The Mary Tyler Moore cast reunited on Thursday to film an upcoming episode of TV Land sitcom Hot in Cleveland, scheduled to air on Sept. 4. Mary Tyler Moore, Valerie Harper, Cloris Leachman, Betty White, and Georgia Engel had an emotional press conference on the studio lot where the iconic 1970s The Mary Tyler Moore Show was originally filmed.
As difficult as it might be to imagine these days, the CBS sitcom was the first time in television history that a never-married, independent career woman was the star. Considered one of TV’s most honored programs, it won the Emmy for an outstanding comedy series three years in a row.
After over 40 years, this reunion could be the last one for all five of them. Valerie Harper was recently diagnosed with terminal brain cancer and could have as little as three months to live.
However, the former Rhoda Morganstern has no intention of “dying until I do.” In addition to the Hot in Cleveland appearance, she recently appeared on the medical-themed talk show The Doctors. She has commented that, despite the diagnosis, she doesn’t believe that doctors can predict accurately when someone will die.
And she doesn’t waste time sitting around feeling sorry for herself. “The tears come up, but they’re part of the laughter,” 73-year-old Harper said.
While Harper was singled out for her positive attitude, all of the women seemed delighted to be working together again.
According to The Hollywood Reporter , Betty White said: “We’re grateful for the fact that we love each other. We’ve always gotten along. It would be different if it were one of those shows where we don’t speak. That wouldn’t have been any fun.”
How about a couple of videos of the Mary Tyler Moore cast reunion? Here’s a teaser from Katie Couric:
And here’s more extended coverage:
Will you watch the Mary Tyler Moore cast when they reunite on Hot in Cleveland?
[Mary Tyler Moore and Julie Andrews photo Featureflash / Shutterstock.com ]