The Mimi Kirk Story

Thanks to my friend Suzanne, I have my own copy of the Mary and Lou and Rhoda and Ted. This collection of stories about Valerie and Mary and writers like Treva Silverman is as delightful as the Emmy-winning show.

 Like many of Valerie Harper's fans, I have thought of her often in the last few months. As I watch her most recent interviews, I find myself laughing and crying with her, empathizing with the woman who has been one of my role models for the past ten years. Valerie has exemplified bravery and perseverance by meeting this difficult time with strength and grace, and, despite her illness, she has continued to inspire so many with her warmth and optimism. I hope that she feels encouraged and supported by her many fans. 

In Rhoda, Valerie embodied a realistic character; she was beautiful but insecure, tough but vulnerable and kind, and practical but always stylish. From the start, I wondered about her exotic jewelry, her scarves, her flowing tops and her many pairs of boots. Who was her stylist? Who inspired the iconic Rhoda look?

According to Mary and Lou and Rhoda and Ted, Mimi Kirk was the creative soul behind the clothing and accessories; she was the maverick who brought the headscarf to mainstream America.

So, who is Mimi Kirk?

During MTM days, she was a secretary and lighting double. But she is so much more!

 You can read a short biography here.

Here are my three favorite tidbits from the book:

"Kirk began meditating after her husband died in a private-plane crash. And she took on many of the accoutrements of the health-food and self-help culture she'd adopted, including the flowy, hippie wardrobe. She loved clothes made out of scarves and tablecloths and even bedspreads. On a typical day on the set, she wore jeans and Frye boots, floaty tops and huge earrings, and the occasional headscarf" (131). 

According to Mary and Lou and Rhoda and Ted, Valerie noticed Kirk's unique style and thought it might be a good foil for Mary's quieter, business wardrobe. Kirk became Valerie's assistant, "making clothes for Harper—scarf-like tops, a purse made out of a abalone shell. She coordinated with [costume designer Leslie] Hall" (131).

  "The headscarf—an idea Kirk had lifted from a photo spread she saw in National Geographic—had become a national trend" (132).

Of course, I'm not the first blogger to write about this section of the book.

You can find more information (and a video!) here.

If you're a fan of MTM and Rhoda, I recommend that you add Mary and Lou and Rhoda and Ted to your summer reading list!