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

Gavin MacLeod Originally Auditioned For The Role Of Lou Grant

Grant Tinker, co-founder of “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” invited MacLeod to audition for the role of Lou Grant but after auditioning, requested to read for Mary’s co-worker, Murray Slaughter. He thought he could bring more to the table as Slaughter and the producers agreed after seeing his performance.

Ted Knight Lived Paycheck-To-Paycheck When He was Cast As Ted Baxter

After many auditions to cast Ted Baxter, producer Dave Davis saw Knight performing in a local Broadway production comedy of “You Know I Can’t Hear You When the Water’s Running.” He told the rest of the team about Knight’s humor and requested him to audition. Knight showed up to the audition wearing an anchorman-style blue blazer purchased from a thrift store using money that was supposed to go towards rent and he won producers over with his booming voice and comedic jokes.