Was MTM playing the part of a younger woman?

[Cbalducc]

Mary Tyler Moore was 33 when she began her eponymous series in 1970 and turned 40 in 1977 when it ended. I think her character would have been about 10 years younger. In real life, 30-something women wouldn’t be starting their first jobs at a TV station at that time.

[TVFactFan]

Originally Posted by Cbalducc

Mary Tyler Moore was 33 when she began her eponymous series in 1970 and turned 40 in 1977 when it ended. I think her character would have been about 10 years younger. In real life, 30-something women wouldn’t be starting their first jobs at a TV station at that time.

No she wasn't playing the role of a young woman, she was representing the independent of the 1970's


In her early 30s, Mary symbolized the independent woman of the 1970s.

Brooks, Tim; Marsh, Earle F.. The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows, 1946-Present (Kindle Locations 48914-48915). Random House Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

[JSP]

Originally Posted by Cbalducc

Mary Tyler Moore was 33 when she began her eponymous series in 1970 and turned 40 in 1977 when it ended. I think her character would have been about 10 years younger. In real life, 30-something women wouldn’t be starting their first jobs at a TV station at that time.

No, Mary Richards was 3 years younger than Mary Tyler Moore. They reference the character’s age several times on the show.