It’s hard to believe, but the entertainment world has lost yet another popular star.
Valerie Harper, best known as TV’s spunky Rhoda Morgenstern on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” passed away after a long bout with cancer, her family confirmed on Friday.
BREAKING: Valerie Harper, beloved 'Mary Tyler Moore' and 'Rhoda' actress, dies from cancer, AP reports. https://t.co/ZAI1vekjYb pic.twitter.com/6w6lqDLoQB
— NBC News (@NBCNews) August 30, 2019
She was 80 years old; she was born in 1939.
Harper was a native of Suffern, New York, as Fox News and other outlets noted in pieces on Friday night.
She began her career as a dancer at Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan, then moved into the worlds of theater and improv comedy.
She ultimately rose to stardom as the character of Rhoda, the wise-cracking neighbor and friend, on the iconic TV sitcom “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” earning a Golden Globe and four Emmys for that role. (She’s shown above left, along with Mary Tyler Moore.)
Her spinoff show, “Rhoda,” aired from 1974 to 1978.
She then starred in her own sitcom, “Valerie,” from 1986 to 1987.
For more than 30 years Harper appeared regularly on television as well as in films.
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She is survived by her husband and her daughter.
“One of our all-time favorites has passed,” said Phil Rosenthal, executive producer of “Everybody Loves Raymond,” in a tweet. “Wonderful, funny, lovely, supportive and a huge influence on and off stage, we love you, Valerie.”
Many others in the entertainment world have been pouring out their sympathy and messages all evening long — here are a few more. Share your thoughts as well.
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
Loved her. Mary always needed her Rhoda. RIP #ValerieHarper pic.twitter.com/nmgUPp2jqD
— Janice Dean (@JaniceDean) August 30, 2019
? ‘Mary Tyler Moore Show,’ 'Rhoda' star Valerie Harper dead at 80 https://t.co/IXRIhOzLR1 #FoxNews
— Tammy Bruce (@HeyTammyBruce) August 31, 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. RIP Valerie Harper. You were the epitome of strength and humor. ??? pic.twitter.com/CEGWl4hfhA
— Marlee Matlin (@MarleeMatlin) August 30, 2019
JUST IN: Valerie Harper, the Emmy-winning actress who became famous for playing shoot-from-the-hip, loud-mouthed New Yorker Rhoda Morgenstern on the '70s hit "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," has died, her daughter confirmed to @ABC. She was 80 years old. https://t.co/5LNP9P1LMl
— ABC News (@ABC) August 30, 2019
Rest In Peace Valerie Harper, you will always be remembered as Rhoda in our hearts?? #ValerieHarper pic.twitter.com/tt98pwb5wm
— Lana Del Rey♡ (@lanahoneylust) August 31, 2019
Valerie Harper, Rhoda on "Mary Tyler Moore Show," dies at 80 https://t.co/2Rpzfaetnu pic.twitter.com/5QAT4cnfRK
— Variety (@Variety) August 30, 2019
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