What Valerie Harper Learned From Mary Tyler Moore

The world learned this morning that Mary Tyler Moore actress Valerie Harper has terminal cancer, and now ET is looking back fondly on one of our first interviews with the much loved actress.

Read: Actress Valerie Harper Has Brain Cancer

When ET interviewed Valerie in 1985, she had already enjoyed success playing Rhoda in the Mary Tyler Moore Show, a role that earned her a spin-off series and was recognized with four Emmys and a Golden Globe Award. After a several-year hiatus from situation comedy, the actress returned with the NBC sitcom Valerie, in which she played the titular character.

On dealing with critics and public scrutiny, Valerie told ET, "I am not afraid of what the public will see," citing wisdom that she picked up from former co-star Mary Tyler Moore.

"I don't have a feeling that I'm out there alone, I really don't. I've always been a team player. Mary taught me that early on."

Related: Jason Bateman's Touching Message to Valerie Harper

Ultimately, Valerie would leave the show during the second season, leading to a legal battle with NBC, which was dismissed, and Lorimar Productions, which she won.

Watch the clip above for more of the interview, including insight from Valerie as to what makes a good comedy.

Valerie broke the news of her cancer diagnosis in People.