Valerie Harper, Star of '70s Sitcom 'Rhoda,' Passes Away at Age 80
We're very sad to share the news that actress Valerie Harper, best known for her roles on the '70s sitcoms "Rhoda" and "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," passed away earlier today.
Her family confirmed Harper's death to ABC News. The cause of death was not immediately disclosed, but Harper, who just turned 80 on August 22, had been battling lung cancer since 2009.
She announced in 2013 that she had leptomeningeal carcinomatosis, a rare condition in which cancer cells spread into the membranes surrounding the brain.
Despite her illness, she continued working, including appearing on "Drop Dead Diva," "2 Broke Girls," and "Hot in Cleveland." She was also a contestant on ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" in 2013.
She won four Emmys and a Golden Globe for playing Rhoda Morgenstern on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" (1970-1977) show and its spinoff, "Rhoda" (1974-1978).
During the course of her long career, Harper was nominated for eight Emmys, and six Golden Globes. She was also nominated for a Best Actress Tony in 2010 for her role in the play "Looped."
Her films include "The Last Married Couple in America" and "Chapter Two."
She also costarred with Mary Tyler Moore in the 2000 TV reunion movie "Mary and Rhoda." Moore passed away in 2017.
Our condolences to Harper's family.
[Via ABC7]