Actress Valerie Harper Hospitalized After Falling Ill Before Musical

Officials at a Maine playhouse say Valerie Harper has been hospitalized after falling ill before a performance.

Officials at the Ogunquit Playhouse say the 75-year-old actress, who has battled cancer, was taken to a hospital Wednesday before the evening performance of "Nice Work If You Can Get It."

A statement Thursday says she's "resting comfortably and will remain in the hospital for observation for the time being."

However, York Hospital told NBC News in a statement Harper was admitted Wednesday night and discharged Thursday morning.

Bradford Kenney, executive artistic director, says playhouse officials and audiences are encouraged to hear that she's feeling better.

Harper has been performing in the production as Millicent Winter, along with Sally Struthers as Duchess Estonia Dulworth.

Harper has had a number of roles on Broadway, the big screen and TV. She's well known for her role as Rhoda Morgenstern on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show."

The actress was diagnosed with Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis. The disease, which affects the fluid-filled membranes that surround the brain, is very rare and, so far, incurable. Harper went public with her diagnosis in March 2013.

Editors Note: This story previously incorrectly stated that Valerie Harper was hospitalized in New York.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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