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Oprah to Mary Tyler Moore: "You Have No Idea What You've Meant to Me"

Aired on 02/10/1997 | CC

Editor's note: We were deeply saddened to learn of Mary Tyler Moore's passing. Above is a moment from Mary's February 1997 appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show, and here's a statement Oprah posted on Facebook about the news: You already know how you majorly influenced my life and career. I respected and admired your business acumen, your passion and compassion for all life, and most importantly, the values espoused through your storytelling. Thank you for being a Light that shined so brightly, it let me see myself in you.

The Mary Tyler Moore Show was a huge inspiration for career women across the United States. Playing a single woman who moves to Minneapolis at age 30 to pursue a life in broadcast journalism, Mary Richards became a symbol of empowerment. Indeed, one up-and-coming TV reporter, in particular, found strength in Mary's journey: Oprah Winfrey.

Here, Mary makes a surprise appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show that sends Oprah into the "ugly cry," and Oprah tells Mary exactly what The Mary Tyler Moore Show meant to her every Saturday night.

Oprah's interview with the cast of The Mary Tyler Moore Show is available on the Watch OWN app.

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