One of the most iconic actresses in TV history has revealed heart-wrenching news concerning her health. But she’s taking the diagnosis bravely and heroically. Keep reading for the tragic details.
Valerie Harper, who played Rhoda on the beloved Mary Tyler Moore Show and its spin-off Rhoda, tells People that she is facing a tragic diagnosis: terminal brain cancer.
The 73-year-old actress received the news herself on Jan. 15, that she is suffering from leptomeningeal carcinomatosis, a rare type of cancer that occurs when cancer cells fill the fluid membrane around the brain.
According to doctors, she has only three months left to live.
Valerie Harper: ‘I Don’t Think Of Dying’
The actress insists she is being strong and taking her shocking diagnosis in stride: “I don’t think of dying. I think of being here now,” Valerie told People.
Her resolve may be due to the fact that she’s been through a form of this before. In 2009, Valerie — a self-described “lifelong non-smoker” — was diagnosed with lung cancer. Thankfully she beat it, though she admitted to People, “I’m well past my expiration date already.”
Valerie Harper’s TV Legacy
The baby boomer generation will always have fond memories of Valeries contributions to television. Her hilarious work as Rhoda Morganstern on The Mary Tyler Moore Show earned her four Emmys and a Golden Globe.
And Valerie has never left our TV screens — she has appeared in character roles in some of the most popular series, like Melrose Place, Desperate Housewives, and That 70′s Show.
Valerie Harper: Celebrities Tweet Support
Celebrities have already taken to Twitter to voice their love and support for Valerie, proving how much of a role model she truly is to show business.
Andy Cohen tweeted, “Praying for Valerie Harper. Puts everything in perspective quickly.”
And famed talk show host Sally Jesse Raphael said on Twitter, “Tragic news about Valerie Harper. She has terminal brain cancer & just 3 months. Sending prayers, love & gratitude for her wonderful work.”
Obviously our prayers are with Valerie Harper and her family and friends as she goes through this difficult time.
– Andrew Gruttadaro
More Celebrity Cancer News:
Joel
Posted at 3:24 AM on April 29, 2013
I know Valerie can overcome this trial. You have plenty of support from your loved ones and fans.