Back in September 1970, Mary Tyler Moore walked through the doors of Minneapolis’ fictional WJM-TV, marking the beginning of a television phenomenon. With humor and grace, she navigated a series of inappropriate job interview questions before landing the role of associate producer. Her boss at the time, the gruff but lovable Lou Grant, famously said, “You’ve got spunk. I hate spunk.” And so began a journey that would define a generation.
Ed Asner Reflects on the Magic of The Mary Tyler Moore Show
It’s hard to believe that so much time has passed since The Mary Tyler Moore Show first premiered, according to Ed Asner, who portrayed Lou Grant in the hit sitcom. At 90 years old, Asner, whose memoir Son of a Junkman: My Life From the West Bottoms of Kansas City to the Bright Lights of Hollywood was released last year, tells Closer Weekly that those seven years were nothing short of delightful. “We all loved each other, we all worked hard, and it was truly an ideal situation,” he recalls fondly. The camaraderie and dedication to excellence made the show a once-in-a-lifetime experience for everyone involved.
Gavin MacLeod: A 'Once in a Career' Experience
Gavin MacLeod, who played the head writer Murray Slaughter, echoes Asner’s sentiments. The now 89-year-old actor describes the show as a “once-in-a-career” pinnacle. Quoting the iconic theme song, he says, “Love was all around. It was a wonderful atmosphere where people truly cared—not just for each other, but for the product. And it all started with Mary.” On-screen and off, the show revolved around Mary Tyler Moore, who was not only the star but also a producer alongside her husband, Grant Tinker. Her leadership and passion inspired everyone around her.
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Gavin fondly remembers the day they learned the show had been picked up for a full season. “She turned from the phone and said, ‘Well, kids, you can send out the laundry. They picked us up for a full year!’ That was a moment none of us will ever forget,” he reminisces.
Mary Tyler Moore: The Heart and Soul of the Show
Ed Asner has nothing but praise for Mary Tyler Moore. “Mary was perfect. She had legs that went on for miles and a smile that could light up a room. She was a driven person who spent her lunches dancing instead of eating. She was truly one of a kind,” he gushes. Mary’s beauty and ambition were matched only by her generosity and kindness, qualities that made her beloved by everyone on set.
The show broke new ground by tackling serious issues like equal pay, birth control, and sexual independence, all while keeping audiences laughing. Joyce Bulifant, who played Murray’s wife Marie, recalls how the writers crafted scripts that got everyone laughing during table readings. “The next day, the script would be even better!” she says with a laugh. Inspiration for some of the show’s most memorable lines often came from unexpected places. Valerie Harper, who portrayed Mary’s best friend Rhoda Morgenstern, once quipped, “I don’t know why I should even bother to eat this. I should just apply it directly to my hips,” while holding a piece of candy. It wasn’t in the script, but it brought the house down.
