Valerie Harper Net Worth

Valerie Harper was an American actress who had a net worth of $1 million at the time of her death in 2019. Best remembered for her role as Rhoda Morgenstern on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and its spin-off Rhoda, Harper was one of television’s most beloved stars of the 1970s. Over her career, she earned four Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe, cementing her status as one of the era’s leading comedic actresses.

Valerie Harper Net Worth	$1 Million
Date of Birth	August 22, 1939
Place of Birth	Suffern, New York
Nationality	American
Profession	Actress

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Early Life

Valerie Kathryn Harper was born on August 22, 1939, in Suffern, New York. Her father’s career required frequent relocations, and Harper spent her teenage years in Jersey City, New Jersey. Unlike the rest of her family, she chose to remain in the New York area after high school to pursue her passion for dance.

Her ballet training led to opportunities on Broadway, where she performed in the chorus of several productions, including Li’l Abner, Wildcat, and Take Me Along. Harper later joined the famed Second City improv group, which ultimately led her to Los Angeles and into the world of television.

Breakthrough with The Mary Tyler Moore Show

In the early 1970s, Harper was cast as Rhoda Morgenstern, the witty and relatable best friend of Mary Richards on The Mary Tyler Moore Show. The role catapulted her to stardom, and her performance quickly became a fan favorite. Her success led to the spin-off series Rhoda, which ran from 1974 to 1978.

For her work on both shows, Harper received four Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe, making her one of the most celebrated sitcom actresses of her time.

Continued Success

After Rhoda, Harper continued to act in film, television, and theater. She appeared in TV movies, guest-starred in shows such as Desperate Housewives and Drop Dead Diva, and remained active on stage throughout her career. Her versatility allowed her to transition between comedy and drama with ease.

Health Challenges

On March 5, 2013, Harper revealed that she had been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer and given only three months to live. Defying all odds, she lived for more than six years after her diagnosis. By 2019, her condition had worsened, requiring round-the-clock care.

Her family described the financial burden of her medical needs as overwhelming and created a GoFundMe page to help cover her expenses. Despite these struggles, Harper remained an enduring symbol of strength and resilience.

Valerie Harper passed away on August 30, 2019, at the age of 80.