The Heartbreaking Story Of Valerie Harper And Tony Cacciotti’s Romance
Back in April 1987 love was truly in the air for Tony Cacciotti and Valerie Harper. The bride and groom had just exchanged their vows to lawfully become husband and wife. But, as we’ll explore later, the smitten pair would have been blissfully unaware of the heartbreaking way their romance would come to an end 32 years later.
Far From Ordinary
The couple getting married were certainly no ordinary Joes; Cacciotti was a producer and actor, while Harper was a household name in America. She had starred in one of the country’s most beloved TV shows of the 1970s: The Mary Tyler Moore Show. Yes, we are talking about the woman who brought Rhoda Morgenstern to life.
Brought Together By Chance
Cacciotti and Harper’s love for one another would blossom after they were brought together by chance. When the latter had needed to shed some pounds for an upcoming film, a personal trainer was required to help get her in tip-top shape for it. And as it turned out, the man who was hired for the job would get her heart racing in more ways than one.
Quite The Impression
And Cacciotti made quite an impression on Harper – leading to the latter opening up about the new man in her life to the press. In a 1980 interview with People magazine, the actress dropped major hints about her attraction and described her beau as a “beautiful, giving teacher.”
Making His Move
Harper’s account of their romance suggests that Cacciotti made the first move. Indeed, the actress admitted in the same interview that she would always wait for a man to step up in a relationship. She said, “Although I’m a feminist and think it’s terrific to call a man if you’re comfortable, I don’t do it. I don’t set my cap for a guy unless he makes the first move.”
