at the age of 71, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable roles and a deeply personal will that would soon come to light.
The Shocking Contents of Her Handwritten Will
After Tanya’s death, a handwritten will surfaced, revealing startling details about her final wishes. The note, which offered a glimpse into Tanya’s emotional state during her last moments, left everything in her estate—valued at over $3 million—to her longtime partner, Lance O’Brien. The decision to leave her entire estate to O’Brien, rather than her family, raised eyebrows and generated headlines.
The note, addressed to O’Brien, contained some deeply emotional and heartbreaking admissions. Tanya, who signed the letter using both her Hollywood name, Tanya Roberts, and her birth name, Victoria Blum, acknowledged that she believed O’Brien didn’t love her. Despite this painful admission, she expressed gratitude for his friendship and care, leaving him her home, belongings, two dogs, and even her pension plan.
“I have no reason to live,” Tanya wrote, adding, “I know you don’t love me but you have been a true friend & for that I’m grateful.” These poignant words offered a glimpse into the loneliness and despair she felt in her final days. Despite her wealth and fame, Tanya’s final thoughts revealed a woman who longed for deeper emotional connections.
Family Left Out of the Will
Another startling detail from Tanya Roberts’ will was her decision to exclude her sister, Barbara Leary, and her nephew, Zack Leary, from inheriting any part of her estate. Although the reasons for this exclusion are not entirely clear, it hints at a potential family estrangement or unresolved tensions that may have contributed to her isolation in her final years.
By leaving everything to Lance O’Brien, a man who reportedly stayed by her side in her final days, Tanya cemented the complexity of her relationships. However, the revelations in her handwritten will left many questioning whether her decision was made out of love or simply the absence of other close ties.
Tanya Roberts’ Enduring Legacy
Despite the confusion and heartbreak surrounding Tanya Roberts’ death, her legacy as an actress remains intact. From her stunning beauty to her powerful on-screen presence, Tanya left an indelible mark on Hollywood. Her roles in Charlie’s Angels, A View to a Kill, and That ’70s Show earned her a devoted fan base, while her off-screen resilience in the face of personal tragedies demonstrated her strength of character.
Tanya’s handwritten will, though tragic in its admissions, offers a rare glimpse into the inner world of a woman who had spent her life in the limelight. It’s a stark reminder that even those who appear to have it all—beauty, fame, and fortune—can struggle with feelings of loneliness and emotional distance.
A Final Goodbye: Tanya Roberts’ Last Words
The final words in Tanya Roberts’ will offer a haunting reflection of her state of mind before her death: “Have a good life & don’t blame this on yourself. I was always [too] sensitive to live in this world.” These words, laden with emotional weight, speak to a woman who, despite her success, struggled with her place in the world.
Her tragic end and the contents of her will leave behind a legacy that is both inspiring and heart-wrenching. Tanya Roberts will forever be remembered not just for her iconic roles, but also for her vulnerability and honesty in her final moments.
Conclusion: A Life of Fame, Love, and Heartbreak
Tanya Roberts’ life was filled with the glamour of Hollywood, the joy of great love, and the tragedy of loss. Her handwritten will revealed the raw emotions of a woman grappling with her own mortality and relationships. While her final wishes may have shocked some, they offer a profound glimpse into the complex and fragile human behind the star.
As fans and loved ones continue to remember Tanya Roberts for her unforgettable performances, her life story serves as a reminder that even in the world of fame, there are moments of heartbreak and vulnerability. Her legacy will forever be one of beauty, talent, and the bittersweet realities of life lived under the spotlight.
