Tanya Roberts, born Victoria Leigh Blum in 1949, navigated a varied career across American film and television before her death in 2021. Starting as a model for brands like Clairol and Ultra Brite, she transitioned into acting through the Actors Studio, eventually securing roles in notable series and feature films that defined her public profile for decades.
Early Career and Charlie's Angels
Before achieving wide recognition, Roberts pursued stage acting in productions such as Picnic and Antigone, while simultaneously working as an Arthur Murray dance instructor. Her film debut occurred in 1975 with The Last Victim, followed by The Yum-Yum Girls. In 1980, she was selected from approximately 2,000 candidates to join the cast of Charlie's Angels. As Julie Rogers, she appeared in the show's final season until its cancellation in 1981.
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Throughout the 1980s, Roberts appeared in several fantasy and action projects. She played Kiri in the 1982 cult film The Beastmaster and the titular character in the 1984 production Sheena: Queen of the Jungle. In 1985, she appeared as geologist Stacey Sutton in the James Bond film A View to a Kill, acting alongside Roger Moore. Her filmography from this era also included Body Slam and the erotic thriller Night Eyes.
Television and Later Work
From 1998 to 2001, Roberts portrayed Midge Pinciotti on the television sitcom That '70s Show, returning for guest appearances in 2004. Her television background also included roles in the pilot for Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer and appearances in the cable series Hot Line. In 2007, she attempted to launch two television projects as a presenter: Celebrity Tee Time and a home-improvement program titled Toolin' with Tanya, though neither series was commissioned.
Fast facts
- Born: 1949, The Bronx
- Died: 2021, Los Angeles
- Education: Actors Studio
- Notable TV Role: Julie Rogers, Charlie's Angels
- Notable Film Role: Stacey Sutton, A View to a Kill
- Notable Sitcom Role: Midge Pinciotti, That '70s Show
- Burial Site: Laurel Canyon
Questions readers ask
What was Tanya Roberts' birth name?
She was born Victoria Leigh Blum.
Why did she leave That '70s Show?
She departed after the third season in 2001 to care for her terminally ill husband.
Achievements
- Educated at Actors Studio
- Worked as television actor, film actor and film producer
