Tanya Roberts was one of the sexiest and funniest actresses of her time, dazzling audiences with her stunning beauty and talent in That ’70s Show and Charlie’s Angels.
Tragically, her unexpected passing was marked by confusion, as her boyfriend mistakenly announced her death , adding a bizarre twist to the loss of this vibrant star.
Before we dive into the bizarre circumstances surrounding Tanya Roberts’ passing, let’s take a moment to celebrate her incredible contributions to the screen.
In a world where her legacy seems somewhat overlooked today, a closer look at her impressive career reveals just how unforgettable she truly was. And I’m sure she created cherished memories for many of you reading this.
Running away from home
Born Victoria Leigh Blum in 1949, Tanya Roberts grew up in the gritty Bronx of New York City. The little girl with ice-blue eyes lived in a poor old house with her mother and big sisters. Despite her modest life, Roberts had big dreams of wearing beautiful clothes, riding horses, living in a mansion, and shopping in limousines. Most of all, she wanted to be a star in Hollywood.
At just 15 years old, she took a bold step and ran away to chase her dreams. This was after her family had moved to Toronto, where a tragic event would lead Roberts to distance herself from them. One day, shortly after her father tragically passed away, Tanya felt the walls closing in on her.
In that moment, she decided to leave home. After a heated argument with her mother, Roberts packed her bags and moved to a place in the Village, a neighborhood in Toronto. She supported herself by selling dance lessons to ”old guys”, who lusted after her body.
It wasn’t long before she met another boy, Colin, who had also dropped out of school. She fell head over heels for him.
“It just happened. A stupid, spontaneous thing. Colin was two years older than me, a Canadian, a dropout, doing nothing. It was a love affair that turned into hatred. We never were friends. We didn’t get along at all. But I loved him, you know. I was butterflies. I’d look at him and gasp, ‘Oh my God!’ I responded to the palpitations of the heart.”
Married in secret
The couple was together for seven months and married in secret. They moved to New York together, but then Colin’s mother intervened, annulling the marriage. Roberts and Colin were far too young and hadn’t received their parents’ consent.
Roberts never told her mother about the marriage; she didn’t want to shock her. Soon after, the relationship with Colin ended, but another man entered Roberts’s life— one who would change her whole life.
As Tanya Roberts pursued her acting dreams in New York, she met Barry Roberts while waiting in line for a movie. He was a truck driver earning $30 a week, and he quickly became her next great love.
It was actually Tanya who proposed to Barry in a subway station, and they quickly tied the knot in 1973. Her husband had originally set his sights on becoming a psychologist but soon dropped out of his studies to write scripts for various TV networks.
The couple moved to Hollywood, determined to lead as normal a life as possible.
”You know you’ve got the right guy when you can sit at home with him Saturday night, just you and him and pizza,” Tanya shared in 1980.
For most of their lives, Tanya and Barry lived peacefully and happily, tucked away in the serene and private surroundings of their secluded home in the Hollywood Hills.
“Living here is like being in the country, but civilization isn’t far away when I need it,” Tanya exclusively shared with Closer Weekly in 2015. “It’s the house I’d always dreamed of.”
Spell on Charlie’s Angels
Tanya Roberts’ upbringing on the streets of Bronx served her well when she landed the role of the streetwise Julie Roberts in Charlie’s Angels. Before that, she had already made a name for herself as a model in television ads and took on serious roles in off-Broadway productions like Picnic and Antigone.
However, it was in the summer of 1980 that the world truly took notice of her.
Tanya was chosen from over 2,000 candidates to replace Shelley Hack in the beloved detective series Charlie’s Angels, which was struggling to attract viewers.
The producers hoped that the vibrant 26-year-old would inject new life into the show alongside her co-stars, Jaclyn Smith, the last original ‘Angel,’ and Cheryl Ladd. With her charisma and talent, Tanya was determined to help turn the series around.
”I think there’s a lot of enthusiasm on the set. We are a real team. It’s very important for us to get along because it shows in our work. I think it’s hard do continually make a classy show every week for five years with three girls. It’s not Shakespeare but I think the public looks forward to seeing something new every week,” Roberts told The Daily Herald-Tribune in 1981.
Unfortunately, despite her efforts, Roberts — who described herself as a ‘workaholic’— couldn’t revive the series, and Charlie’s Angels was canceled in 1981.
However, her talent and dedication led to new opportunities in her career.
Nominated for Golden Raspberry Award
After Charlie’s Angels, Robert’s starred in a string of films that gained cult status, including The Beastmaster (1982), Sheena: Queen of the Jungle (1984), Body Slam (1987), and Night Eyes (1990).
Most people, however, associate her with her iconic roles as Stacey Sutton in the 1985 James Bond film A View to a Kill and as Midge Pinciotti on That ’70s Show, where she captivated audiences from 1998 to 2004.
In A View to a Kill, Tanya Roberts starred alongside Roger Moore, and the film became a massive box office success. However, critics weren’t entirely convinced; in retrospect, Moore himself expressed disappointment, stating that it was his worst Bond film due to its excessive blood and violence.
At 57, the Hollywood legend faced criticism for being too old for the role, and he even quipped about the age gap, revealing that he was mortified to discover he was older than Roberts’ mother. In a December 2007 interview, he humorously remarked, ”I was only about four hundred years too old for the part.”
Tanya, too, faced her share of criticism after her Bond debut. Interestingly, she wasn’t the original choice for the role. Producers had initially hoped to cast Priscilla Presley, but she was tied up with her contract for Dallas. They even considered former Bond girl Barbara Bach before ultimately selecting Tanya Roberts. Despite her efforts, she was nominated for a Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Actress, although she lost the dubious honor to Linda Blair, who appeared in Night Patrol.
Losing her husband
For the younger generation, many recognize Tanya Roberts from her role as Midge Pinciotti on the beloved sitcom That ’70s Show. She was a cherished presence on the show but had to leave after the third season.
The reason? Her husband, Barry, had become seriously ill, and she wanted to be there for him. Tragically, Barry died at the age of 60 after a long four-and-a-half-year battle with encephalitis, a condition that causes inflammation of the brain tissue, leading to personality changes, seizures, and weakness.
Tanya and Barry stood by each other from their marriage in 1973 until his passing in 2006. The couple never had any children.
Mysterious death
After the heartbreaking loss of her husband Barry in 2006, Tanya Roberts found love again with Lance O’Brien. The two met while working for Tahiti Village, a Las Vegas resort — Tanya as a spokesmodel. They spent 18 years together, seemingly inseparable, but their world took a tragic turn in December 2020.
At 71, Tanya was still vibrant and full of life, known for her daily hikes up the Hollywood Hills. Described as ”healthy as a horse,” there was no indication of any serious health issues. However, just before Christmas, Tanya began experiencing lower intestinal pain and difficulty breathing.
These symptoms surfaced during one of her hikes, and though she initially thought it might be COVID-19. Early the next morning, she collapsed, unable to get up, and was rushed to Cedars-Sinai Hospital.
Doctors determined Tanya had developed a severe urinary tract infection that had progressed to sepsis. The infection quickly spread to her liver, kidneys, and gallbladder, ultimately leading to multi-organ failure.
Tubes up her nose
“She was talking when I called 911. Next thing I know, she’s in intensive care on oxygen and she’s extremely sick,” O’Brien shared with the Daily Mail.
When O’Brien was finally allowed to see her, Tanya was barely conscious, kept alive by a ventilator. The iconic actress, who had once graced screens as a glamorous star, could only blink in response to her partner’s presence.
”When she saw me and I was there, I saw her eyes open,” he said. “I felt good. I said, ‘Hey, her eyes are opening. Her eyes are opening.’ They told me that’s just a reflex,” O’Brien told Inside Edition.
Sadly, Tanya’s final days were both chaotic and heartbreaking.
O’Brien expressed his frustration with the hospital’s handling of Tanya’s care, stating, “She had tubes up her nose and throat, and they kept calling her Victoria —she hasn’t been called that since she was a teenager. It was so busy, I can’t begin to tell you what an awful, terrible experience it was.”
“I think COVID played a big part in it,” O’Brien added. “If you called the hospital, it sounded like something out of [sitcom] M.A.S.H.”
Cause of death
Tanya’s condition worsened, and on January 3, 2021, she was taken off life support. The beloved star passed away on January 4.
However, the aftermath of her death was even more chaotic. The news of Tanya’s passing was initially announced prematurely by her publicist, leading to confusion.
In a bizarre twist, O’Brien learned she was still alive during a live interview with Inside Edition.
“Now, you’re telling me she’s alive?” O’Brien exclaimed, answering a phone call from the hospital mid-interview. Crying, he added, “The hospital is telling me she is alive. They are calling me from the ICU team.”
Eventually, all the confusion cleared up, and it became evident that Tanya Roberts had indeed passed away. However, the mix-ups didn’t stop there – several sources incorrectly reported her age as 65 at the time of her death. Despite the fact that she was actually 71, some outlets still haven’t corrected this mistake, even three years later.
Her last will
The handwritten note left behind by Tanya Roberts offered a hauntingly intimate and bittersweet glimpse into her final thoughts. According to Fox News, Roberts left her entire estate, valued at over $3 million, to her longtime partner, Lance O’Brien. She signed the note using both her Hollywood name, Tanya Roberts, and her birth name, Victoria Blum.
“I have no reason to live,” Tanya wrote, and she also made it clear that none of her estate would go to her sister, Barbara Leary, or her nephew, Zack Leary.
Instead, Roberts left everything to O’Brien, though the letter suggests their relationship may not have been as loving as it seemed to the public.
”I want to leave my house … and all its belongings to my best friend Lance O’Brien – I also leave my two dogs and my Pension Plan check to Lance O’Brien,” the actress penned, as captured in images obtained by Page Six.
Perhaps the most heartbreaking part of the note comes when she acknowledged the disconnect in their relationship. ”I know you don’t love me but you have been a true friend & for that I’m [grateful],” she wrote. ”Have a good life & don’t blame this on yourself. I was always [too] sensitive to live in this world.”
Behind the face
Tanya Roberts’ final chapter may have been marked by sorrow and confusion, but it’s important to remember the light she brought into the world.
When you take a moment to look back at old photos of her — whether she’s on set, starring in her iconic roles, or even candid behind-the-scenes shots — a picture emerges of a woman who was not only stunningly beautiful but fiercely independent.
At just 15, she knew exactly what she wanted out of life. Becoming a Charlie’s Angel made her immortal in Hollywood’s eyes, but what really stood out was how she handled fame. While some may have expected her journey through stardom to come with heartbreak, bad roles, or failed marriages, Tanya took a different path.
She remained loyal to her husband, Barry Roberts, staying by his side through illness and even stepping away from her career to care for him. That kind of dedication and strength speaks volumes about the kind of woman she truly was.
Looking back at those early photos and moments reminds us of her grace, resilience, and the lasting impression she left on her fans and loved ones alike!
Uncover the 7 Funniest Mistakes in Gilligan’s Island That Went Unnoticed
*Gilligan’s Island* is one of those classic TV shows that people from all generations love! With its perfect mix of comedy, memorable characters, and wild, funny situations, it became a show that fans still enjoy today.
Running from 1964 to 1967, this famous series took viewers to a tropical island where castaways faced all kinds of crazy adventures. But even in that beautiful setting, there were a few small mistakes that you might not have noticed!
It’s hard to believe *Gilligan’s Island* only had three seasons, especially with how popular it became and the huge fan base it still has in the 2020s! The more you know about the show, the more fun it gets!
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Fans of *Gilligan’s Island* love finding hidden bloopers, and there are plenty that you won’t even catch unless you’re really paying attention! Let’s start with a major one that most people miss.
In the opening credits of season two, we see the Skipper and Gilligan at the marina, getting ready to set off on their famous “three-hour tour.” As the boat heads out into the ocean, we expect to see seven castaways on board. But if you take a close look during two specific shots in the intro, there’s a surprising twist — there are actually **eight** people on the boat! This mysterious extra person remains one of the most amusing hidden bloopers in the series.
Keep your eyes peeled for more fun mistakes as you watch!
So, who are these mysterious extras? It turns out they’re stand-ins used to fill in during those wide shots of the boat from a distance. The actual actors weren’t on the boat for those specific scenes, and the stand-ins helped create the illusion, according to reports. This little trick was missed by many fans, but now you know the secret!
**The Friendly Physician**
How many of you remember the episode *The Friendly Physician* from season two of *Gilligan’s Island*?
In this fun episode, the castaways are taken to another island by a mad scientist named Dr. Boris Balancoff, played by Vito Scotty. He promises to rescue the group but secretly plans strange experiments, like swapping Gilligan’s brain with Mrs. Howell’s!
*The Friendly Physician* is the only episode where the castaways actually leave the island — and the only one where they switch bodies.
But here’s a small blooper from the episode you may have missed. When the castaways sail away from the scientist’s creepy castle, take a close look at the background. You’ll notice some buildings from the CBS studio lot sneaking into the shot!
The lagoon set on *Gilligan’s Island* was designed to create the perfect illusion of an isolated, tropical paradise. To hide the nearby studios and equipment, the crew used plenty of plants and trees. But in one particular shot, the camera angle was just wrong enough to show parts of the studio lot, breaking the illusion and offering a peek behind the Hollywood magic.
It’s a fun reminder that even a “deserted” island can’t completely escape the reality of showbiz!
**The Kennedy Assassination**
A darker piece of trivia, considering the show’s lighthearted tone, is that filming the original *Gilligan’s Island* pilot, titled *Marooned*, happened around the time of John F. Kennedy’s assassination in November 1963. The cast and crew received the tragic news while wrapping up filming in Honolulu Harbor. This event delayed production, as U.S. naval bases closed to observe a period of mourning.
If you closely watch the season one intro, you’ll notice the U.S. flags in the background are at half-mast, lowered in honor of President Kennedy.
**Alan Hale Rushed to His Audition on Horseback**
It’s hard to imagine anyone other than Alan Hale Jr. playing The Skipper. But Hale went to great lengths to land the role. While filming a Western in Utah, he received the call to audition for *Gilligan’s Island*. He left the set on horseback, hitchhiked to Las Vegas, and then flew to Los Angeles to make his audition. His efforts paid off, and he won the role, beating out tough competition like Carroll O’Connor.
**Natalie Schafer Opens Her Eyes**
In one episode, Gilligan tries to collect butterflies when an expert visits the island. The castaways, hoping to get home, plan to get the expert drunk. They all end up getting drunk on berry juice and passing out. In this scene, Mrs. Howell, played by Natalie Schafer, is supposed to be passed out. However, if you watch closely, you’ll see her briefly open her eyes while pretending to sleep. It’s a small blooper but a fun one for eagle-eyed fans.
**Woodpeckers on Oceanic Islands**
In the first episode, Gilligan and the Skipper try to sail away on a raft, hoping for rescue. The scene was filmed in a large movie tank, which was essentially a giant swimming pool. If you pay attention during the shark attack, you can spot the tank’s rim in the shot. Additionally, when Gilligan’s oar gets bitten by the shark, and the Skipper tells him to keep paddling, you might notice the shadow of the boom mic on the raft in the corner of the screen. Another fun blooper that shows even well-loved shows have their slip-ups!
But that’s not all! This episode is full of quirky moments. For instance, when Gilligan hides inside a tree trunk, a woodpecker starts pecking at his head. It’s a fun detail, but woodpeckers don’t actually live on oceanic islands!
**The Original Theme Song Left Out The Professor and Mary Ann**
The castaways wouldn’t have survived long without The Professor (Russell Johnson) and Mary Ann (Dawn Wells), who often served as the brains of the group. However, when the show first aired, they weren’t credited in the opening and were left out of the theme song, referred to simply as “the rest.” Because of their growing popularity and the influence of series star Bob Denver, “the Professor and Mary Ann” were finally added to the opening starting in season two.
**The Boat Was Named After an FCC Chairman**
Fans remember the wrecked tour boat as the S.S. Minnow, but it wasn’t named after the fish. It was actually named after FCC chairman Newton Minow. He is known for calling American television a “vast wasteland” due to what he thought was poor-quality programming. Series creator Sherwood Schwartz chose to name the boat after him as a playful jab.
**So Sorry, My Island**
In the memorable episode *So Sorry, My Island*, Vito Scotty makes his first appearance as a World War II Japanese sailor who doesn’t realize the war is over. He arrives in a one-man submarine and takes the castaways captive. Gilligan and the Skipper come up with a plan to steal the submarine, but there’s a problem: the Skipper can’t fit inside! So, Gilligan takes over and zooms around the lagoon, making it look like he’s piloting a submarine.
These moments highlight the fun and unique charm of *Gilligan’s Island*, reminding fans why the show remains a classic!
But here’s the funny part: there’s no real submarine in that scene! If you look closely, you can see someone’s flippers sticking out of the water. And when the periscope is supposedly being used by Gilligan, it’s actually attached to a diver swimming below. While you can’t see the diver, you can spot their air tank rising above the water for just a moment. Also, it’s worth noting that Japan never created one-man submarines during World War II, which adds another layer of humor to the scene.
**The Truth Behind Mary Ann and Ginger**
When *Gilligan’s Island* aired in the 1960s, it wasn’t just the comedy and adventures that caught viewers’ attention — it was also the charm of its leading ladies, Ginger Grant and Mary Ann Summers. Tina Louise played the glamorous movie star Ginger, embodying the classic “stone cold fox,” while Dawn Wells brought to life the sweet, wholesome appeal of Mary Ann, the girl next door from Kansas. Were you Team Ginger or Team Mary Ann?
Ginger, with her sultry confidence and striking looks, was clearly the show’s sex symbol. Tina Louise’s performance gave viewers a taste of Hollywood glamor, making Ginger a fantasy for many young men and the envy of many women. However, beneath her glitzy exterior, Ginger had depth and ambition, capturing the hearts of an audience enchanted by her charisma.
The dynamic between these two characters added a fascinating layer to the show, sparking debates among fans about who they preferred. The interplay of their personalities and the way they approached the challenges of island life made *Gilligan’s Island* even more memorable.
On the other hand, Mary Ann represented charm and sincerity. Her wholesome nature, along with her classic prairie dresses, made her the ideal all-American girl.
“Don’t get me wrong — Tina was so beautiful and sexy, and I learned so much from her,” Wells explained. “But Mary Ann was wholesome, approachable, and attainable. She’s the girl you’d have a crush on and want to bring home to Mom.”
The iconic images from the set of *Gilligan’s Island* showcase a friendship that went beyond their on-screen rivalry. Tina and Dawn’s chemistry off-camera was evident, reflecting the mutual respect and admiration they had for one another. They shared laughs, supported each other, and celebrated their differences, capturing the spirit of camaraderie that the show ultimately represented.
In a striking image, you can see them side by side, perfectly contrasting their characters: Ginger, with her dramatic flair, stands next to Mary Ann, who embodies innocence and warmth.
This dynamic duo won the hearts of a generation, illustrating that friendship can thrive even amidst competition. Their legacy continues to resonate with fans today, highlighting how *Gilligan’s Island* created not just a beloved show, but also a lasting bond between its stars.
In the episode “They’re Off and Running,” Gilligan becomes the Howells’ house-boy after the Skipper loses a bet in a turtle (or tortoise) race to Mr. Howell. However, there’s a little blooper that fans might have missed: Bob Denver’s wedding ring is clearly visible during the scene, even though his character Gilligan was single on the island. Interestingly, Denver was married four times in real life, but his character remained unmarried throughout the show.
### Romance on Gilligan’s Island?
When *Gilligan’s Island* first aired in 1964, it quickly became a smash hit. Dawn Wells, who played Mary Ann, emerged as one of the biggest stars of the show and quickly became a fan favorite. She brought a lot of authenticity and emotion to her role, which resonated with audiences.
There have long been rumors about off-screen romances among the cast members. In 2016, Dawn Wells discussed these rumors and shared details about her relationships with some of the actors. Although many fans speculated about romantic connections, Wells emphasized that her relationships were more about friendship than romance.
The dynamic between the cast added to the charm of the show and contributed to its lasting popularity. For more about the cast’s relationships and behind-the-scenes stories, you can explore additional sources that detail their experiences on and off set.
In her reflections on *Gilligan’s Island*, Dawn Wells shared her perspective on the dynamics between the cast members. She noted that while Gilligan wasn’t seen as a romantic partner, the Skipper, played by Alan Hale Jr., was more like a father figure to her. Wells praised the character of the Professor, saying he had everything: good looks, humor, and intelligence. She also highlighted her close friendships with both Bob Denver (Gilligan) and Hale, remarking on Hale’s strength and playful nature.
### Only One Cast Member is Still Alive
Of the seven main castaways, only one is still alive today: 90-year-old Tina Louise, who portrayed Ginger Grant. The rest of the cast has sadly passed away: Jim Backus died in 1989, Alan Hale Jr. in 1990, Natalie Schafer in 1991, Bob Denver in 2005, Russell Johnson in 2014, and Dawn Wells in 2020【5†source】【6†source】.
This reflects the show’s long-lasting impact and the deep connections formed among the cast, even after the series ended. For more insights into the lives of the cast and their experiences on the show, you can explore articles that detail their relationships and contributions to television history.
Tina Louise has expressed mixed feelings about *Gilligan’s Island*, the show that made her famous. While she appreciates the love and admiration she continues to receive from fans, she has also struggled with being typecast as Ginger. Louise believes this has limited her opportunities to take on more serious roles in movies. Despite these challenges, she values what the show has meant to audiences over the years.
As we look back at the series, it’s clear that *Gilligan’s Island* holds a special place in the hearts of many. The hidden bloopers and behind-the-scenes facts reveal delightful surprises, reminding us why we fell in love with the castaways and their hilarious misadventures.
If you enjoyed these fun tidbits about the show, consider sharing this article on Facebook. Let’s spread the nostalgia and laughter, inviting more fans to reminisce about the unforgettable moments from the island!
For more insights into Tina Louise’s thoughts on *Gilligan’s Island* and the impact of the show, you can check out the full details in articles that explore her experiences and reflections.
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