Valerie Harper has told People magazine that she is suffering from terminal brain cancer. The 73 year-old, best known for playing Rhoda Morgenstern on The Mary Tyler Moore show told the magazine that the doctors have said she may only have three months to live. She received the devastating news on January 15 and shared it with People just weeks afterwards.

Harper has beaten cancer once before. Back in 2009, she battled lung cancer and made a recovery. After undergoing a series of tests, it was revealed that she now has a very rare form of cancer, known as leptomeningeal carcinomatosis. This is a rare condition that occurs when the cancer cells spread into the fluid-filled membrane that surrounds the brain. Valerie’s doctors may have given her just a few months to live but she remains determined to face her remaining time with courage. “I don’t think of dying,” the actress told People. “I think of being here now.”

Valerie Harper
Valerie Harper Played Rhoda In The Mary Tyler Moore Show

Valerie Harper starred as Rhoda in the Mary Tyler Moore show before a spin-off series, Rhoda was created. In 1974, she received a Golden Globe nomination for her role in Freebie and the Bean. Later in her career she has featured in TV series such as Sex and the City, Melrose Place and That ‘70s Show.