Tracking Down the Iconic Mary Tyler Moore Statue- A Journey to the Heart of Minneapolis
Where is the Mary Tyler Moore statue? This question often arises among fans of the iconic TV show “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and those interested in the legacy of this beloved actress. The statue, a tribute to Mary Tyler Moore’s enduring impact on television and comedy, stands as a testament to her remarkable career and the enduring popularity of her character, Mary Richards.
Mary Tyler Moore, born on December 29, 1936, was an American actress, comedian, and producer who rose to fame in the late 1960s with her role as Mary Richards on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” The show, which ran from 1970 to 1977, was groundbreaking for its time, showcasing a single, working woman as the main character, a rarity in television at the time. Moore’s portrayal of Mary Richards, a young woman who moves to Minneapolis and starts a new job at a local news station, became an emblem of the changing role of women in society.
The Mary Tyler Moore statue, a bronze sculpture, was unveiled in 2017 in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, where the show was filmed. The statue stands at the corner of 7th Street and Nicollet Avenue, close to the site of the former WCCO studios, where much of the show’s action took place. The statue depicts Mary Richards in her iconic overcoat and hat, standing confidently with her briefcase in hand, embodying the character’s independent spirit.
The statue’s placement in downtown Minneapolis is no coincidence. The city has a strong connection to Mary Tyler Moore and her legacy. Minneapolis was the backdrop for the show, and the city’s residents have embraced Moore’s character and her contributions to the city’s cultural landscape. The statue serves as a reminder of the impact that “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” had on viewers and the broader cultural conversation about women’s roles in society.
In addition to the statue, Minneapolis has other memorials and tributes to Mary Tyler Moore. The Mary Tyler Moore Center for Women in Communication at the University of Minnesota, for example, was established in her honor to support and advance women in the field of communication. The center offers scholarships, programming, and resources to help women achieve their goals in the industry.
The Mary Tyler Moore statue is not just a piece of art; it is a symbol of the progress made in women’s rights and the entertainment industry since the 1970s. It stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Mary Tyler Moore and her character, Mary Richards, who inspired countless women to pursue their dreams and challenge societal norms.
In conclusion, the Mary Tyler Moore statue can be found in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, at the corner of 7th Street and Nicollet Avenue. It is a fitting tribute to an actress who left an indelible mark on television and the lives of millions of viewers. The statue serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling and the impact that one character can have on society.
