By Famke Akerboom
Betty Marion White was an icon in the entertainment world. Also known as the “Grand Dame of Television” or the “Queen of TV,” she was in the spotlight for nearly 70 years. In addition to her acting career, she was also active as a presenter, comedienne and activist for women’s, animal and human rights. Born on 17 January 1922, in Oak Park, Illinois, and raised in Los Angeles, where she emerged as one of the most beloved actresses in American history.
Her humor, charm and energetic charisma brought a lot of positive energy around the world. She has been in the spotlight since her debut in the 1940s. After a few small to medium-sized projects, her fame developed to the higher level with the classic sitcom Mary Tyler Moore in which she plays the crafty Sue Ann Nivens. In addition to Mary Tyler Moore, Betty White also played an impressive role in Golden Girls. The series is about 4 previously married women who live together in Miami. She played the role of Rose Nylund, a sweet but also naive woman who was happily married to Charlie Nylund. However, the latter died and then she made her choice to move in with 3 other women. Initially, White was supposed to play the male magnet Blanche Devereaux. However, the character of Blanche was very similar to the character White portrayed in Mary Tyler Moore so they decided to switch. The series became a huge hit and is still appreciated today. White also received an American Comedy Award for Funniest Female Performer in a TV series for her role as Rose Nylund in Golden Girls.
In addition to being a legendary actress, Betty White was also a zealous activist and advocate against animal cruelty. For decades, she championed various animal welfare organizations, specifically the Los Angeles Zoo. White’s commitment began in 1966 and as her first venture, she brought about the television special Backstage at the Zoo, with the goal of focusing on the zoo’s world-class animal care team and the work that goes on behind the scenes in caring for the animals. In the process, she was crowned as an honorary zookeeper in 2006 for her lifelong dedication to the welfare of the zoo’s animals. In addition to the TV special, she also created a book on the mission of zoos that serve as a center for conservation and education. Also, White has worked with other associations and organizations such as SPCALA, an organization that tries to prevent animal cruelty and improve animal welfare in general. Or the nonprofit organization The Seeing Eye, which trains and provides assistance dogs for blind people. Until her death, White dedicated herself fully to animal welfare and tried to help where she could.
In addition to animal rights, White also advocated for women’s and human rights. For example, she had founded her own production company and was the first woman to produce a television show; Life of Elizabeth. In addition to Life of Elizabeth, White also had her own show, The Betty White Show. In The Betty White Show, she was the first to invite a tap dancer of African-American descent, Arthur Duncan. This took place in 1954, when the United States was still organized on the basis of racial segregation. Many counter-reactions arose. The public demanded that Duncan be removed from the show. White, however, did not like this and gave him even more airtime. She used the tap dancer whenever possible. Even when the television network itself threatened to take the show off the air, she did not succumb. Betty White was determined to treat everyone with respect: men, women, children and animals.
Betty White has also won numerous awards. White has been nominated 83 times and she has won 41 of these awards. Her awards include Emmy Awards, People’s Choice Awards and Gold Derby Awards. In 1983, White became the first woman to win an Emmy Award for Outstanding Host or Hostess in a Game or Audience Participation Show. And in 1988, she received a star on the Walk of Fame. In addition, in 2010 Betty White was the oldest person ever to host Saturday Night Live. She also won an Emmy Award for that. Her last award was an OFTA Film Award for her acting in Golden Girls. She won that award in 2022, a year after her death.
Betty White died on 31 December 2021, just before her 100th birthday. The world was shocked. Betty White left behind a magnificent body of work that the world continues to enjoy at the present. After a career span of nearly 70 decades and a total of 115 shows and series, she passed away due to a stroke in her Los Angeles home. Betty White has been one of the most impactful actresses to date, with her human- and animal-loving achievements we can be glad that she blessed us with her presence.
Photo: Bob Riha via Salon
