“Mary Tyler Moore Show” star Valerie Harper died after a long battle with cancer, her family confirmed on Friday. She was 80 years old.
The actress, best known for her role as Rhoda Morgenstern on the hit 70s show alongside Mary Tyler Moore and later on her own show in the spin-off simply titled “Rhoda, died Friday morning, according to ABC 7. The cause of death was not immediately known. She had been battling cancer since 2009. (RELATED: Legendary Comic Don Rickles Died At Age 90)
Actress Valerie Harper, nominated for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play for her work in “Fences”, arrives for a Tony Award nominees press reception in New York City May 5, 2010. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson
Harper’s career started as a dancer at Radio City Music Hall before she transitioned to theater, improv comedy, and later the small and big screen, per Fox News.
During her career she was a regular on a variety of TV shows for thirty years on top of dozens of films. She also earned four Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe for her roles on “Rhoda” and “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.”(RELATED: Hollywood Reacts To Death Of Legendary Actress Doris Day)
Shortly after news broke of her death, stars like Ed Asner, William Shatner, and more celebrated her life on social media.
“A beautiful woman, a wonderful actress, a great friend and with balls bigger than mine. Her brilliance burst through and shined its light upon all of us,” Ed Asner tweeted. “Goodnight beautiful. I’ll see you soon.”
A beautiful woman, a wonderful actress, a great friend and with balls bigger than mine. Her brilliance burst through and shined its light upon all of us. Goodnight beautiful. I’ll see you soon. pic.twitter.com/FicADkSAzS
— Ed Asner (@TheOnlyEdAsner) August 30, 2019
“Even when she was down she danced and showed the world that she refused to let cancer beat her. Now Rhoda is with Mary in heaven,” Marlee Matlin wrote. “RIP Valerie Harper. You were the epitome of strength and humor.”
Even when she was down she danced and showed the world that she refused to let cancer beat her. Now Rhoda is with Mary in heaven. RIP Valerie Harper. You were the epitome of strength and humor. pic.twitter.com/CEGWl4hfhA
— Marlee Matlin (@MarleeMatlin) August 30, 2019
Valerie Harper was always the most gracious and the kindest actor on set.
She will be missed. Rest In Peace.
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) August 30, 2019
Another wonderful actor passes away. Loved this show growing up.
Valerie Harper, TV’s Rhoda, has died at 80 https://t.co/0SB1HMkrst
— Kevin Sorbo (@ksorbs) August 30, 2019
Thank you brilliant Valerie- you gave us so much!! RIP Valerie Harper pic.twitter.com/URF0SuzCux
— Mia Farrow (@MiaFarrow) August 30, 2019
I love Valerie Harper for her humor, her intelligence, her fashion, her strength, and her vulnerability. I’m forever grateful for her art, inspiration and feminism. #RIPValerieHarper pic.twitter.com/fZtfnrCJfG
— Kimberley Johnson (@AuthorKimberley) August 31, 2019
Condolences to the family of Valerie Harper. Going to miss you Rhoda Morgenstern!
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) August 30, 2019
She is survived by her husband, Tony Cacciotti, whom she married in 1987, and their daughter, Cristina.
