The Mary Tyler Moore Show’s Behind-The-Scenes Secrets

Mary Richards was a thirty-something single woman who moved to Minneapolis after breaking up with a boyfriend. As a spunky go-getter, she landed an associate producer position at the lowest-rated station in the area. Although her boss Lou Grant hates her spunky attitude, he regularly looks to Mary to solve the networks problems. “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” aired from 1970 to 1977 and during that time it was one of the highest rated series on network TV. In celebration of the show’s amazing run we have collected a bunch of information about the show’s characters and stars. You won’t believe some of these behind the scenes secrets that kept the show going over the years.

Mary Tyler Moore

When she first starred as Mary Richards, a feisty local news producer in Minneapolis, Mary Tyler Moore was 34 years old. The actress had already appeared on numerous television shows, but “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” gave her a top spot in pop culture. Since then, Moore has appeared in several Broadway shows, TV movies and has had recurring roles in sitcoms. She has also released two memoirs, works as an animal rights activist, and promotes juvenile diabetes awareness.

Edward Asner

Edward “Ed” Asner played Richard’s tough, but deep-down-loving newsroom boss and producer Lou Grant. He started the show as a tough guy, but as it progressed, he revealed the teddy bear deep within. After “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” Asner starred in his very own spinoff show about his character. He is the only actor to ever win an Emmy for the same character in both the drama and comedy categories. Since then, he has also had roles in movies such as Elf and Up.