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.
