Mary Tyler Moore Mary Richards, Associate News Producer

Mary Tyler Moore
Mary Richards, Associate News Producer

From 1970 to 1977 the cast of The Mary Tyler Moore Show entertained us weekly with the antics of the employees at television station WJM in Minneapolis, the fictional station where Mary Richards (portrayed by Mary Tyler Moore) worked. It is hard to believe that nearly 25 years ago, one of television's most successful shows came to an end. Many of the players went on to work in other successful series and privately lent their names to many worthwhile causes, including the protection and welfare of animals. They are truly gifted actors with truly good hearts.

After deciding to bring the show to an end in 1977, Mary returned to television in an Emmy-nominated made-for-TV movie about breast cancer. Her role on Broadway in Whose Life Is It Anyway?, as a quadriplegic taking control of her destiny, earned her a Tony award. Mary truly defined herself as a dramatic actress in 1981 when she starred in Robert Redford's film Ordinary People for which she was nominated for an Oscar.

Always an advocate for the protection and well-being of animals, Mary and her good friend Broadway star Bernadette Peters started FIDO New York City, a program to help eradicate the pet overpopulation in the city. During a recent trip to Florida, Mary posed in a photo shoot to be used to promote pet rescue and spay and neuter programs.

Ed Asner Lou Grant, News Director

Ed Asner
Lou Grant, News Director

When WJM, the fictional television station in The Mary Tyler Moore Show was sold, Ed Asner's character, Lou Grant, was shifted over to a new show, aptly titled Lou Grant, where he found work as the City Editor of the fictional Los Angeles Tribune. Although much more of a dramatic show, Asner brought over the same curmudgeon style with which he had portrayed his character in The Mary Tyler Moore Show.

A self-proclaimed supporter of animals, Asner is a member of Defenders of Wildlife and in the past has supported organizations such as Best Friends and The Ark Trust. In 1995 he hosted the Genesis Awards, an annual presentation from The Ark Trust, which applauds the media for their efforts in promoting positive animal messages, and for bringing to the forefront issues of abuse, conservation, and welfare. His efforts on behalf of animals show what a kind soul this cranky character actor has.

Valerie Harper Rhoda Morgenstern, Mary Richards's neighbor and friend

Valerie Harper
Rhoda Morgenstern, Mary Richards's neighbor and friend

Although she was not an employee of WJM (Rhoda was actually a window dresser at Hempel's Department Store) Valerie Harper's character, Rhoda, was an important player. Ever the hopeless romantic, Rhoda was a delight except for when it came to her neighbor Phyllis (brilliantly portrayed by actress Cloris Leachman) whom she could not stand. Valerie went on to star in her own show, Rhoda, a popular spin-off from The Mary Tyler Moore Show.

A very strong activist in the fight against world hunger, Valerie donates lots of time and effort to bringing attention to this devastating cause. She also runs her own pet rescue group; Actresses for Animals tries to find homes for abandoned pets. During her recent Florida stop, she recorded a public service announcement for Rescued Pets Are Wonderful, an organization promoting pet adoption from local shelter and rescue groups.

Betty White Sue Ann Nivens, host of a daytime household hints show

Betty White
Sue Ann Nivens, host of a daytime household hints show

A cross between Martha Stewart and a nymphomaniac, Sue Ann hosted her own household hints show on WJM. Dubbed the Happy Homemaker, Sue Ann was a lovable bitch. Always after news director Lou Grant and always at odds with writer WJM Murray (played by Gavin McLeod of subsequent Love Boat fame), Sue Ann was brought to life by legendary television actress Betty White.

Betty went on to star as Ellen, the preferred daughter in Mama's Family opposite Vicki Lawrence and Carol Burnett. It was not until the mid 1980s that she returned to a starring role, this time as Rose Nylund, the lovable dunce with a heart of gold in The Golden Girls, which was set in Miami Beach.

Born an animal lover, Betty supports many animal rescue groups, particularly the Morris Animal Foundation, Actors and Others for Animals and the Los Angeles Zoo. She devotes lots of her time and energy to animal welfare and protection, and has done so for most of her life.

-Kareem Tabsch is a freelance writer who specializes in celebrity interviews. He has interviewed celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor, Bob Hope, Joan Rivers, Julio Iglesias, and Barbara Mandrell, among others. He writes frequently on animal-related issues as well as on the entertainment industry.