It’s a sad day for fans of The Mary Tyler Moore Show.
Valerie Harper, who many will know as Rhoda Morgenstern, passed away on August 30th following a long battle with brain cancer.
The 80-year-old was first diagnosed with the disease in 2013 and was sent to hospice care in July of this year.
Harper spent eight years as Mary’s witty neighbor, including in the spin-off Rhoda. Her performance earned her 4 Emmy Awards and in addition to her acting career (which included Broadway).
Harper’s husband of almost four decades confirmed the news of his wife’s passing on Twitter via their daughter’s account.
“My beautiful caring wife of nearly 40 years has passed away at 10:06am, after years of fighting cancer,” said the statement by Tony Cacciotti. “She will never, ever be forgotten. Rest In Peace, mia Valeria. -Anthony.”
Tributes emanated from many in the television industry, including Alyssa Milano and William Shatner. Even musician Cyndi Lauper expressed her sadness.
Rest peacefully, Rhoda.
