Mary Tyler Moore, who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 80, paved the way for working women, and for female-led TV shows.
The Mary Tyler Moore Show is as beloved now as it was when it aired in the 1970s. The sitcom was incredibly progressive for its time — its lead character was a working woman who happened to be single, a rarity in the decade's TV landscape. The show ran for seven seasons, earning 29 Emmy Awards along the way.
On Wednesday, female celebrities took to social media to thank Moore for her work in the entertainment industry.
Connie Britton wrote that Moore was "power when I didn't know what that was."
Oh Mary Tyler Moore. You were true inspiration, and power when I didn't know what that was. Thank you. #RIPMaryTylerMoore
— Connie Britton (@conniebritton) January 25, 2017
Others paid tribute to the fact that Moore set a precedent for women, on TV and beyond.
You paved the way. #MaryTylerMoore #rip
— Ashley Tisdale (@ashleytisdale) January 25, 2017
#MaryTylerMoore trailblazer for women in TV and Master teacher of comedy & being lovable. RIP
— Nancy Lee Grahn (@NancyLeeGrahn) January 25, 2017
RIP Mary Tyler Moore 🙏🏼❤🙏🏼
— Victoria Justice (@VictoriaJustice) January 25, 2017
Here's to more strong women like you who continue to trailblaze & make the world laugh! pic.twitter.com/konCHEcoUj
Mary Tyler Moore changed the world for all women. I send my love to her family.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) January 25, 2017
RIP Ms. Moore. Thank u for showing a young me it was ok to be strong, single, feisty, rebellious & free. You were my beacon #MaryTylerMoore https://t.co/i9LSXG6zFC
— Elizabeth Perkins (@Elizbethperkins) January 25, 2017
I agree w/ Oprah #MaryTylerMoore influenced my career more than any other tv role model. She indeed turned on the world with her smile
— Andrea Mitchell (@mitchellreports) January 25, 2017
TV Icon and groundbreaker #MaryTylerMoore has passed. She broke through our TV screens and showed that a powerful woman can be funny. RIP. pic.twitter.com/eUY6SkP6Tr
— Marlee Matlin (@MarleeMatlin) January 25, 2017
I could not do what I do without her. https://t.co/VkP2Cg9jNV
— Rachel Bloom (@Racheldoesstuff) January 25, 2017
True class and an amazing role model for all women! Thank you #MTM for always being brave and… https://t.co/bDoxqsMUOP
— Melissa Joan Hart (@MelissaJoanHart) January 25, 2017
And plenty of stars took the chance to honour Moore's incredible work and express their condolences.
Thank you #MaryTylerMoore for the years of laughter. My heart goes out to her friends and family #RIPMaryTylerMoore pic.twitter.com/0Lgpf1LWnq
— amy carlson (@TheAmyCarlson) January 25, 2017
So sad to learn of the passing of Mary Tyler Moore. 🙏🏽
— Kelly Ripa (@KellyRipa) January 25, 2017
I throw my hat up in the air for you, Mary Tyler Moore. Loved her and her spirit. Rest in peace.
— Savannah Guthrie (@SavannahGuthrie) January 25, 2017
"Who can turn the world on with her smile..." #MaryTylerMoore may she rest.
— Uzo Aduba (@UzoAduba) January 25, 2017
I had the pleasure of working with Mary Tyler Moore and seeing her grace, humour, and brilliance up close. I did not take it for granted. ❤
— Jewel Staite (@JewelStaite) January 25, 2017
Mary Tyler Moore is gone. Very Sad Day. RIP My Dear Mary 🕊
— Bernadette Peters (@OfficialBPeters) January 25, 2017
Mary Tyler Moore was appointment TV for me & my mom. I grew up watching her- she was 1 of my favorites. My sympathies to her family. #icon pic.twitter.com/tkRv0pLVVn
— Paula Abdul (@PaulaAbdul) January 25, 2017
who could turn the world on with her smile.. who could take a nothing day and suddenly make it all seem worthwhile" RIP Mary Tyler Moore 😢
— Hoda Kotb (@hodakotb) January 25, 2017
What an angel. Always was and will be. A great part of my childhood and so many people's lives.… https://t.co/msBTM6VyFd
— Selma Blair (@SelmaBlair) January 25, 2017
She could turn the whole world on with her smile...admired #MaryTylerMoore very much. Thinking of her family & loved ones. ❤ https://t.co/GsSNGzKmQN
— Robin Roberts (@RobinRoberts) January 25, 2017
So devastated to hear about Mary Tyler Moore. She really did turn the world on with her smile and yes Lou Grant, her spunk. pic.twitter.com/o1TWn4g0B8
— Katie Couric (@katiecouric) January 25, 2017
The world has lost one of its brightest stars. Rest in peace.
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