Showbiz News Pioneer Mary Hart Leaving "ET"

Mary Hart, one of the pioneers of the TV showbiz news format, is calling it a career. Hart has announced plans to end her run on "Entertainment Tonight." The 59-year-old said she'll exit the syndicated half-hour show at the end of its thirtieth season, which launches this fall. In a statement on Thursday, Hart said, quote, "I've reached a point when I clearly realize it's time for a change. There are many things I want to do in my life and I'd better get on with them." A former Miss America competitor representing the state of South Dakota, Hart started in local news in Oklahoma City. She then moved to Los Angeles in 1979 where she eventually landed a short-lived co-hosting gig with Regis Philbin in 1981 on his first national talk show. "Entertainment Tonight" came calling and hired Hart as a correspondent. She went on to replace co-anchor Dixie Whatley in 1982 and has remained in the position until this day.