TV star Valerie Harper — whose rare form of brain cancer gives her only a few months to live — plans to put on her dancing shoes and compete on “Dancing with the Stars.”
Harper, 74, announced earlier this year she had been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer and was expected to live until about June.
TMZ reported that the beloved actress, famous for playing Rhoda Morgenstern on the “Mary Tyler Moor Show,” is in such good shape that she has already started practicing with her dance partner, Tristan MacManus, 31. The reality show is known for being physically grueling.
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Harper was diagnosed with leptomeningeal carcinomatosis, a rare form of brain cancer, on Jan. 15.
"I was stunned," Harper told People Magazine in March. "And in the next minute I thought, 'This could draw more attention to cancer research.”
"I don't think of dying," she said then. "I think of being here now."
Harper battled lung cancer in 2009.
Other rumored contestants include Leah Remini, Snooki, Christina Milian, Elizabeth Berkley, and Amber Riley.
ABC declined to comment on casting rumors, The Huffington Post reported. The cast of the high-profile show will be formally announced on Wednesday, Sept. 4 on "Good Morning America."
Commenters on the Huffington Post story were supportive of Harper returning to prime-time and going for the mirrored trophy ball.
“Valerie Harper still has one of the warmest smiles in showbiz history,” wrote one. “I don't watch that show but I'm so glad to hear she's doing better and will be able to perform.”
Wrote another, “Well if this is true all I can say is 'HOLY CRAP AND GOOD FOR YOU VALERIE.”
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