A Classic Player: Mary Tyler Moore, 1936-2017

By OLIVERA MEDENICA

Mary Tyler Moore

Everyone knows and loves Mary Tyler Moore. A trailblazing actress and producer, she was best known for revolutionizing the portrayal of independent, career-driven women on television through her roles in The Dick Van Dyke Show and The Mary Tyler Moore Show. She was one of the first class of 30 women who become voting members of The Players in 1989. In 2009, she was a Pipe Night honoree, and in 2011, she was named to The Players Hall of Fame. Her portrait by Everett Raymond Kinstler now hangs among other Hollywood and Broadway luminaries in the club’s permanent collection.

Moore entered the world of entertainment in commercials and minor television appearaces. Possessing an innate charm and talent, she gradually captivated audiences, leading to her breakthrough role on The Dick Van Dyke Show in 1961. Moore’s portrayal of Laura Petrie, the effervescent wife of Rob Petrie, was both groundbreaking and endearing. Her comedic timing and chemistry with Van Dyke showcased her talent, earning her critical acclaim and securing her place in television history.

The creation of The Mary Tyler Moore Show in 1970 was a pivotal point in Moore's career. As the central character, Mary Richards, Moore portrayed a single, career-focused woman navigating the professional world in a Minneapolis newsroom. This portrayal was revolutionary at the time, offering audiences an alternative vision of women's roles in society and television. Beyond her performance, she also participated in producing  the show, alongside Grant Tinker, then her husband.

The Mary Tyler Moore Show resonated profoundly with audiences and critics alike. It won 29 Emmy Awards (out of 67 nominations), directly contributing to the evolution of television sitcoms and reflecting societal changes in the 1970s. The series empowered women by presenting relatable narratives about independence and career aspirations, inspiring countless future storylines with strong female protagonists.

Behind her public successes, Moore faced many private challenges. She battled diabetes from her diagnosis at the age of 33. Family tragedies included the deaths of her son Richie Meeker and her sister Elizabeth Moore. Resilient through all these adversities, she emerged as an advocate for diabetes research and raised awareness through her philanthropic activities.

Mary Tyler Moore's influence on future generations of actors and creators is undisputed. Her ability to play intelligent, independent women laid the groundwork for subsequent portrayals in television and film. Her authentic, complex characters challenged stereotypes and paved the way for more diverse and multifaceted roles for women.

Moore’s contributions to the entertainment industry reflected her pioneering spirit and innovative approach to storytelling. By depicting working women with aspirations, complexities, and autonomy, Moore not only influenced television scripts but also impacted societal perceptions of women's independence and capabilities. She left a lasting legacy as a trailblazer and a star who transformed the cultural landscape of her time.

Olivera Medenica

Olivera Medenica is a law partner at Dunnington Bartholow & Miller LLP where her practice focuses on helping business and organizational leaders avoid legal landmines throughout several areas of operations, including employment, intellectual property, and privacy. She studied to become a concert pianist at Manhattan School of Music, and now performs exclusively in state and federal courtrooms.