No, We're Not Related

Happy Birthday, Mary Tyler Moore!

Born in 1936, this talented actress has been part of American culture since 1961, when she was cast as Laura Petrie on the hit sitcom “The Dick Van Dyke Show”. Virtually unknown at the time, Mary soon became a star as bright as Mr. Van Dyke himself.

Not bad for someone who previously played the part of an elf during Hot Point appliance commercials within the “Ozzie And Harriett” show! She auditioned for the role of Danny Thomas’ daughter in his long running hit show, but was turned down. But, Thomas’ company was producing “The Dick Van Dyke Show”—and Danny himself recommended the young lady he rejected as his TV daughter to be Van Dyke’s TV wife!

Without a doubt, Mary Tyler Moore’s career triumph was her own show, “The Mary Tyler Moore Show”, where she played Mary Richards, a young TV News producer. The show was HUGE success, running from 1970-1977, winning multiple Emmys and creating spin-offs, including “Rhoda”, “Phyllis” and “Lou Grant”.

A couple of video clips here-one is of perhaps THE funniest episode, the funeral of “Chuckles The Clown”—and the other an outtake reel of bloopers:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwC361O13gk




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4XHXeiMRSk

Great TV!

I wish I had a dime for every time someone has asked if we are related. I’d have a couple of bucks. And would trade all of it for a smidgen of her talent!
I’m still waiting to be “discovered”. How’s this- a sitcom about a radio DJ in Cincinnati?
Has that been done yet?

If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com