May 6, 2002
You're Gonna Make
It After All
Mary Tyler Moore's history in TV is a celebrated one, having landed roles in two of the small screens most memorable shows. Her first big role in TV was as Laura Petrie on the Dick Van Dyke Show. And though she won two Emmys for that part, it was when she portrayed the character of news reporter Mary Richards on The Mary Tyler Moore Show that she solidified her place in television history.

Moore wasn't only the star of many popular shows, at one time, her company MTM was responsible for quite a few hit series. These included spin-offs of the MTM Show such as Rhoda and Lou Grant, as well as others like St. Elsewhere and The Bob Newhart Show.

It's been over 30 years since The Mary Tyler Moore Show first premiered on CBS television, but it still remains as one of the most successful shows of all time. The program won over 50 Emmys in its seven season run, including awards in almost every category. This Monday on CBS, Mary hosts a look back at some of her favorite "Mary Moments" in The Mary Tyler Moore Reunion.

"I am very excited about this show," says Mary. "Unlike a lot of other reunion shows where people sit on a couch and try to pretend that what they are saying isn't scripted, in this one I am sitting down with each cast member one-on-one and finding out what they were feeling at the time. It are their answers that prompted the clips we showed."

The show will also feature a special tribute to the late Ted Knight. "It will only be an adequate tribute, because nothing could compare to the greatness of that man," says Mary. "When he showed up for the audition, he came in with a rented blazer with his initials sewed into it, and added a goofiness to the character that wasn't written. The producers liked him so much, that they changed the character to fit his portrayal."

Aside from filming her reunion show, Mary has been keeping busy with her "Big Sweeties."

'The Dogs, cats, goats and horses are all doing fine," says Mary, a huge animal lover. "I do have a voice I used when talking to them, but it comes off sounding like I am from Minnesota."

FACTOID - After hearing that Bob Kevoian had named his new puppy Betty, after Mary's costar Betty White, Mary asked if Bob would consider naming his next doggie after her.