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The term 'legend' is often casually thrown around, but the list we’ve compiled is about someone who undeniably deserves the title. Betty White entertained audiences for over seven decades as a television star and, more recently, as a pop culture icon.
Her remarkable achievements in entertainment are iconic. But it’s not just her longevity and endearing personality that make her unforgettable. White was also a trailblazer, living life on her own terms. It’s tough to find anyone who doesn’t admire Betty White!
Come with us as we highlight the reasons Betty White is more than just America’s sweetheart—she’s also the beloved Grandma of the nation! Don’t think you’re a Betty White fan? You might change your mind after reading our list!
10. Parkay Butter Commercial
Betty White captured America's heart not through television but through radio. Her journey began in the 1930s with a dramatic radio show called Empire Builders, when she was just eight years old! Ambitious from the start, White was never content with merely being on the radio.
Throughout the 1940s, White auditioned for countless roles before landing her first big break. It wasn’t in a film but in a television commercial, all thanks to a chance encounter with producer Frank Van Hartesveldt in an elevator.
Her iconic line? Simply saying 'Parkay,' the name of the butter brand. And she absolutely nailed it!
After this initial triumph, White’s career took off. She went on to appear in countless commercials throughout her legendary career.
9. Met Her Third (and Final) Husband on a Game Show
In the 1940s, White was a charming and humorous young Hollywood star with no shortage of romantic options. Her first marriage was to Dick Barker, a man who owned a chicken farm in rural Ohio. However, White lasted only four months before returning to Hollywood and leaving her husband behind.
A couple of years later, White crossed paths with Lane Allen, an agent, and they tied the knot in 1947. This marriage lasted longer than her first, but Allen wanted White to step away from show business. Thankfully for us, White refused to leave her career, opting instead to leave the marriage!
White didn't remarry for quite a few years until she met Allen Ludden, a game show host and father of three. The two fell in love on the set of the game show Password and were married in 1963. Third time’s the charm! Sadly, Ludden passed away in 1981, and White never remarried.
8. Betty White’s Love for Animals
One of the many reasons Betty White was so adored was her boundless love, which extended to our furry friends. She hosted a show in 1971 called The Pet Set, where she featured famous faces alongside their beloved pets!
White once declined a movie role due to her deep love for animals. She was offered the role of Helen Hunt’s mother in the film As Good As It Gets, which starred Jack Nicholson. In one iconic scene, Nicholson’s character grows frustrated with a dog outside his door and then throws the dog down the trash chute of his building. While the scene wasn’t intended to be cruel to animals, White refused to support it. She asked director James L. Brooks to modify or remove the scene, but when they declined, she was replaced in the role by Shirley Knight.
It’s a rare thing for an actor to turn down a role out of principle, and that’s yet another reason to admire Betty White!
7. She Stood Up for Arthur Duncan
Betty White was not only an outstanding comedic actress but also a producer. One of the programs she produced was The Betty White Show, a variety series featuring comedy sketches and musical performances.
On her show, there was a dancer named Arthur Duncan, a black man. When viewers complained, the network suggested replacing Duncan. However, as expected, Betty White wasn’t one to simply follow orders.
Instead of letting Duncan go, she kept him on the show, telling the network that they would have to 'live with it.' She continued to offer him chances, and he remained a part of the show until its cancellation in 1954. Duncan acknowledges her for giving him a platform and helping to launch his career.
6. She Became the Oldest Host in SNL History
Betty White was a beloved icon, known for her wonderful personality, impeccable comedic timing, and sense of humor. Even in today's digital world, fans continued to admire her. An online petition was launched by her supporters, urging that she should host Saturday Night Live, the famous sketch comedy series.
The petition gained so much momentum that producers were left with little choice but to comply. In 2010, at the impressive age of 88, White hosted the show. Unlike many other SNL hosts, she participated in every single sketch. The episode became the most-watched in over a year, drawing in more than 12 million viewers. Betty White truly got better with age, like a fine wine!
Incredibly, despite having over 60 years of television experience by then, this was the only time Betty White ever hosted SNL. Her performance wowed both fans and critics, and she even earned an Emmy award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series. Among the many memorable sketches, the one where she portrays the grandmother of the character MacGruber stands out as particularly hilarious. It's surprising she didn't host earlier.
5. Betty White Had a Weakness for Junk Food
Despite her remarkable career and long life, many might assume Betty White followed a strict diet regimen. Did she indulge in avocado ice cream like Tom Brady? Not quite. White was known for her love of junk food.
Her favorite unhealthy indulgences included Red Vines licorice, French fries, hot dogs, and diet soda. Perhaps all the candy she enjoyed contributed to her sweetness. Her co-stars often remarked on how much Betty relished red licorice. Maybe that's the secret to a long and happy life.
In any case, it's even easier to relate to White when you realize she ate just like the rest of us!
4. Betty White Shared Friendships with Many Hollywood Stars
White has been a source of inspiration for many of today's top female comedic talents, including Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Melissa McCarthy. Her connections with her peers played a significant role in advancing her career. She had an impressive circle of friends in the entertainment world.
Among the most impactful relationships were with fellow comedy legends Lucille Ball and Mary Tyler Moore. Betty White and Lucille Ball found themselves competing against one another on game shows as they both rose to fame. White also influenced Mary Tyler Moore, making several memorable appearances on the iconic Mary Tyler Moore Show, where she even earned two Emmy awards. The friendship extended to their husbands as well.
Was there anyone Betty White didn’t get along with? Rather than creating rivalries, White formed lasting friendships. It's just another reason to admire Betty White!
3. Betty White Was a Guest on The Tonight Show with Four Different Hosts
Betty White was a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, and she holds a unique distinction related to another Hollywood institution, The Tonight Show. She is the only guest to have appeared on the show with four different hosts.
The Tonight Show has had only five hosts throughout its long history. Betty White was first featured with the show’s original host, Jack Paar, and later appeared frequently with its longest-serving host, Johnny Carson. She joined the show both as a guest and as part of various skits.
Joan Rivers often stepped in as a guest host when Carson took a break. Who was Joan Rivers's favorite guest? You guessed it, Betty White! White also made multiple appearances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and has been a frequent guest on various late-night programs, including Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.
Her personality blended perfectly with the show's spontaneous format, which is likely why past hosts were always thrilled to have her on the air.
2. Betty White Volunteered During World War II
World War II may feel like ancient history to many, but Betty White was not only alive during the war—she actively served. Taking a break from her entertainment career, White volunteered to support the troops through the American Women's Voluntary Services.
White drove trucks carrying military supplies, among other responsibilities. When she passed away in 2021, the U.S. Army honored her with a tweet, stating, 'Not only was she an amazing actress, but she also served during WWII… A true legend on and off the screen.'
They put it perfectly. Not many actors or actresses would put aside their personal ambitions for the betterment of the country, but this just highlights the exceptional person Betty White was.
1. Betty White Holds the Record for the Longest TV Career
While it's clear that Betty White had a long career on television, you may not realize just how extensive it was. Her television debut took place in 1939, during the presidency of Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
Although her first show, The Merry Widow, wasn’t a success, White went on to appear on television for the next seven decades. She became widely known, particularly for her roles in The Golden Girls and The Betty White Show.
In 1995, White was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame. This recognition, however, did not slow her down. Following this achievement, she continued to appear in over a dozen television shows and films. With more than 70 years of television appearances under her belt, Betty White holds the Guinness World Record for the longest television career by a female. Had she not passed away on New Year's Eve 2021, it’s likely she would still be acting in movies and TV shows today.
