RIP Mary Tyler Moore: her funniest, sweetest, most groundbreaking moments
Mary Tyler Moore has died at the age of 80. The trailblazing, Emmy-winning star of 1970s sitcom The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Oscar-winning film Ordinary People died of pneumonia in hospital in Greenwich, Conn.
In its day, The Mary Tyler Moore Show was groundbreaking for it's portrayal of Moore's smart, independent, single character, and regularly poked fun at the ingrained sexism and double standards in the workplace.
Many remember the iconic opening sequence, but there are plenty more unforgettable scenes from the show, which was a mainstay for millions of families across North America.
Here are a few favourites:
Few can forget the iconic opening sequence featuring the song, "Love is All Around":
The opening has been referenced in pop culture countless times, including on The Simpsons:
And covered by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts:
One of the most unforgettable episodes was Chuckles Bites the Dust, where Moore tried desperately to keep from laughing at a sombre funeral for a clown:
In the very first episode, Moore moves into a studio apartment after breaking up with her noncommittal boyfriend, and hilariously interviews for her new job. "Take care of yourself," her ex tells her. She answers, "I think I just did."
At the time the show aired, sex education was far from the norm — and Moore tackles it with her trademark awkwardness in this episode, which has her reporting on the touchy subject.
Mary's dating life was one of the show's biggest source of laughs, and in this episode, the dating life of several characters gets swept in — and gets political.
Final episodes of beloved series are tough to get right, and can easily fall victim to overwrought sentimentality; but the MTM creators went with a sweet, spare finish that few can forget.
At the start of the third season, Mary discovers that the person who had her job before her was paid $50 a week more — because he was a man. In a hilarious and thought-provoking scene, Mary challenges Mr. Grant on his sexism.
— Jennifer Van Evra, q digital staff