Ep 1. Mary Tyler Moore: All American Girl

Mary Tyler Moore was a beloved actress and television personality who captured the hearts of millions during her career. In the first episode of Biography season 2, viewers dive into the life and legacy of Mary Tyler Moore in "All American Girl."

The episode begins with Mary's childhood in Brooklyn, where she was born in 1936. Growing up, Mary was a talented dancer and dreamed of making it big on Broadway. However, her life took a different turn when she was discovered by a talent scout and landed a role in a TV commercial. From there, Mary's career took off, and she quickly became a household name.

The episode explores Mary's early acting roles, including her breakout role on The Dick Van Dyke Show in the 1960s. Mary played the character of Laura Petrie, a witty, intelligent, and independent woman who was ahead of her time. Mary's portrayal of Laura was groundbreaking, and it paved the way for other strong female characters on television.

The episode also delves into Mary's personal life, including her two marriages and her struggle with Type 1 diabetes. Mary was a strong advocate for diabetes research and education, and she was awarded the American Diabetes Association's highest honor, the Albert Lasker Clinical Medical Research Award, in 1996.

In addition to her acting career, Mary was an accomplished producer and businesswoman. She started her own production company, MTM Enterprises, with her second husband, Grant Tinker, and it became a major force in the television industry. MTM produced some of the most iconic shows of the 1970s and 1980s, including The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Hill Street Blues, and St. Elsewhere.

The episode also touches on Mary's philanthropic work and her dedication to animal welfare. Mary was a longtime advocate for animal rights and served on the board of directors for the Humane Society of the United States. She also founded the Broadway Barks organization, which raises money for animal shelters and rescue groups.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to clips of Mary's most iconic performances, including her famous hat toss from The Mary Tyler Moore Show. We also hear from some of Mary's closest friends and colleagues, who share their memories of working with her and the impact she had on their lives.

"All American Girl" is a fitting tribute to Mary Tyler Moore, a true trailblazer in the entertainment industry. The episode celebrates Mary's life and achievements and reminds us of the lasting impact she had on television, women's rights, and animal welfare.