Beloved sitcom legend dead at 80
US actress Valerie Harper, who scored laughs and stole hearts as Rhoda Morgenstern on back-to-back hit sitcoms in the 1970s, has died at the age of 80.
Longtime family friend Dan Watt confirmed Harper died Friday, eight days after her 80th birthday, adding the family wasn't immediately releasing any further details.
Harper was a breakout star playing the loveable sidekick on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, then as the funny leading lady of the spin-off series, Rhoda.


Later in her career, she played memorable guest roles in TV series like Melrose Place and Sex and The City, in which she played the mother of one of Carrie Bradshaw's boyfriends who shared a special connection with the character. In 2011, she returned to the small screen to play Teri Hatcher's character's aunt in Sex and the City, and two years after that appeared as a contestant on US Dancing With the Stars.
But in recent years, Harper's career took a back seat as she dealt with increasingly serious meidcal problems. In March 2013, she revealed that she had been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. She had battled lung cancer in 2009, and her husband-manager had said recently that he'd been advised to place her in hospice.

"People are saying, 'She's on her way to death and quickly'. Now it's five years instead of three months ... I'm going to fight this. I'm going to see a way," Harper said of her cancer diagnosis in September 17.
By July 2019, Harper was on a regimen of "a multitude of medications and chemotherapy drugs" and was experiencing "extreme physical and painful challenges" that required "around the clock, 24/7 care.
Tributes are flowing today for Harper from her peers in the entertainment industry:
Sad to hear about the passing of #ValerieHarper. She was incredibly courageous facing cancer with her humor and grace. Thinking of her devoted family, friends, and many fans. Like Mary Tyler Moore she could turn the world on with her smile. 🙏🏾❤️ pic.twitter.com/iEHnWl2BTO
— Robin Roberts (@RobinRoberts) August 30, 2019
One of our all-time favorites has passed. Wonderful, funny, lovely, supportive and a huge influence on and off stage, we love you, Valerie. https://t.co/SKrX7n4WYH
— Phil Rosenthal (@PhilRosenthal) August 30, 2019
Certain people become a part of our lives—and a part of our families. #ValerieHarper was one of those precious few. She was part of an ensemble but always had a comedic spark all her own. We were lucky to have her. pic.twitter.com/3zLuB6Dt1i
— Leonard Maltin (@leonardmaltin) August 30, 2019
Even when she was down she danced and showed the world that she refused to let cancer beat her. Now Rhoda is with Mary in heaven. RIP Valerie Harper. You were the epitome of strength and humor. 😢🤟🏻 pic.twitter.com/CEGWl4hfhA
— Marlee Matlin (@MarleeMatlin) August 30, 2019
Harper's death comes two-and-a-half years after the passing of the former co-star she remained closely associated with, Mary Tyler Moore. Moore died in January 2017 from cardiopulmonary arrest complicated by pneumonia, also aged 80.
Now, these two greats are together again. Rest in Peace, #Valerieharper 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/CAo46Ts8PQ
— John Luster (@JohnJhl9) August 30, 2019
Heaven must look like this right now. 💜 #RIPValerieHarper #ValerieHarper pic.twitter.com/vZedW8HLBg
— αѕнℓєу яєgιηα (@ClassicFilmDame) August 30, 2019
I like to think they're laughing together again. #ValerieHarper pic.twitter.com/ywwBWNtExd
— The Retro Pixie (@TheRetroPixie) August 30, 2019
More to come …