Valerie Harper, best known as the actress who played
"Rhoda", has a connection with Lloydminster through her parents, both
of whom resided in Lloydminster for a time.
Valerie’s father, Howard Harper, lived with his
parents in the location where the Atrium Centre presently stands today. Mrs.
Iverson, a sister to Howard, and her husband had a music store on the corner of
50th street and 50th avenue where the Toronto Dominion bank is presently
located. Valerie’s uncle, Darryl Harper, played several instruments
and was a member of a local orchestra called the Collegians. When the Harpers
moved back to the United States, he became involved in the film industry in
California.
Valerie's mother, Iva McConnell, lived with her parents Hector
and Anne on the south side of 49th street about half way between 50th and 51st
Avenues. Mr. McConnell worked for the C.N.R. as a telegrapher. Iva, a very
pretty blond attended high school here. It may have been at this time that Iva
and Howard met. Iva and Howard were married some time later in the United
States.
Valerie Harper was born August 22,1940 in Suffern, New York and
is best known for her character "Rhoda Morgenstern" of the television
series "The Mary Tyler Moore Show." The character debuted
in 1970 and earned her three consecutive Emmy Awards for Outstanding performance
by an Actress in a Supporting Role.
The television show "Rhoda" premiered as a spin-off of
the "Mary Tyler Moore Show" in 1974 and lasted five years, earning
Valerie another Emmy - this time as Best Television Actress in a Comedy or
Musical in 1974-75. She has also been honored with a Golden Globe Award, the
Golden Apple Award, Harvard's Hasty Pudding "Women of the Year" Award,
and the Photoplay Gold Medal Award.
After "Rhoda" Valerie starred in movie-of-the-week for
all three networks ranging from light comedy to serious drama. She also starred
in feature films such as "The Last Married Couple in America."
Returning to her theatre background she toured in "Agnes of God."
Even as a high school student, Valerie has been attuned to the
needs of less fortunate people. She belongs to many charities which devote their
time to ending hunger in the world.
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