Actress Valerie Harper Out of Hospital, Resting With Family

Actress Valerie Harper is resting and feeling better according to a spokesperson for the Ogunquit Playhouse in Ogunquit, Maine, where Harper was performing in the show "Nice Work If You Can Get It," alongside Sally Struthers.

Harper was taken to York Hospital Wednesday and was discharged Thursday. Her husband told the Ogunquit Playhouse that she is relaxing with family in an undisclosed location.

Bradford Kenney, Executive Artistic Director for the playhouse, said Harper had been feeling "off" all week. On Wednesday night, she was feeling faint in her dressing room, and the staff suggested she seek medical attention.

"She wanted to still go on stage," said Kenney.

Harper is 75 years old and has terminal cancer. Two years ago, doctors told her she had just three months to live. She said she was determined to keep living and working.

"She's out there to inspire people," said Kenney.

The Ogunquit Playhouse staff said reports that Harper had collapsed and was in a coma are "absolutely not true."

The day before she was hospitalized, Harper sat down with WCSH, an affiliate of necn and NBC, and said she was feeling "amazingly good," but admitted it hasn't been easy to perform.

"I'm having a really tough time," Harper told WCSH. "I think it’s the medication."

Kenney said Harper is optimistic she will be strong enough to return to the stage before the show ends on August 15.

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