Tributes have flooded in for the much-loved family favourite – star of The Mary Tyler Moore Show and The Dick Van Dyke Show in the 60s and 70s – after she died at a hospital in Connecticut on Wednesday.
Mary passed away as a result of heart complications after contracting pneumonia.
She was best known for her portrayal of a modern, single working woman on The Mary Tyler Moore show, a huge influence in the US and Australia, which scooped a total of 29 Emmy awards during its seven year run from 1970 to 1977.
In a recent interview, former US First Lady Michelle Obama paid credit to Mary, telling Variety magazine: ‘I was probably 10 or 11 when I saw the show, and sort of started thinking, “You know what? Marriage is an option. Having a family is an option. And going to school and getting your education and building your career is another really viable option that can lead to happiness and fulfilment.”’
Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres paid tribute, writing on Twitter: ‘Mary Tyler Moore changed the world for all women. I send my love to her family.’
Oprah Winfrey wrote: ‘Dear Mary, You already know how you majorly influenced my life and career. I respected and admired your business acumen, your passion and compassion for all life, and most importantly, the values espoused through your storytelling. Thank you for being a Light that shined so brightly, it let me see myself in you.’
Britney Spears also wrote a message, Tweeting: ‘So strong, so courageous and so beautiful. Rest In Peace, Mary Tyler Moore.’
Mary was an advocate of animal rights, founding an adoption event in New York and she had raised awareness and money to fight diabetes, which she battled for almost 30 years.
Mary was married three times, to Richard Carleton Meeker from 1955 to 1961 and then Grant Tinker from 1962 until 1981 before finally settling with Robert in 1983.
Sadly, Mary lost her only son, Richard Meeker, in 1980 after he accidentally shot himself.
As well as her two best-known sitcom roles, Mary appeared in a number of other TV series including Annie McGuire, Mary, New York News and That 70s Show. Her last role was an appearance on the show Hot in Cleveland in 2013.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
