OGUNQUIT, Maine — Contrary to reports that suggested otherwise, actress Valerie Harper is feeling better after being admitted to the hospital Wednesday evening before a performance at the Ogunquit Playhouse, a theater official said Friday in a news release.
In fact, the actress, perhaps best known for her role as Rhoda on the “Mary Tyler Moore Show,” is not in a coma, spokeswoman Cheryl Farley said.
“Executive Artistic Director Bradford Kenney has been in direct communication with Valerie’s family from the beginning and can report that Valerie is not, and has never been, in a coma,” Farley said. “She is currently enjoying her family’s company while resting at an undisclosed location. Valerie has been loving her time in Ogunquit and is looking forward to getting back on stage at the Ogunquit Playhouse.
“Valerie Harper came to the Ogunquit Playhouse excited to perform on the same stage as many of her peers. Her first words to Brad Kenney upon arrival were, ‘I wouldn’t have missed this for the world,’” Farley said.
“She has been a joy to work with and has become a fast friend to everyone at the theatre. Every cast member, crew, staff and audience member she has come in contact with have remarked on her warmth and graciousness,” she added.
Harper and her co-star Sally Struthers have been enjoying their time together, Farley said. The two share an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy in 1972, Struthers for her role as Gloria on “All in the Family” and Valerie for her role as Rhoda on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.”
“Valerie is feeling better today,” Struthers said in a statement. “We have been friends for 43 years and shared an Emmy in 1972, and this is our first time working together. It’s an amazing blessing.”
The Ogunquit Playhouse has been forwarding hundreds of well wishes to her from audience members and fans.