Being Mary: The Mary Tyler Moore Documentary is in development from Lena Waithe (Master of None). Mary Tyler Moore charmed the world with her wide smile and range of talents throughout her career in the entertainment industry. Most remembered for her roles in sitcoms The Dick Van Dyke Show and, of course, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Moore consistently challenged gender stereotypes and advocated for causes close to her heart. She earned seven Emmy awards, three Golden Globes, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame before passing away in 2017.
The Hollywood Reporter announced that Moore would be the center of a new documentary from Emmy-winning producer Lena Waithe. She will produce under her Hillman Grad Productions with partner Rishi Rajani, alongside Endeavor Content, Martin Chase Productions, The Mission, and Good Trouble Studios. Waithe describes Moore as “an icon, mystery and an inspiration,” telling the publication:
"With the help of her loving husband, Robert, and her friends and colleagues we hope to reveal that America’s sweetheart was more human than they ever imagined and was often put on a pedestal she never felt comfortable standing on."
Directed by James Adolphus, (Soul of a Nation, Dating Around) the doc will focus on Moore's personal and professional life as both a pioneer for women and America's sweetheart. Fortunately for the team, the Mary Tyler Moore estate has given their blessing, with the star's late husband Dr. S. Robert Levine overseeing the production as an executive producer. This grants the team access to Moore's archive and estate, as well as speaking with her loved ones.
Moore's legacy is certainly something that pop culture aficionados are interested in dissecting. In fact, the groundbreaking talent has already been the subject of a PBS documentary called Mary Tyler Moore: A Celebration. Of course, Being Mary boasts a fresher lens that aims to capture what made the icon so beloved and perhaps lift the curtain behind her broad smile. With the all-star team that's been assembled and the Moore estate on board, audiences can expect the most intimate look at what it was like to "be Mary" yet.
Source: THR
