Fan favorite VALERIE HARPER’s Viennese waltz turned out to be her exit from “Dancing With the Stars”.
The 74- year-old, battling brain cancer, was both a favoritge with judges and voting public alike but still got deep sixed from the dance comp last night.
"It was an opportunity for me to carry a message for folks, not just with cancer, whatever they have, whatever challenge, like our song, 'Carry On, Carry On,'" Valerie, the former "Rhoda" star said, causing several fellow contestants and judge Carrie Ann Inaba to moisten their eyes with salty sadness.
While the judges were generous with a 6-6-6 score Harper's inability to dance with the music nor stay in rhythm with pro partner Tristan McManus spelled finis.
Even guest judge Julianne Hough began her critique by saying, "I don't think I've had the chance to tell you how brave you are."
Still the elimination was a bit of a surprise given the D-lister collection of competitors – with the "Jersey Shore's" Snooki and former "King of Queens" actress Leah Remini, in the spotlight, the most high profile competitors remaining.
