I am not into ‘celebrities’ and following the private lives of actors, musicians, athletes and the like. But yesterday, the death of one celebrity brought me to tears. That celebrity was, of course, Betty White who died on Friday just 18 days short of celebrating her 100th birthday.
Ms. White, in the words of former First Lady Michelle Obama …
“… broke barriers, defied expectations, served her country, and pushed us all to laugh. Barack and I join so many around the world who will miss the joy she brought to the world.”
She had a long career, playing in so many different television shows that I cannot count them all, but throughout her career she has cared about people and issues. Take, for example, her first televised variety show where, in 1954, as the host and producer, she defied racist demands to get rid of a scheduled guest, Arthur Duncan, because he was Black. Duncan, at 21, had been performing in a dance quartet for years and was looking for his big break. Betty White gave it to him, and to the naysayers she simply said, “Live with it.”
A funny story in my own family about Betty White … one day my granddaughter, who was then about 4 or 5 years old, saw Betty White on television and excitedly declared, “Grannie … there’s the Queen of England!!!” Needless to say, this became a family joke that is still laughed about today, and I imagine Betty would have taken some pleasure from the mix-up had she known.
R.I.P. Betty White … you gave so much to us and you will be missed.
In 1969 with talk show host David Letterman
With husband, game-show host Allen Ludden who died in 1981.
Betty as Rose Nylund in The Golden Girls, the role for which she is best remembered, shown here with co-stars Rue McClanahan and Bea Arthur.
In 2010, Betty receives the Screen Actor’s Guild’s ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’
On her 90th birthday
With President Obama in 2012
Betty White in 2021 … she still has that winning smile and twinkle in her eyes.
Filosofa's Word 
Pingback: Betty White — She Will Live On In Our Memories – Nelsapy
Pingback: Betty White — She Will Live On In Our Memories – Jackanori, (MPD)
Such class. Such humor and authenticity. She will always be one of my heroes. The Golden Girls are together again. I’m concerned for my other hero, Shirley MacLaine. Happy new week Jill.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree … she was a one-of-a-kind special lady. I don’t know as much about Shirley MacLaine as I did Betty White, but I know I’ve seen her in a number of movies. Happy new week to you, Cheryl … I hope you and hubby are well and fine.
LikeLike
Thanks Jill. At this moment we are. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s all any of us can be sure of … ‘this moment’. Keep well, my friend!
LikeLike
Reblogged this on It Is What It Is and commented:
MS. Betty White … our own treasure!! Rest i Power!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, dear friend!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
💞💞💞
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jill, nicely done. Betty is a living example of reinventing yourself over and over. She seized opportunities and flourished. Many thanks, Keith
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Keith! Yes, she was one fine lady in my book!
LikeLike
I actually started crying when I found out. I really wanted her to make it to 100. I loved her. She was so REAL.
I loved all her roles but I think I loved her best as SueAnn Nivens in the Mary Tyler Moore show. That bedroom of hers! OMG I’ll never forget it!
She was the absolute BEST.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So did I, my friend. I don’t remember her well as Sue Ann Nivens, as I rarely saw the MTM show, but I remember her best as Rose on Golden Girls and I did love her in that role. Along with the way she lived her personal life, her love of animals … a wonderful woman!
LikeLike
She was an actress, but fame never went to her head. She was REAL If any actor should ever be immortalized, it is Betty White.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I fully agree … she was one of a kind!
LikeLike
She was wonderful!
LikeLiked by 2 people
She certainly was!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for sharing the beautiful tribute, Jill! She was from the old guard of famous actresses. More and more we only see shooting stars, in the manner of sex sells. xx Michael
LikeLiked by 2 people
My pleasure, Michael! Yes, she was among the last of a dying breed, I fear. Sigh. xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thats so sad, because more and more quality leaves the scene. xx Michael
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it does, and I find very little to admire or respect in most of today’s up-and-coming actors & actresses, such as Justin Beiber, Brittany Spears and others. xx
LikeLike
Reblogged this on OPENED HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Michael!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
:-))
LikeLiked by 1 person
She was also a very attractive women in all stages of her life. I was looking at pictures of her in her youth and she was stunning, and she stayed beautiful as she aged. I guess her beauty was from the inside and it shown out no matter her age. Scottie
LikeLiked by 2 people
Indeed she was, and like you, I’ve been looking at the pictures … she aged gracefully, as they say, and was as much a beautiful woman at 99 as at 29! As you said, her beauty was from the inside and it showed! Hugs, my dear friend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Betty White – She Will Live On in Our Memories. | Ramblings of an Occupy Liberal
Please forgive my intrusion in and addition to your lovely tribute to the inimitable Betty White. I quote Betty’s own words spoken in a 1990 interview with the Chicago Sun Times : “Being remembered for Rose and Sue Ann and the others would be wonderful, but I also want to be remembered as a lady who helped the animals.” Animal welfare was a lifelong love and priority. Might I suggest “Betty & Friends : My Life at the Zoo” which was published in 2011. Of all her books, and I doubt that there are any that I have not read, this is a special treasure. Might I be so bold as to suggest that making a donation to the “Betty White Wildlife Fund” would be a marvelous tribute to an amazing life. WHAK!! Thank-you!
LikeLiked by 4 people
Ahhhh yes … and I wish I had included that in my post, but frankly I forgot, even though I saw pictures of her playing with the Obama’s furry family member! I will definitely check out the book you suggested! Surely a donation to the “Betty White Wildlife Fund” would be money well-spent and it has been added to my list for this year! WHAK!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A lovely tribute to a wonderful Lady.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, John. She was, indeed, a wonderful lady.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on CRAIN'S COMMENTS and commented:
Requiem for a very special individual. Her ability to relate and her commitment to her values and to using laughter to raise others up is sadly very rare and much needed.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Vic!!!
LikeLike
She was very special in so many ways.
LikeLiked by 3 people
She certainly was! She will be missed by many!
LikeLike
She was one of a kind and the best Hollywood had to offer.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I fully agree!
LikeLiked by 1 person