Mary Tyler Moore
1936 - 2017
Programs such as The Donna Reed Show, The Andy Griffith Show, and Father Knows Best, were among the lineup I would watch whenever I was home sick from school and my mother would wheel the black and white tv set into my bedroom from the kitchen. One of my absolute favorites was The Dick Van Dyke Show, which was where I first saw Mary Tyler Moore, playing the part of Laura Petrie, his young wife on the sitcom. I thought she was so pretty and moved beautifully whenever she danced on the program.
Fast forward to the 1970's and along came Mary again, this time starring in her own show. From the catchy theme song to her cozy studio apartment, many of us were hooked right from the first episode. I can recall as a freshman and sophomore in college, my roommate and I would not even think of going out on a Saturday night until we had seen Mary's show.
Mary's character gave us a visual of a strong, independent woman but one who also maintained such a sweet and kind nature. Her friendship with Rhoda, her upstairs neighbor, seemed to mimic the strong bonds many of us had formed with friends in high school and college. Despite any hardships or difficulties she encountered, Mary Richards would always rise to the occasion with grace, dignity and her signature smile.
With what is presented on television at the moment, portrayed as so called role models for young women, I pray that reruns of The Mary Tyler Moore Show will be around not only for my granddaughters, but for many generations to come.
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