Mary Tyler Moore Net Worth

Mary Tyler Moore’s Net Worth: A Look at the Life and Legacy of a TV Icon

Mary Tyler Moore, an American actress, model, producer, and humanitarian, remains one of the most beloved figures in television history. With a career spanning over five decades, she captivated audiences with her talent, beauty, and impeccable comedic timing. This article delves into Mary Tyler Moore’s life, career, and net worth, celebrating her enduring impact on the entertainment industry.

Early Life and Career

Mary Tyler Moore was born on December 29, 1936, in Brooklyn, New York. Her family later relocated to Los Angeles, California, where she attended St. Ambrose School and Immaculate Heart High School. Moore’s early career began with commercials, notably as “Happy Hotpoint,” a dancing elf for Hotpoint Appliance company during “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet.” This early success quickly led to other opportunities, including guest appearances on television series and anonymous modeling for record album covers. Her initial foray into acting proved fruitful, setting the stage for the stardom that was to come. This period laid the foundation for her future success.

In 1959, she landed a role as a secretary in the action television series “Richard Diamond, Private Detective,” and made guest appearances on shows like “Bronco” and “Bourbon Street Beat.” By 1960, Moore was a familiar face on television, appearing in ten different series, including “77 Sunset Strip,” “Wanted: Dead or Alive,” “The Tab Hunter Show,” “Bachelor Father,” and “The Millionaire.” These early roles provided valuable experience and exposure, honing her skills and preparing her for the iconic roles that would define her career. Her dedication and versatility were already evident in her diverse range of early performances.

“The Dick Van Dyke Show”: Launching a Star

Mary Tyler Moore’s breakthrough role came in 1961 when Carl Reiner cast her in “The Dick Van Dyke Show.” The show, which chronicled the life of comedy writer Rob Petrie and his family, became a television sensation. Moore played Laura Petrie, Rob’s witty and stylish wife, captivating audiences with her charm and comedic timing. The show ran for five seasons, from 1961 to 1966, and earned 15 Emmy Awards out of 25 nominations, with Moore winning two Emmy Awards for her performance. Her character’s fashion sense, often resembling Jackie Kennedy’s, further increased her popularity. The show was a critical and commercial success, making Moore a household name.

A year after “The Dick Van Dyke Show” concluded, Moore starred alongside Julie Andrews in the Oscar-winning film “Thoroughly Modern Millie” (1967). This further solidified her status as a versatile actress. Her next role was in the crime drama film “Change of Habit” (1969), where she co-starred with Elvis Presley. Moore’s talent for portraying both comedic and dramatic roles made her a highly sought-after actress.

“The Mary Tyler Moore Show”: Breaking Barriers

In 1970, Moore embarked on a new chapter with her own spin-off, “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” The sitcom, which ran until 1977, followed Mary Richards, a single, independent woman navigating her career in a Minneapolis newsroom. The show was groundbreaking for its time, challenging traditional gender roles and celebrating female empowerment. With Ed Asner as her stern but lovable boss, Lou Grant, and a supporting cast of memorable characters, the show was a massive success, garnering 29 Emmy Awards over its seven-year run. Moore herself won three Emmy Awards for her work on the show. The show’s influence extended beyond its popularity; it spawned spin-offs for other cast members, including Ed Asner, Valerie Harper, and Cloris Leachman, a testament to its enduring appeal and the strength of its ensemble cast.

During the run of “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” she also made guest appearances on other successful television shows such as “Phyllis,” “Rhoda,” and “Mary.” In 1979, she starred in “The Mary Tyler Moore Hour”, a one-season television series, which earned an Emmy nomination. Her dramatic acting skills were also showcased in the film “Ordinary People” (1980), where she delivered a powerful performance, receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. In 1985, she starred in the CBS series “Mary”, but it was short-lived due to creative differences. Later in her career, Moore continued with roles in series like “Annie McGuire” and the television miniseries “Lincoln.”

Film and Other Works

Mary Tyler Moore’s career extended beyond television, with notable roles in film and theater. She starred in “Mary’s Incredible Dream”, a 1976 fantasy musical television movie nominated for three Emmy Awards. In 1978, she starred in “First, You Cry”, a Golden Globe-nominated biographical drama. She then led the drama “Six Weeks” (1982), which was also nominated for two Golden Globes. Her filmography also includes a series of television movies, including “The Last Best Year,” “Stolen Babies,” and “Payback.” She also had supporting roles in the 1996 comedy “Flirting with Disaster” and the 1997 thriller “Keys to Tulsa.”

Moore also graced Broadway stages. In 1966, she starred in a musical version of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” called “Holly Golightly,” although its Broadway debut was canceled due to unfavorable reviews during previews. She later starred in the Broadway play “Whose Life Is It Anyway” (1980) and “Sweet Sue” (1987). In 2003, she participated in previews for Neil Simon’s production “Rose’s Dilemma” but left the show after a disagreement with Simon. These roles demonstrated her versatility and enduring appeal across different mediums.

Personal Life

Mary Tyler Moore’s personal life included three marriages. In 1955, she married Richard Carleton Meeker, with whom she had a son. They divorced in 1962. Later that year, she married CBS executive Grant Tinker, with whom she co-founded MTM Enterprises in 1970, a production company responsible for successful TV series. They divorced in 1981.

In 1993, Moore married cardiologist Robert Levine. They remained married until her death in 2017. Tragically, Moore’s son, Richard Meeker, died in 1980 from an accidental gunshot wound. Moore was known for her commitment to animal rights and her support for charities like the ASPCA and Farm Sanctuary. She lived a pescatarian lifestyle, reflecting her dedication to her beliefs.

Real Estate

In December 2006, Mary and Robert Levine purchased a luxurious mansion in Greenwich, Connecticut, for $9 million. The property featured over 13,000 square feet of living space on a 7.3-acre estate. In September 2023, Robert listed the home for sale for just under $22 million, reflecting the property’s appreciation over time. The Greenwich mansion was a testament to her success and her taste for elegance. Here is a video tour:

Mary Tyler Moore’s Net Worth at Death

At the time of her death on January 25, 2017, Mary Tyler Moore’s net worth was estimated at $60 million. This figure reflects her successful career in television, film, and production, as well as her real estate holdings and other investments. Moore’s financial success was a testament to her talent, hard work, and shrewd business acumen, securing her legacy not only as an entertainer but also as a successful businesswoman.