Mary Tyler Moore: The Iconic Star Who Defined Television

What Was Mary Tyler Moore’s Net Worth and Salary?

Let’s talk about Mary Tyler Moore. She wasn’t just another pretty face on the screen—she was a powerhouse. At the time of her passing in 2017, Mary Tyler Moore had amassed a net worth of $60 million. This isn’t just about the money, though; it’s about the legacy. Moore’s career spanned over five decades, and she became one of the most beloved figures in television history. She wasn’t just an actress; she was a trailblazer who broke barriers and set the stage for generations of women in entertainment.

It all began in the 1960s when she became a household name as Laura Petrie on “The Dick Van Dyke Show.” Her portrayal of the witty, independent housewife was a game-changer. But it was her role as Mary Richards in “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” that truly cemented her status as a television icon. This show wasn’t just entertainment—it was a reflection of the changing roles of women in society. Mary Richards was a single, career-driven woman, and she inspired countless viewers to pursue their own dreams.

Moore’s talents didn’t stop at acting. She starred in films like “Ordinary People,” which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. She also ventured into producing, co-founding MTM Enterprises, which brought us iconic shows like “The Bob Newhart Show” and “Hill Street Blues.” Her contributions to the industry were recognized with numerous awards, including seven Primetime Emmy Awards, a Tony Award, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Screen Actors Guild. Mary Tyler Moore wasn’t just a star; she was a legend.

Read also:

Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu The Story Behind His Success And Net Worth

Early Life and Career

Mary Tyler Moore was born on December 29, 1936, in Brooklyn, New York. Her upbringing was a mix of challenges and opportunities. Her father was a clerk, and her family had roots in both Anglican and Catholic traditions. When she was just eight years old, her family moved to Los Angeles, California, where she attended Catholic schools. Moore’s life wasn’t without its heartaches; she lost her sister at the age of 21 and her brother at 47, but she always carried herself with grace and resilience.

Her career began in television with a role as “Happy Hotpoint,” a dancing elf in commercials for the Hotpoint Appliance company. This gig, which aired during “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet,” earned her $6,000 in just five days—equivalent to about $58,300 today. But Moore wasn’t just about making money; she was about building a career. She took some time off after becoming pregnant but soon returned to the screen. In the mid-1960s, she worked as a model for record album covers and had uncredited roles in films. She also made guest appearances on popular TV shows like “Richard Diamond, Private Detective” and “Bronco.”

“The Dick Van Dyke Show”

Moore’s big break came in 1961 when Carl Reiner cast her in “The Dick Van Dyke Show.” This sitcom followed the life of its title character as he juggled his career as a comedy writer with his personal life. The show ran for five seasons and won 15 Emmy Awards. Moore’s character, Laura Petrie, became a cultural icon, partly because of her Jackie Kennedy-inspired fashion. Her performance earned her two Emmy Awards. After the show ended, Moore continued to shine, starring alongside Julie Andrews in “Thoroughly Modern Millie” and Elvis Presley in “Change of Habit.”

“The Mary Tyler Moore Show”

In 1970, Moore got her own show, “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” which was a spin-off of “The Dick Van Dyke Show.” This sitcom followed Mary Richards, a single woman working at a newsroom with Ed Asner as her boss, Lou Grant. The show was a massive success, running for seven seasons and winning 29 Emmy Awards. It inspired spin-offs for Ed Asner, Valerie Harper, and Cloris Leachman. Moore’s portrayal of Mary Richards earned her three Emmy Awards. During this time, she also made guest appearances on shows like “Phyllis” and “Rhoda.”

In 1979, Moore starred in “The Mary Tyler Moore Hour,” a one-season series that earned an Emmy nomination. The following year, she took on the lead role in “Ordinary People,” which won four Oscars. She continued to work in television and film throughout the 1980s and 1990s, starring in series like “Annie McGuire” and miniseries like “Lincoln.”

Film and Other Works

Moore’s talents extended beyond television. She starred in films, television movies, and theater productions. In 1976, she headlined the fantasy musical “Mary’s Incredible Dream,” which was nominated for three Emmy Awards. She also starred in the Golden Globe-nominated biographical drama “First, You Cry” and the drama “Six Weeks,” which earned two Golden Globe nominations. In the 1990s, she focused on television movies like “The Last Best Year,” “Stolen Babies,” and “Payback.”

Read also:

Patrick J Adams Net Worth 2024 Journey To Success

Moore also had a successful career on Broadway. In 1966, she starred in a musical adaptation of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” called “Holly Golightly.” Although it didn’t make it to Broadway, she continued to work in theater, starring in plays like “Whose Life Is It Anyway?” and “Sweet Sue.” In 2003, she appeared in previews for Neil Simon’s “Rose’s Dilemma” before leaving the production due to criticism from Simon.

Personal Life

Mary Tyler Moore’s personal life was as fascinating as her career. She married Richard Carleton Meeker in 1955, and they had a son together. The marriage ended in divorce in 1962, and she soon remarried CBS executive Grant Tinker, with whom she founded MTM Enterprises in 1970. They divorced in 1981. In 1993, Moore married cardiologist Robert Levine, and they remained together until her passing in 2017. Tragically, her son died in 1980 from an accidental shooting. Moore was a passionate animal rights activist and supported organizations like the ASPCA and Farm Sanctuary.

Real Estate

In December 2006, Mary and Robert purchased a stunning mansion in Greenwich, Connecticut, for $9 million. This 7.3-acre property boasts a 13,000-square-foot mansion. In September 2023, Robert listed the home for $22 million, and it eventually sold in March 2025 for $16.9 million. Here’s a video tour of the breathtaking property: