Mary Tyler Moore Death: Cause, Blindness Myths & Final Years

When Mary Tyler Moore died in January 2017, the outpouring of tributes reminded the world what a beloved figure she was, but her final years were marked by serious health struggles that often get simplified or misremembered. This article separates the medical facts from the myths about her vision, smoking, and the circumstances of her death, drawing on official statements and verified medical records.

Born: December 29, 1936 ·
Died: January 25, 2017 ·
Age at Death: 80 ·
Cause of Death: Cardiopulmonary arrest complicated by pneumonia ·
Spouse: Dr. S. Robert Levine (married 1983–2017)

The table below summarizes Mary Tyler Moore’s key biographical details.

When and how did Mary Tyler Moore pass away?

Mary Tyler Moore died on January 25, 2017, at Greenwich Hospital in Greenwich, Connecticut, at age 80. Her family confirmed that the cause was cardiopulmonary arrest after she contracted pneumonia, as reported by ABC7 Los Angeles (local news station). A University of Florida news release added that diabetes was listed as a contributing factor to her death (University of Florida News (academic institution)).

“Today, beloved icon Mary Tyler Moore passed away.”

— Statement from Dr. S. Robert Levine and friends, as quoted by ABC7 Los Angeles (local news station)

Was Mary Tyler Moore blind at the end of her life?

• She was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 33 (ABC News (major broadcast network))
• Diabetic retinopathy caused significant vision loss, but she was not fully blind (Fox News (cable news network))
• She underwent retinal photocoagulation therapy in the late 1980s (Fox News (cable news network))

Her husband, Dr. S. Robert Levine, told Fox News that she was “nearly blinded” by diabetes in her final years. The Mary Tyler Moore Vision Initiative states that “diabetic retinal disease stole her vision and independence” (Mary Tyler Moore Vision Initiative (health research foundation)). Yet she retained some sight, thanks in part to laser surgery she credited with saving her from full blindness. The trade-off: Moore’s vision declined severely, but she never lost it entirely—a nuance often lost in online obituaries.

Was Mary Tyler Moore a cigarette smoker?

Yes, Mary Tyler Moore was a heavy smoker for many years. According to her Wikipedia biography, she smoked up to three packs a day and quit one year after getting sober from alcohol in 1984. A Facebook post claims her diabetic retinopathy was aggravated by smoking, but that claim is unsourced. The smoking habit is well-documented, though the precise link to her vision loss remains a matter of medical inference rather than direct confirmation.

Was Mary Tyler Moore a nice person in real life?

Many colleagues described her as kind and professional. Rose Marie, her co-star on The Dick Van Dyke Show, admitted in a MeTV interview that she was jealous of Moore’s success and the attention she received. Rose Marie said, “I was jealous of her. She was a very talented lady.” Robert Redford remembered Moore in a social media post, calling her “extraordinary” (Robert Redford’s Instagram (primary source)).

The catch: The jealousy anecdote reveals more about Rose Marie’s insecurities than about Moore’s personality. Most accounts paint Moore as a consummate professional who earned the respect of her peers.

Why did Mary Tyler Moore wear wigs?

On The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Moore wore wigs to save time on set and maintain a consistent look for her character Mary Richards. She did not wear wigs in her personal life. This was a practical decision common in television production, not a health-related necessity. The claim is confirmed by multiple entertainment sources (IMDb (entertainment database)).

Did Elvis have a crush on Mary Tyler Moore?

Elvis Presley reportedly expressed interest in dating Mary Tyler Moore, according to a Page Six report citing unnamed sources. However, no confirmed evidence of a romantic relationship exists. The story remains a piece of Hollywood lore rather than a documented fact. Why this matters: It’s a classic example of how celebrity gossip can outlive the actual truth, especially when both parties are iconic figures.

Why didn’t Rose Marie like Mary Tyler Moore?

Rose Marie admitted she was jealous of Mary Tyler Moore’s success and the attention she received. In a MeTV interview, she explained that she felt overshadowed despite being the more experienced performer. She also acknowledged Moore’s talent and said the jealousy was her own issue, not something Moore did wrong. The pattern: This is a case of professional rivalry inflated by the media into a feud. The two women remained cordial on set.

Timeline

• December 29, 1936 – Mary Tyler Moore is born in Brooklyn, New York.
• 1969 – Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 33 (ABC News (major broadcast network))
• 1970-1977 – Starred in The Mary Tyler Moore Show.
• 1983 – Marries Dr. S. Robert Levine.
• Late 1980s – Vision loss begins; undergoes retinal photocoagulation (Fox News (cable news network))
• 2000s – Publicly discusses her diabetes and vision problems.
• January 25, 2017 – Dies at age 80 in Greenwich, Connecticut.

Clarity: What we know and what remains uncertain

“I was jealous of her. She was a very talented lady.”

— Rose Marie, as quoted by MeTV (retro TV network)

“She was extraordinary.”

— Robert Redford, via Instagram (primary source)

Mary Tyler Moore’s legacy extends beyond her acting. The Mary Tyler Moore Vision Initiative, which she helped establish, continues to fund research into diabetic retinal disease—a condition that affects more than 50 million people worldwide (Entertainment Industry Foundation (charitable organization)). For the millions living with diabetes, the lesson is clear: manage the disease aggressively, or risk losing the very things that gave Moore her spark—her sight, her independence, and ultimately her life.

For a deeper look at the conflicting stories surrounding her final years, see Mary Tyler Moores death and health rumors.

Frequently asked questions