On the screen Mary Tyler Moore will go down as one of the best television actresses of all-time. Off the screen she’ll go down as one of the most empowering and inspirational women the world has ever seen. Tonight, CBS will air a one hour special commemorating the life of Mary Tyler Moore, who only this week passed away at the age of 80. During the program, the life and legacy of the legendary actress is remembered through her pioneering work in film and TV; interviews with admirers and news makers including Oprah Winfrey.
Moore spent 63 of the 80 years of her life in show business. At only the age of 17 she decided that she wanted to be a dancer. Her television career began with Moore’s first job as “Happy Hotpoint”, a tiny elf dancing on Hotpoint appliances in TV commercials during the 1950s series Ozzie and Harriet. After appearing in 39 Hotpoint commercials in five days, she received approximately $6,000 and that was only the beginning of a long and fruitful career.
Her true fame rose while she was a star on the Dick Van Dyke show which displayed her comedic genius. Eventually she landed her own show, The Mary Tyler Moore show in 1970 which ran until 1977. After her show ended Moore’s career was highlight by more television, films, time as an author, humanitarian, actress on Broadway, you name it. Moore received a total of 6 Emmy Awards in her career, and in 1980 even received an Oscar nomination.
In addition to tonight’s broadcast of Mary Tyler Moore: Love is All Around, networks will be running marathons in her honor. Perhaps no female or male actor has had more of an influence than Mary Tyler Moore. She will be missed but tonight’s special should not.
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