The news that Valerie Harper, the actress most famous for playing Rhoda on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and "Rhoda," died on Friday has left many stars in Hollywood saddened.
"A beautiful woman, a wonderful actress, a great friend and with balls bigger than mine," her "Mary Tyler Moore Show" co-star Ed Asner tweeted. "Her brilliance burst through and shined its light upon all of us. Goodnight beautiful. I’ll see you soon."
(MORE: Valerie Harper, TV's Rhoda, has died at 80)
“A bit of brightness in my eyes dimmed today. A kinder more gracious woman did not exist for me," said actress Debra Jo Rupp, who starred with Harper in a 1995 sitcom. "She helped bring my family together in a difficult time, she supported every venture with the biggest smile and the grandest hug. She was my boss, my sister and my friend. Valerie Harper. A piece of heaven on earth. You will be deeply missed.”
Added actor William Shatner: "Condolences to the family of Valerie Harper. Going to miss you Rhoda Morgenstern!"
Harper was 80 years old, and a cause of death is not yet known. In January 2013, Harper was diagnosed with leptomeningeal carcinomatosis, a rare condition that occurs when cancer cells spread into the fluid-filled membrane surrounding the brain, though she continued to promote her book and even danced in season 17 of "Dancing With the Stars." That August, she told NBC that she was "close to a remission."
"Spontaneous remission lives as a possibility," she said. "I think infinite possibility is beautiful in every area. A lot of stuff that looks impossible is not."
A beautiful woman, a wonderful actress, a great friend and with balls bigger than mine. Her brilliance burst through and shined its light upon all of us. Goodnight beautiful. I’ll see you soon. pic.twitter.com/FicADkSAzS
— Ed Asner (@TheOnlyEdAsner) August 30, 2019
Another wonderful actor passes away. Loved this show growing up.
Valerie Harper, TV's Rhoda, has died at 80 https://t.co/0SB1HMkrst
I was so sad to hear that the amazing Valerie Harper passed away. “Aunt Paula” was as wonderful to work with as she was funny. My best to her family. pic.twitter.com/DuOom2478j
— Topher Grace (@TopherGrace) August 30, 2019
Valerie Harper passed away. She was a wonderful actress and brought me so much joy. She will be missed rip❤️
— Cyndi Lauper (@cyndilauper) August 30, 2019
Thank you brilliant Valerie- you gave us so much!!💔 RIP Valerie Harper pic.twitter.com/URF0SuzCux
— Mia Farrow (@MiaFarrow) August 30, 2019
Valerie Harper was always the most gracious and the kindest actor on set.
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) August 30, 2019
She will be missed. Rest In Peace.
💔 pic.twitter.com/kJdXYrmzmq
Rhoda Morgenstern -- ambitious career woman, funny & artsy Jewish New Yorker, Mary's BFF -- was so relatable to me that I wore a scarf like hers all thru 7th grade.
— Julie Cohen (@FilmmakerJulie) August 30, 2019
RIP Valerie Harper. pic.twitter.com/D01PD9mpxI
