When rumors started circulating that Valerie Harper might do Dancing with the Stars, it was surprising because just months earlier, she said she had terminal cancer. But the TV icon was introduced with the other contestants on the new DWTS season, confirming it. She spoke about why she decided to take the job, noting that she is feeling much better.
Harper, the former Mary Tyler Moore Show star, was on hand during this morning’s Good Morning America broadcast, along with the other competitors. Her competition includes Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi, Jack Osbourne, Leah Remini, Elizabeth Berkley and Bill Nye The Science Guy.
During the GMA segment, Harper said that the brain scans are looking “better and better” and that her doctors are “delighted that I’m moving in the right direction.”
She also spoke with People, noting that “I feel much better.” She continued, “And my brain scans are looking better too. The doctors tell me there's less evidence of cancer, which is very unusual. However, they both say it's not a case of if, but when. And I can live with that.”
Harper added that she could not say no when ABC approached her. “When they asked, I thought, 'Why would I say no?'” she said. "When life asks you to dance, you just have to dance."
Harper is the subject of an NBC News documentary that airs on Sept. 19. DWTS’ 17th season kicks off on ABC on Sept. 16.
image: ABC