Remembering, Celebrating, and Honoring Betty White on her January 17th Birthday
She's been called America's Sweetheart and a National Treasure with fans all over the world who were crushed to learn that Betty White peacefully passed away on December 31st, 2021 just a few weeks shy of her 100th birthday. With a successful career spanning nearly nine decades, Betty Marion White Ludden has clearly left her mark from New York City to Hollywood and beyond. Speaking of Tinseltown, she was immortalized on the Hollywood Walk of Fame with a namesake star next to her beloved husband, Allen Ludden where tributes have been pouring in by the dozens.
Famous Firsts and Remarkable Roles
To say that Betty White was a pioneer in the entertainment industry is an understatement at best. She's also a philanthropist, successful author, producer, has won seven Emmy Awards along with receiving 20 nominations over the course of her career. As a matter of fact, White was the first female to be awarded this prestigious statue as the host of a game show. She was also the first woman to produce a nationally syndicated TV show, a sitcom called Life With Elizabeth in 1952 garnering early Emmy attention.
Much later in life, Betty was the oldest person to host Saturday Night Live receiving the Primetime TV Award for her appearance. White has an uncanny ability to perform magically in distinctly different characters when you consider her most memorable roles when she portrayed the:
- Sharp-tongued and witty Sue Ann Nivens on The Mary Tyler Moore Show often giving a cold shoulder to the other characters
- Ditzy, constant story-telling Rose Nylund weaving tales of a sleepy and somewhat senseless life in St. Olaf on The Golden Girls
- Snarky Elka Ostrovsky who was quick to give advice when it's Hot in Cleveland to her much younger, single roommates
True fans of her many talents recall her award-winning appearance on SNL, as the oldest person to ever host Saturday Night Live in May 2010 at the age of 90 which is scheduled to be rebroadcast at some point by NBC. Betty also had reoccurring roles on other popular TV shows including The Bold and the Beautiful, Boston Legal, and Mama's Family. Let's not forget when she played alongside Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock in The Proposal, a popular romantic comedy released in 2009. More recently, she participated in a special biopic highlighting her amazing life and historic career to be shown on what would have been her 100th birthday.
More About This Memorable and Memorial Movie Event
The limited presentation of the film "Betty White: A Celebration" is almost like getting an invitation for all of us to attend a visual party showcasing her amazing life and achievements. Despite her passing, the show must go on and is still slated to hit nearly 900 movie theaters on January 17th, 2022.
Expect to see a star-studded cast paying homage to her by sharing their favorite moments and stories about working alongside the beloved, unexpected, and hilarious Betty White. Check out celebrity blasts from the past coming from the likes of Carol Burnett, Clint Eastwood, Jay Leno, Morgan Freeman, and more. She's always remained relevant despite her advancing age, so some of today's hottest headlines are also chiming in with tributes coming from co-stars Ryan Reynolds, Sandra Bullock, SNL castmate Tina Fey, and talk show hosts like Jimmy Kimmel, and James Corden.
The Golden Girl Who Gave Back
Betty White was one of those amazing celebrities who are beautiful, kind, and caring both inside and out. While she's been in the spotlight almost her whole life, not a lot of attention has been paid to her charitable side. Being an avid animal lover she's been recognized behind the scenes for her support and affiliation with non-profit organizations like Actors and Others for Animals and more critter-related charities.
BONUS: Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of The Golden Girls. For die-hard fans of this popular and beloved TV series, the first-ever Golden-Con event is slated to unfold in Chicago in April 2022 near the date when the last episode aired on broadcast television.
A Social Media Challenge to Support
In the past, social media challenges have ranged from the ridiculous (like eating Tide detergent pods) to other dangerous dares that put participants at risk. However, remember the Ice Bucket Challenge that raised $115 million for ALS with celebrity appearances that helped to fuel the fire for contributions. In a similar light, social media users and commercial advertisements are asking people to honor Betty White, on her birthday (and hopefully beyond) with donations to animal organizations in her name.
For more entertainment-related articles like this one, be sure to stay tuned to our blog and follow us on Facebook. You can also help in giving back to our community with the charities we proudly support including those affiliated with animals and wildlife. Whether it's a local shelter, a national, or an international organization protecting endangered species, consider volunteering, making a donation, or contributing to these foundations in honor of the incomparable, late, great Betty White.
