# Valerie Harper

> American actress (1939-2019)

**Wikidata**: [Q239293](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q239293)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valerie_Harper)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/valerie-harper

## Summary
Valerie Harper was an American actress renowned for her iconic role as Rhoda Morgenstern on the television series *The Mary Tyler Moore Show* and its spin-off *Rhoda*. Her performances earned her multiple Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe, solidifying her status as a beloved figure in American television comedy.

## Biography
- **Born**: August 22, 1939
- **Nationality**: American
- **Education**: Attended Hunter College and the New School
- **Known for**: Emmy Award-winning performances in *The Mary Tyler Moore Show* and *Rhoda*
- **Employer(s)**: Notable work in television, film, and theater
- **Field(s)**: Acting, comedy

## Contributions
Valerie Harper's contributions to television comedy include:
- **The Mary Tyler Moore Show** (1970–1974): Portrayed Rhoda Morgenstern, earning two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.
- **Rhoda** (1974–1978): Starred in the spin-off series, winning a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series Musical or Comedy.
- **Film and Theater**: Appeared in films like *Freebie and the Bean* (1974) and stage productions, including a Broadway debut in *Subways Are for Sleeping* (1961).

## FAQs
**What were Valerie Harper's most notable roles?**  
Harper is best known for her Emmy-winning performances as Rhoda Morgenstern in *The Mary Tyler Moore Show* and its spin-off *Rhoda*, as well as her role in *The Hogan Family*.

**What awards did Valerie Harper receive?**  
She won multiple Primetime Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and was recognized as Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year in 1978.

**Where did Valerie Harper study?**  
Harper attended Hunter College and the New School in New York City.

**What was Valerie Harper's impact on television?**  
Her portrayal of Rhoda Morgenstern redefined female characters in sitcoms, offering a relatable, working-class perspective that resonated with audiences.

## Why They Matter
Valerie Harper's legacy lies in her groundbreaking portrayal of Rhoda Morgenstern, a character that challenged traditional sitcom norms with her authenticity and humor. Her work influenced generations of comedic actresses and remains a benchmark for character-driven comedy in television. Without Harper's contributions, the evolution of female roles in sitcoms would lack a pivotal reference point, and the landscape of 1970s television comedy would be markedly different.

## Notable For
- **Primetime Emmy Awards**: Won four times for her work in *The Mary Tyler Moore Show* and *Rhoda*.
- **Golden Globe Award**: Received the Best Actress in a Television Series Musical or Comedy for *Rhoda*.
- **Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year**: Honored in 1978 by Harvard University.
- **Iconic Character**: Rhoda Morgenstern became a cultural touchstone, symbolizing 1970s feminist ideals through humor and relatability.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Valerie Harper was born on August 22, 1939, in Suffern, New York. She developed an early interest in acting, studying at Hunter College and later at the New School in New York City. Her educational background laid the foundation for her career in the performing arts.

### Career Beginnings
Harper began her acting career in the early 1960s, making her Broadway debut in *Subways Are for Sleeping* (1961). She transitioned to television, landing guest roles in series such as *The Untouchables* and *Ben Casey* before securing her breakout role.

### Breakthrough and Success
Harper's portrayal of Rhoda Morgenstern on *The Mary Tyler Moore Show* (1970–1974) brought her widespread acclaim. The character's popularity led to the spin-off *Rhoda* (1974–1978), cementing Harper's status as a leading comedic actress. Her performances earned her four Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe Award.

### Later Career and Legacy
In the 1980s, Harper joined the cast of *The Hogan Family*, further solidifying her television legacy. She continued to work in film and theater, appearing in projects like *Chapter Two* (1979) and *Nice Girls Don't Change the Sheets* (1990). Harper remained active in the entertainment industry until her death on August 30, 2019, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneering figure in American comedy.

### Awards and Recognition
Throughout her career, Harper received numerous accolades, including multiple Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe, and a Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year honor. These recognitions underscore her enduring impact on the entertainment industry and her influence on future generations of actresses.

### Cultural Impact
Harper's portrayal of Rhoda Morgenstern redefined the role of women in sitcoms, offering a nuanced, working-class perspective that resonated with audiences. Her character's authenticity and humor helped pave the way for more complex female roles in television, contributing to the evolution of comedic storytelling in the medium.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. datos.bne.es
3. [WIF Awards Retrospective. 2020](https://womeninfilm.org/updates/wif-awards-retrospective/)
4. International Standard Name Identifier
5. Virtual International Authority File
6. MusicBrainz
7. SNAC
8. Internet Broadway Database
9. [Valerie Harper, Emmy award-winning star of TV series Rhoda, dies aged 80](https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2019/aug/31/valerie-harper-emmy-award-winning-star-of-tv-series-rhoda-dies-aged-80)
10. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
11. The Movie Database