Valerie Harper was an American actress best known for her role as Rhoda Morgenstern on the television series The Mary Tyler Moore Show and its spin-off, Rhoda. Born on August 22, 1939, in Suffern, New York, she gained fame for her comedic talent and strong performances, earning multiple Emmy Awards throughout her career. In addition to her television work, Harper appeared in various films and stage productions. She was also an advocate for health awareness, particularly after being diagnosed with brain cancer in 2009. Valerie Harper passed away on August 30, 2019, leaving behind a legacy in the entertainment industry.