There's something truly special about Joyce Bulifant. With her cheerful personality and unmistakable girlish voice, she's been lighting up Broadway and both big and small screens for more than six decades. But let's be honest, most of us remember her fondly as Marie Slaughter, the loving wife of Gavin MacLeod's Murray on the iconic The Mary Tyler Moore Show. That's the role that cemented her place in our hearts.

Joyce, now 82, opened up exclusively to Closer about her remarkable career and life. "I don't like being sad, so I've always played characters who are happy and a little silly," she admitted. "And guess what? I'm pretty much like the characters I've played. Life's too short not to enjoy it!"

Even in these challenging pandemic times, Joyce continues to bring joy into people's lives. She's been teaming up with her youngest son, actor/director John Asher, to create delightful videos that keep us entertained. "I can't go to the grocery store, and honestly, it drives me crazy," she confessed. "So we started making these fun little videos called 'Stuck With Mom.' It's been an incredible experience working with my son. We're having so much fun creating these short clips together."

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Keep reading below for Closer's exclusive Q&A interview with the one and only Joyce Bulifant.

Let's Talk About That Iconic Show: The Mary Tyler Moore Show

When people mention Joyce Bulifant, it's almost impossible not to think of The Mary Tyler Moore Show. But here's the thing—Joyce wants to set the record straight. "It's so flattering when people say, 'Oh, you're one of the stars of The Mary Tyler Moore Show!'" she said with a laugh. "But the truth is, I was a recurring character. Still, when folks think of me, they think of Marie Slaughter. I'm still amazed by that!"

How Was the Cast Dynamic on Set?

When Joyce joined the already tight-knit cast of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, she felt a little out of place at first. "Walking into a show where everyone had become like a family can be a bit intimidating," she admitted. "But Valerie Harper was the sweetest. She came up to me and said, 'If you ever need help with your lines, I'd be happy to go over them with you.' That was such a kind gesture—something you don't see often in the industry!"

What Was It Like Working With Mary Tyler Moore?

While Mary Tyler Moore was known for her comedic timing, Joyce revealed that as a person, she was much more like the roles she played in her movies. "It's fascinating because, as a person, she wasn't exactly the same as the Mary character on the show," Joyce explained. "But her comedic timing was impeccable, and that made her perfect for the role. She was truly a gift to work with."

Where Are You From, Joyce?

You might notice a slight Southern lilt in Joyce's voice, but it's tricky to pinpoint where she's from. Born in Newport News, Virginia, Joyce joked, "My mom always corrected people and said, 'Hampton Newport News,' because apparently, that sounds a bit more refined!"

What Was Your Childhood Like?

Joyce's childhood wasn't easy. Her parents divorced when she was young, and she spent some time in foster homes and an orphanage. "It was challenging, but looking back, I realize it taught me how to adapt and get along in different situations," she reflected. "Every experience shapes who you become."

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When Did You Know You Wanted to Be an Actress?

At 14, Joyce was performing in a play at Solebury School, a boarding school, when a producer spotted her and asked if she'd like to work as an apprentice in his summer stock theater in New Angola, Pennsylvania. "That's where it all began," she said. "I worked there for three years, playing every young maid and ingenue role imaginable. I learned everything—lights, stage management, props, cleaning toilets. I did it all!"

What Brought You to Hollywood?

In 1962, Joyce made her way to Hollywood, and just three days later, she was signed to a contract with Universal. "It was the best contract ever," she recalled. "I had to star in eight of their shows, do a pilot for a series, and I could still work elsewhere. I ended up doing so many shows—it was an incredible opportunity."