Tanya Roberts (born Victoria Leigh Blum; October 15, 1949 – January 4, 2021) was an American actress known for several iconic roles.
She played Julie Rogers in the final season of “Charlie’s Angels” (1980–1981), Stacey Sutton in the James Bond film “A View to a Kill” (1985), Kiri in “The Beastmaster” (1982), Sheena in “Sheena: Queen of the Jungle” (1984), and Midge Pinciotti on “That ’70s Show” (1998–2004).
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Tanya Roberts Net Worth
Tanya Roberts had a net worth of $10 million at the time of her death in January 2021. Her entire estate was left to her common-law husband, Lance O’Brien, according to her handwritten will. In 1998, Roberts starred as Midge Pinciotti on the sitcom “That ’70s Show.”
Her performance was praised by The Guardian for its depth and wit. She left the show after season 3 in 2001 due to her husband’s terminal illness, returning briefly in 2004 for guest appearances in seasons 6 and 7.
Early Life
Tanya Roberts was born Victoria Leigh Blum in 1949 (though often reported as 1955) in Manhattan, New York City, to Oscar Blum and Dorothy (née Smith).
Her father, Oscar Maximilian Blum, was a New York City native and the son of Theodor Blum, a pioneer in local anesthesia and the use of X-rays in dental care. Theodor was born in Vienna, Austria, and immigrated to New York in 1904. Oscar earned a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University in 1934 and was a first-year medical student there.
Career
Tanya Roberts began her career as a model, appearing in TV commercials for Excedrin, Ultra Brite, Clairol, and Cool Ray sunglasses. She took on serious roles in off-Broadway productions like “Picnic” and “Antigone”, and also worked as an Arthur Murray dance instructor.
Her film debut came with “The Last Victim” (1975), followed by “The Yum-Yum Girls” (1976). In 1977, she and her husband Barry Roberts moved to Hollywood, where she appeared in “The Private Files of J. Edgar Hoover” and later in “Fingers” (1978). In 1979, Roberts starred in “Tourist Trap”, “Racquet”, and “California Dreaming”. She was also featured in multiple television pilots that were not picked up, including “Zuma Beach” (1978), “Pleasure Cove” (1979), and “Waikiki” (1980).
Personal Life
Tanya Roberts was married to Barry Roberts from 1973 until his death in 2006. The couple had no children. She lived in the Hollywood Hills, California, and later became the partner of Lance O’Brien.
Her sister, Barbara Chase, was once married to Timothy Leary. Roberts wrote the foreword to The Q Guide to Charlie’s Angels (2008) and was described by her publicist as an animal rights activist. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she stayed connected with fans by hosting video chats on Facebook and Zoom.
What Was Tanya Roberts Cause of Death?
Tanya Roberts tragically passed away due to complications from a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) that led to sepsis, a stark reminder of the potential severity of common health issues.
Conclusion
Tanya Roberts’s legacy as a Bond girl and a versatile actress endures her life’s work and the wealth she accumulated reflective of her significant impact on the entertainment industry.
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FAQs about Tanya Roberts
- What propelled Tanya Roberts to fame? Roberts gained major recognition through her role in “Charlie’s Angels” and as a Bond girl in “A View to a Kill.”
- How did Tanya Roberts transition from modeling to acting? After achieving success as a model in New York, Roberts moved to Hollywood with her husband to pursue acting, landing roles in Off-Broadway productions before breaking into television and film.
- What were some of Tanya Roberts’s most memorable roles? Apart from “Charlie’s Angels” and “A View to a Kill,” Roberts was also known for her role as Midge Pinciotti on “That ’70s Show.”
- How did Tanya Roberts’s career impact her net worth? Roberts’s successful acting career, particularly her roles in high-profile projects, significantly contributed to her $10 million net worth.
- What legacy does Tanya Roberts leave behind? Roberts leaves a legacy of memorable performances, a pioneering spirit in the portrayal of strong female characters, and a reminder of the fleeting nature of life and health.
