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 Morganstem" 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.