Mary Tyler Moore was an American actress, producer, and social advocate who was born on December 29, 1936, in Brooklyn, New York City, and died on January 25, 2017, in Greenwich, Connecticut.
She is best known for her roles on The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961–1966) and The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970–1977), which “helped define a new vision of American womanhood” and “appealed to an audience facing the new trials of modern-day existence”.
Moore won seven Primetime Emmy Awards and three Golden Globe Awards.
Moore’s career spanned television, film, and stage, particularly in musicals, as she began her life as a dancer.
She was largely credited with changing the way women in the entertainment industry were viewed.
Through both her characters and her own books and appearances, she frequently championed gender equality and improved representation for women – both on screen and behind the camera.
She was also an active spokesperson for both diabetes issues and animal rights.
Moore used her platform to highlight causes she felt passionately about, and she was a tireless advocate for women’s and animal rights.
Mary Tyler Moore’s son cause of death
Moore’s son, Richard Meeker, died as a result of an accidental gunshot wound on October 14, 1980.
He was 24 years old at the time of his death.
Richard was handling a small .410 shotgun, which accidentally discharged while he was reportedly in the process of loading and unloading the firearm.
The gunshot struck Richard, resulting in fatal injuries that led to his passing several hours later.
Richard was known for his passion for firearms and had an extensive collection.
The circumstances surrounding Richard’s death were deeply distressing, leaving a profound impact on Mary Tyler Moore and her family.
How did Mary Tyler Moore cope with her son’s death?
Moore was devastated by the loss of her only child, and struggled with profound grief and guilt, questioning if there was more she could have done to prevent the tragedy.
In her memoir, After All, she openly shared her emotional journey, including her battle with addiction to alcohol and painkillers as a coping mechanism.
Moore also became an advocate for gun control in the aftermath of her son’s death, collaborating with organizations to raise awareness about the prevention of gun violence.
Despite the immense tragedy, he channeled her grief into positive action, dedicating herself to honoring her son’s memory and working towards a world where others are spared from similar tragedies.
Mary Tyler Moore’s death
Moore died on January 25, 2017, at the age of 80.
Her death occurred at Greenwich Hospital in Greenwich, Connecticut, and was caused by cardiopulmonary arrest, which was complicated by pneumonia.
Moore had been placed on a ventilator the week before her death.
She was interred in a private ceremony at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Fairfield, Connecticut.
Mary Tyler Moore’s cause of death
Moore’s cause of death was officially attributed to cardiopulmonary arrest, which was brought on by other serious contributing health issues.
These health issues included aspiration pneumonia, hypoxia (lack of oxygen to her tissues) and diabetes mellitus.
Moore was diagnosed with diabetes in her 30s and had been a passionate advocate for diabetes research.
