TV Icon Valerie Harper Has Terminal Brain Cancer
Watch Video
(Image source: Los Angeles Magazine)
BY LAUREN ZIMA
TV legend Valerie Harper has just three months to live. People magazine broke the story Wednesday; Harper has been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer.
“... [she has] a rare condition that occurs when cancer cells spread into the fluid-filled membrane surrounding the brain. ... Resolved to face her last days with courage and humor, ‘I don't think of dying,’ says the actress ... ‘I think of being here now.’”
73-year-old Harper was much beloved in the 1970s for her role as Rhoda on ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show,’ and her own spinoff, ‘Rhoda.’
The Emmy-winning actress had previously battled lung cancer. She got this latest diagnosis Jan. 15. Earlier this year, she’d appeared on Good Morning America to promote the release of her memoir, and revealed she was having health issues -- but said she was fine. Harper even got a call from her old pal, Mary Tyler Moore.
MARY: “How you feeling?”
RHODA: “I feel great, thanks! How bout you?”
MARY: “Fine! I was at the hospital, and they checked me out, and..oh, this is so charming. Thank you for calling in.”
Wednesday’s news got Harper’s name trending on Twitter, with celebrities speaking out..
Bravo’s Andy Cohen, for one, said the diagnosis puts things in perspective.
And Wednesday morning, ‘Good Morning America’ revisited some of Rhoda’s memorable moments, and spoke with People’s editor.
RHODA: “Don’t look at me, I don’t have any makeup on yet. Now that’s where you’re supposed to say, ‘But Rhoda, you look sensational without makeup.”
(laughter)
JD HEYMAN: “She’s very happy that she’s had the life she’s had.”
Harper’s advice?”Life is amazing...live it to the fullest.” People’s full interview with Harper hits newsstands in this week’s issue.
Read More @ Source More Celeb Stories Here