Mary Tyler Moore has opened up about her best-kept secret - she fought alcoholism for years. In an exclusive TV interview, the star confessed she hid a drinking problem for years - and not even her closest friends and family knew she was drunk.

She says, "An alcoholic woman, in most people's eyes, was one who had just really gotten sloppy, gotten dirty."

Moore hopes her big reveal helped other alcoholics seek help: "Being able to come out and talk honestly about that (alcoholism) gave a lot of people the opportunity to look at themselves carefully and say, 'Hey, yes I look good, my clothes are nice and I'm warm and delightful, but I'm also an alcoholic.'"


http://www.starpulse.com/news/index.php/2009/04/01/mary_tyler_moore_opens_up_alcoholism

I've always admired MTM for being so open about her alcoholism and for reaching out to others. Hopefully many others will follow her example!!

Where and when will this interview air?

She briefly mentioned her alcoholism on "The View" last week. (I think Sherri asked about this). Her main topic was her diabetes, though.

I recall reading many years ago (when I was about ten or twelve) that she was an alcoholic in the 'tabloids' (I think they were called the 'movie magazines'). I wonder if she addressed this back then?

In her first book "After All", she does talk about it.
She talks about how Betty Ford was drunk when she had a debut on The Mary Tyler Moore Show. And years later when Betty Ford's call saved Mary.

One thing I like about Mary Tyler Moore, she doesn't try and cover up her mistakes. It takes real courage to open about something like that.

One thing I like about Mary Tyler Moore, she doesn't try and cover up her mistakes. It takes real courage to open about something like that.
It does indeed. God bless her.

that's a great observation miss lisa
mary admitting to her mistakes really is one of many things to like about her, it reinforces her humanity even though she's an icon

i first became a fan because of her looks and her peerless comedic talent. the admiration has only increased over the years as i've come to realize what a totally fascinating, complex woman she is.

she's like a brilliant yet slightly imperfect diamond -- there are so many facets to her it never fails to catch your eye!