Mary Tyler Moore was an iconic American actress, producer, and television personality who left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Her talent and charisma made her one of the most beloved figures in Hollywood history, and her contributions to the world of television and film continue to inspire generations of fans to this day.
One of the most enduring aspects of Mary Tyler Moore’s legacy is the wisdom and wit she shared through her words, both on screen and off. Her insightful and humorous quotes have resonated with audiences around the world and continue to be celebrated for their relevance and poignancy.
From her inspiring words on self-confidence to her witty quips on life’s challenges, Mary Tyler Moore’s quotes have become a source of inspiration and comfort for countless individuals.
26 Mary Tyler Moore Quotes
- “Having a dream is what keeps you alive. Overcoming the challenges makes life worth living.”
2. “Take chances, make mistakes. That’s how you grow.”
3. “I’m not an actress who can create a character. I play me.”
4. “Take chances, make mistakes. That’s how you grow. Pain nourishes your courage. You have to fail in order to practice being brave.”
5. “You truly have to make the very best of what you’ve got. We all do.”
6. “I would surround myself with people who know what they’re doing.”
7. “It’s none of my business what other people think of me.”
8. “You can’t be brave if you’ve only had wonderful things happen to you.”
9. “Worrying is a necessary part of life.”
10. “Sometimes you have to get to know someone really well to realize you’re really strangers”
Mary Tyler Moore Quotes About Life
11. “Don’t be looking for perfection. Don’t be short-tempered with yourself. And you’ll be a whole lot nicer to be around with everyone else.”
12. “Behind every beautiful fur, there is a story. It is a bloody, barbaric story.”
13. “There is a dark side. I tend not to be as optimistic as Mary Richards. I have an anger in me that I carry from my childhood experiences – I expect a lot of myself and I’m not too kind to myself.”
14. “I’m an experienced woman; I’ve been around … well, alright, I might not’ve been around, but I’ve been … nearby.”
15. “I still feel as if I weren’t a good enough mother. I didn’t break any rules.”
16. “Three things have helped me successfully go through the ordeals of life – an understanding husband, a good analyst and millions of dollars.”
17. “This has been a wonderful life, absolutely terrific. There are very few things that I would go back and do differently, if I had that control.”
18. “There’s one beneficial effect of going to Moscow. You come home waving the American flag with all your might.”
Famous Mary Tyler Moore Quotes
19. “A woman doesn’t have to have a baby if she doesn’t want to.”
20. “Why does he have to do the roots thing? Aren’t we good enough parents?”
21. “I loved working with Valerie. That was the most wonderful revelation to find that when we are on a set and we’re playing our roles, we’re like separated twins. We can almost finish each other’s dialogue.”
22. “My grandfather once said, having watched me one entire afternoon, prancing and leaping and cavorting, ‘This child will either end up on stage or in jail.’ Fortunately, I took the easy route.”
23. “Chronic disease like a troublesome relative is something you can learn to manage but never quite escape.”
24. “Well, there are certain foods that I prefer not to eat because they’re just such a jolt to the system.”
25. “Looking back on it, I realize that I have always chosen work that challenges me, because if I don’t go in to work a little scared, I don’t have any interest in it.”
26. “I have an anger in me that I carry from my childhood experiences – I expect a lot of myself and I’m not too kind to myself.”
Additional Read: Mary Tyler Moore, Who Incarnated the Modern Woman on TV, Dies at 80
Mary Tyler Moore was born on December 29, 1936, in Brooklyn, New York. She began her career in entertainment as a dancer, appearing in commercials and television shows in the late 1950s. However, it was her breakout role as Laura Petrie in the hit TV series “The Dick Van Dyke Show” that catapulted her to fame in the early 1960s.
Moore’s portrayal of Laura Petrie, a housewife with a quick wit and a flair for fashion, made her an instant fan favorite and established her as one of the most talented actresses of her generation. Her natural comedic timing and charm earned her critical acclaim and several Emmy Awards.
In the 1970s, Mary Tyler Moore continued her success with the groundbreaking sitcom “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” which ran for seven seasons and became a cultural phenomenon. The show, which was produced by Moore’s own company, MTM Enterprises, was celebrated for its portrayal of a strong, independent working woman, and it remains a beloved classic to this day.
Mary Tyler Moore’s impact on the entertainment industry extends far beyond her on-screen performances. She was a trailblazer for women in Hollywood, using her influence and resources to champion female talent both in front of and behind the camera. Her production company, MTM Enterprises, was responsible for several iconic TV shows, including “Hill Street Blues” and “The Bob Newhart Show.”
Throughout her life, Mary Tyler Moore was also an advocate for animal rights and diabetes awareness. She was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 33 and became a passionate advocate for diabetes research and education.
Mary Tyler Moore passed away on January 25, 2017, at the age of 80. She left behind a legacy of talent, courage, and compassion, and her impact on the entertainment industry and society as a whole will continue to be felt for generations to come.