Valerie Harper Talks Terminal Brain Cancer, Finding Out Fatal Diagnosis on The Doctors

Mary Tyler Moore's Rhoda recalls husband hiding tragic news from her, opts to stay positive

By Rebecca Macatee Mar 08, 2013 5:22 PMTags
Valerie Harper Paul Redmond/WireImage

Valerie Harper is continuing to remain positive, despite her diagnosis of terminal brain cancer.

In her first interview since revealing her tragic news, the beloved Mary Tyler Moore star is sitting down with The Doctors.

When the 73-year-old actress, best known for her role as Rhoda Morgenstern, was asked where she was when her diagnosis came, she explained, "I didn't get it because my husband [Tony Cacciotti] hid it. Poor baby; he was so bereft.

"[The doctors] said, 'There is nothing we can do for her and [she has] three to six months, maybe,'" she recalled.

That said, Harper is focusing on living now. "I have to tell you, I am blown away by her resilience and her resolve in the face of such a dire, dire diagnosis," Dr. Travis Stork said.

So are we. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Harper and her family and friends during this difficult time.