Watch Valerie Harper: Behind Closed Doors

Valerie Harper is a legendary American actress who has captured the hearts of many since her career in the entertainment industry started. She starred on popular TV shows, such as “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and “Rhoda,” for which she earned an Emmy award four times. However, her journey to becoming a celebrated actress was not an easy one. “Valerie Harper: Behind Closed Doors” from REELZ takes viewers on a journey to explore the actress’s life and career.

The show begins with the early life of Harper, born as Valerie Kathryn Harper, in Suffern, New York, in 1939. She was the fourth child of her parents, Iva and Howard Harper. As a child, Valerie proved to be a talented performer, from singing to acting in school plays. However, it was when Harper moved to New York City in the 1950s that her passion for acting grew, and she began taking classes at the Academy of Dramatic Arts.

Viewers get an insight into Harper’s climb to the top, as she started her television career as a backup dancer on “The Mickey Mouse Club.” Harper then went on to secure roles in several TV shows, landing her breakout role as Rhoda Morgenstern in “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” The show became highly successful, and Harper became a fan favorite, which led to her spin-off show, “Rhoda.”

In “Valerie Harper: Behind Closed Doors,” we get to hear from media experts and fellow actors such as Carl Reiner and Lucie Arnaz, as they share their thoughts on Harper’s acting career. The show also delves into Harper’s personal life, revealing that her real-life struggles were as captivating as her on-screen performances. Harper had a personal battle with cancer that was widely talked about in the 2000s, and the show explores how she dealt with it publicly and privately.

The show also covers Harper’s love life, including her marriage to actor Richard Schaal in 1964. The couple had one daughter together and worked together on several shows, including “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” However, their marriage was not meant to be as they divorced in 1978. The show highlights how Valerie was able to navigate her personal life while balancing the demands of her career.

One of the most profound moments in the show is when Valerie discusses her struggles as a woman working in the entertainment industry. As a prominent feminist icon of the women’s liberation movement, Harper had a massive impact on the representation of women on television. However, the show reveals that being a woman in show business was not always easy, and sexism was something she had to deal with.

Ultimately, “Valerie Harper: Behind Closed Doors” from REELZ is an intimate look into the life and legacy of one of America’s most beloved actresses. The show is packed with rare and exclusive footage, personal interviews, and insights from media experts, friends, and family. The viewers get to see how Harper’s creativity, drive, and resilience have shaped her life and career. Although Harper may no longer be with us, her contribution to the entertainment industry will always be remembered.

Valerie Harper: Behind Closed Doors is a series that ran for 1 seasons (1 episodes) between August 30, 2020 and on REELZ