Valerie Harper was everyone’s friend

Regarding Valerie Harper appreciations by Mary McNamara [“Rhoda? Always Coolest Person in Room,” Sept. 2] and Robert Lloyd [“Valerie Harper Made Sidekick a Star,” Sept. 3]: In the television history of sisterhood, Lucy had Ethel, Laverne had Shirley, Cagney had Lacey and Mary had Rhoda.

This select group of wonderful and creative actresses were always able to convey to all of us the meaning of genuine friendship, kindness and, most important, love. Valerie Harper was Rhoda and Rhoda was Valerie Harper. She was the kind of funny and genuine girlfriend we all got to share and cherish and hoped we would be in return to our girlfriends, in the real world. Frances Terrell Lippman, Sherman Oaks

CBS via Getty Images VALERIE Harper, left, and Mary Tyler Moore are reunited on CBS’ “Rhoda.”