Valerie Harper's illustrious career spanned a multitude of mediums, including the stage, television, and feature films, with a primary focus on bringing joy and laughter to audiences. Born in Suffern, New York, Harper's early life was marked by a sense of humor, as she would later quip, "I was born to suffer." Her professional journey began as a dancer with the esteemed corps de ballet at Radio City Hall during its heyday, before transitioning into acting. Harper's extensive experience in the entertainment industry included working on industrial shows, regional theatre productions, and even the renowned Second City comedy troupe in Chicago.
As her career progressed, Harper made her way to Broadway, starring in notable productions such as Dear Liar, the Tony Award-winning Story Theatre, Something Different, and Metamorphosis. Her breakthrough came with television, earning four Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe for her work on The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970) and Rhoda (1974),in which she played the iconic title role. Harper's portrayal of Rhoda earned her the coveted title of Harvard's Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year, and the Rhoda's Wedding episode set a ratings record in 1974.
Following her retirement from the role of Rhoda Morganstern, Harper continued to remain active in the entertainment industry, appearing on stage and in film. Her feature film credits include Freebie and the Bean (1974),Chapter Two (1979),The Last Married Couple in America (1980),and Blame It on Rio (1984). In television, Harper starred in numerous movies of the week, including Farrell for the People (1982) on NBC, Don't Go to Sleep (1982) on ABC, and An Invasion of Privacy (1983) on CBS.
Throughout her career, Harper was a strong advocate for women's rights, and worked tirelessly on a film project with her second husband, Tony Cacciotti, which is still in development. The project, based on a true story involving domestic violence, is a testament to Harper's dedication to using her platform to raise awareness and support for important social causes.
