Early Life and Education of Mary Tyler Moore: A Complete Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 22, 2025

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Mary Tyler Moore. From birth to education, explore key events.

Mary Tyler Moore was a celebrated American actress, producer, and social advocate. She gained prominence through her roles in *The Dick Van Dyke Show* and, most notably, *The Mary Tyler Moore Show*, which significantly impacted the portrayal of women in American television and resonated with audiences navigating modern challenges. Throughout her career, Moore received numerous accolades, including seven Primetime Emmy Awards and three Golden Globe Awards. She earned an Academy Award nomination for her performance in *Ordinary People*. Beyond her acting career, Moore was actively involved in advocating for animal rights, vegetarianism, and diabetes awareness and research.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

December 29, 1936: Mary Tyler Moore Born

On December 29, 1936, Mary Tyler Moore, the American actress, producer, and social advocate was born.

1936: Birth in Brooklyn

In 1936, Mary Tyler Moore was born in the Brooklyn Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City, to Marjorie and George Tyler Moore.

1945: Move to Los Angeles

In 1945, when Mary Tyler Moore was eight years old, her family relocated to Los Angeles, California.

July 3, 1956: Birth of Son

On July 3, 1956, Mary Tyler Moore gave birth to her only child, Richard Carleton Meeker Jr.

1969: Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes

In 1969, Mary Tyler Moore was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

1972: Endorsed Richard Nixon

In 1972, Mary Tyler Moore endorsed President Richard Nixon for re-election.

October 14, 1980: Son's Death

On October 14, 1980, Mary Tyler Moore's son Richard died of an accidental gunshot to the head.

1980: Endorsed Jimmy Carter

In 1980, Mary Tyler Moore endorsed President Jimmy Carter for re-election in a campaign television ad.

November 23, 1983: Marriage to Robert Levine

On November 23, 1983, Mary Tyler Moore, aged 47, married Robert Levine, a 29-year-old cardiologist, at the Pierre Hotel in New York City.

1984: Entered Betty Ford Center

In 1984, Mary Tyler Moore admitted herself into the Betty Ford Center, and quit drinking.

March 22, 2009: Identified as Libertarian Centrist

In a Parade magazine article from March 22, 2009, Mary Tyler Moore identified herself as a libertarian centrist who watched Fox News.

2011: Political Views

In 2011, Ed Asner stated that Mary Tyler Moore had become more conservative.

2011: Surgery to Remove Brain Tumor

In 2011, Mary Tyler Moore had surgery to remove a benign brain tumor, a meningioma.

2013: Interview on Pioneers of Television

In 2013, during an interview for the PBS series Pioneers of Television, Mary Tyler Moore discussed being recruited to join the feminist movement by Gloria Steinem and her differing views on women's roles.

2014: Health Problems Reported

In 2014, it was reported that Mary Tyler Moore was suffering from heart and kidney problems and was nearly blind due to complications related to diabetes.