Valerie Harper defies terminal brain cancer prognosis to join 'Dancing With The Stars' Valerie Harper has exceeded her life expectancy since a diagnosis in March of terminal brain cancer and will participate in the upcoming 'Dancing With The Stars' season. Picture: Peter Kramer Source: AP VALERIE Harper, who was given just three months to live back in March, has not only stayed alive but also signed on to Dancing with the Stars. Harper, 74, who is best known for playing Rhoda on the The Mary Tyler Moore Show and the spin-off Rhoda show in the 1970s. Harper was diagnosed with leptomeningeal carcinomatosis, a rare form of brain cancer, that doctors estimated would end her life by June, TMZ reports. The celebrity site's source says Harper and her partner Tristan MacManus have been practicing for a couple of days for the physically demanding program and that she is doing well. Other possible contestants on the season include King of Queens actress and ex-Scientologist Leah Remini, Jersey Shore cast member Snooki, Showgirls star Elizabeth Berkley, Amber Riley from Glee and singer Christina Milian.