Valerie Harper starts work on TV movie, despite cancer battle

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 2 (UPI) -- Cancer-stricken actress Valerie Harper has begun work in Vancouver on "The Town That Came A-Courtin," a TV movie based on Ronda Rich's novel, producers said.

Production on the small-screen project began Wednesday, The Wrap reported.

Co-starring Lauren Holly, Cameron Bancroft and Lucie Guest, the movie is to air on the UP cable television network in January.

"UP is thrilled to have the always inspirational Valerie Harper as part of our talented 'The Town That Came A-Courtin cast," UP's senior vice president of original programming Barbara Fisher said in a statement. "Joined by Lauren Holly, Cameron Bancroft, and Lucie Guest, this uplifting, sometimes bumpy romance showcases how a community's spirit and goodwill can help people connect and find each other."

Harper, 73, announced in March she is suffering from terminal brain cancer. She is best known for her work on the sitcoms "Valerie," "Rhoda" and "The Mary Tyler Moore Show."