Introduction
The Mary Tyler Moore Show is one of the most iconic TV shows of all time. It premiered in 1970 and ran for seven seasons, earning numerous awards and critical acclaim along the way. The show’s cast was a major factor in its success, with each member bringing unique talents and personalities to the screen. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the cast of the Mary Tyler Moore Show, exploring their careers before and after the show, as well as some of their most memorable moments.
The Main Cast
Mary Tyler Moore
Mary Tyler Moore, of course, played the titular character on the show. Prior to the Mary Tyler Moore Show, she was already a well-known actress, having starred in The Dick Van Dyke Show. However, it was her portrayal of Mary Richards that truly cemented her status as a TV icon. After the show ended, Moore continued to act in films and TV shows, including Ordinary People, for which she won an Academy Award. She also became an advocate for animal rights and diabetes awareness, and passed away in 2017.
Ed Asner
Ed Asner played Lou Grant, Mary’s boss at the TV station where she worked. Asner had been acting for many years before joining the Mary Tyler Moore Show, but it was his gruff yet lovable portrayal of Lou that really made him a household name. After the show, Asner continued to act in films and TV shows, including the spinoff series Lou Grant. He also became involved in political activism and served as president of the Screen Actors Guild.
Gavin MacLeod
Gavin MacLeod played Murray Slaughter, one of Mary’s colleagues at the TV station. Prior to the Mary Tyler Moore Show, MacLeod had appeared in numerous TV shows and films, including The Sand Pebbles and Operation Petticoat. After the show, he went on to star in the popular series The Love Boat. MacLeod passed away in 2021 at the age of 90.
Ted Knight
Ted Knight played Ted Baxter, the bumbling news anchor at the TV station. Knight had been acting for many years before joining the Mary Tyler Moore Show, but it was his portrayal of Ted that earned him widespread recognition. After the show, Knight continued to act in films and TV shows, including Caddyshack. He passed away in 1986.
Valerie Harper
Valerie Harper played Rhoda Morgenstern, Mary’s best friend and neighbor. Harper had previously appeared in TV shows like The Mary Tyler Moore Show and films like Freebie and the Bean. Her portrayal of Rhoda was so popular that she was given her own spinoff series, Rhoda. Harper passed away in 2019.
Other Cast Members
Betty White
Betty White had a recurring role on the Mary Tyler Moore Show as Sue Ann Nivens, the host of a cooking show. White had already been acting for many years before joining the show, but her performance as Sue Ann helped to revitalize her career. After the show, White continued to act in films and TV shows, including The Golden Girls, for which she won an Emmy.
Cloris Leachman
Cloris Leachman had a recurring role on the Mary Tyler Moore Show as Phyllis Lindstrom, Mary’s landlord. Leachman had already won an Academy Award for her role in The Last Picture Show before joining the show, but her performance as Phyllis earned her even more acclaim. After the show, Leachman continued to act in films and TV shows, including The Facts of Life and Malcolm in the Middle. She passed away in 2021.
Georgia Engel
Georgia Engel had a recurring role on the Mary Tyler Moore Show as Georgette Franklin, Ted Baxter’s girlfriend and later wife. Engel had previously appeared in TV shows like The Mary Tyler Moore Show and films like The Outside Man. After the show, she continued to act in films and TV shows, including Everybody Loves Raymond.
Conclusion
The cast of the Mary Tyler Moore Show was truly one of a kind, with each member bringing their own unique talents and personalities to the screen. While the show may have ended over 40 years ago, its impact can still be felt today, and the cast members’ legacies continue to live on through their work in TV, film, and beyond.
