An endearing supporting player of film and TV, Mary Kay Place secured an Emmy Award and a special place in the hearts of fans of Norman Lear's nightly soap spoof "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman" (syndicated, 1976-77). As aspiring Country & Western star Loretta Haggers, the actress avoided soft-pedaling the character's naivete and prejudices, while conveying the down home charm, common sense, and just plain goodness that made her an irreplaceable best friend to Louise Lasser's profoundly neurotic Mary Hartman. She wrote over 75 songs for her character and sang them with conviction in her charming
