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Celebrating 50 Years Of The Mary Tyler Moore Show: A Look Back At Its Legacy

Carlkissel December 01, 2024

Celebrating 50 Years Of The Mary Tyler Moore Show: A Look Back At Its Legacy

Mary Tyler Moore first walked through the doors of Minneapolis’ WJM-TV 50 years ago in September 1970. After deflecting a number of inappropriate job interview questions with humor and grace, she was offered an associate producer position. “You’ve got spunk,” her new boss at the time, Lou Grant, had growled at her. “I hate spunk.” This iconic moment marked the beginning of a groundbreaking television show that would change the landscape of sitcoms forever.

Ed Asner, who played Lou in the hit sitcom, says it’s sometimes hard to believe so much time has passed since The Mary Tyler Moore Show debuted. “It was seven years of delight,” the actor, now 90, shared. His recent memoir, Son of a Junkman: My Life From the West Bottoms of Kansas City to the Bright Lights of Hollywood, highlights the bond formed among the cast. “We all loved each other, we all worked hard … it was an ideal situation.”

Another original cast member, Gavin MacLeod, 89, who played head writer Murray Slaughter, agrees that the hit ’70s sitcom was a “once in a career” pinnacle. He recalls, “You know what? Love was all around,” quoting the series’ theme song. “It was a wonderful atmosphere where people cared. They cared, not only for each other, but about the product. And it starts at the top, which is Mary.”

Biography and Personal Details of Mary Tyler Moore

Detail	Information
Name	Mary Tyler Moore
Birth Date	December 29, 1936
Death Date	January 25, 2017
Occupation	Actress, Producer
Notable Works	The Dick Van Dyke Show, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Ordinary People

The Impact of The Mary Tyler Moore Show

This groundbreaking show not only entertained audiences but also addressed significant social issues. It broke ground by including hot-button topics like equal pay, birth control, and sexual independence alongside the laughs. “The writers were so good. We’d have a table reading and everyone would laugh,” said Joyce Bulifant, who recurred as Murray’s wife Marie. “The next day we’d come back, and it was even better!”

Inspiration for funny one-liners could come from anywhere. Valerie Harper, who played Mary’s chronic dieter best friend Rhoda Morgenstern, suggested memorable lines that were never in the script. “I don’t know why I should even bother to eat this. I should just apply it directly to my hips,” she said while holding candy, which brought the roof down with laughter, showcasing the improvisational spirit of the cast.

Memorable Moments and Relationships

The camaraderie among the cast members was palpable, as Ed Asner recalls fondly. “Mary was perfect,” he gushed. “She had the legs; she had a smile that went for miles. She spent her lunches dancing instead of eating. She was a driven creature.” This enthusiasm and dedication created a vibrant atmosphere on set.

Though practical jokes weren’t the norm, laughter was a constant presence. Ed recalls a hilarious moment involving toupees that left everyone in stitches. “The biggest joke I can remember was the time I was showing off my new toupee,” he said. “Gavin, who is quite bald, showed off his. And then John Amos, who we all thought had a full head of hair, whipped off his toupee! Ted and Mary were the only ones without toupees!”

Lasting Legacy and Recognition

The Mary Tyler Moore Show lasted seven seasons, won 29 Primetime Emmys, and spawned three spinoffs. Its influence can still be felt today as it paved the way for future female-driven sitcoms. Ed Asner expressed a sense of pride in being part of such a revolutionary show, stating, “I was jealous for a long period because the girls seemed to get more attention than the boys [on the show].”

Despite the show's end, the spirit of its cast lives on. Betty White, who joined the cast later as Sue Ann Nivens, is celebrated for her humor and wit at 98 years old. Gavin MacLeod reflects on the lasting impact of their work together: “It was the producers who thought The Mary Tyler Moore Show was tapped for all it was worth. Every one of us would have been willing to put in another year.”

For more on the Mary Tyler Moore Show cast, pick up the latest issue of Closer Weekly, on newsstands now — and be sure to sign up for our newsletter for more exclusive news!

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