Betty White’s career ran through practically the entire history of television. And before White died on Dec. 31 at the age of 99, her longevity was a tribute not merely to persistence but to the willingness of a classic Hollywood talent to be versatile and to adapt.
In moving from television in the 1940s and ’50s to late-in-life media stardom on contemporary sitcoms and on “Saturday Night Live” (with some plum movie roles in between), White was perennially able to shift gears. She brought the best of an irreducible public persona — sparkling and witty, even or especially as dim or deluded characters — to a breadth of projects that offered her chances to show different sides of her talent. Her gifts recalled the best of an era of Hollywood in which charm reigned supreme; placing those gifts in a modern context provided a counterpoint that keeps fans fascinated by White practically to the century mark.
In moving from television in the 1940s and ’50s to late-in-life media stardom on contemporary sitcoms and on “Saturday Night Live” (with some plum movie roles in between), White was perennially able to shift gears. She brought the best of an irreducible public persona — sparkling and witty, even or especially as dim or deluded characters — to a breadth of projects that offered her chances to show different sides of her talent. Her gifts recalled the best of an era of Hollywood in which charm reigned supreme; placing those gifts in a modern context provided a counterpoint that keeps fans fascinated by White practically to the century mark.
- 1/6/2022
- by Daniel D'Addario
- Variety Film + TV
Veteran funnylady Betty White celebrates her 90th birthday Tuesday -- and NBC threw her an extravaganza!
The 90-minute "Betty White's 90th Birthday: A Tribute to America's Golden Girl" special, which aired Monday, featured birthday wishes from the likes of Tina Fey, Mary Tyler Moore, Carol Burnett, Hugh Jackman, Amy Poehler, Joel McHale, Morgan Freeman, Ray Romano, Ellen DeGeneres, Carl Reiner, William Shatner, Chevy Chase, Zachary Levi (who proposed marriage to the adorably game star) and President Barack Obama himself.
The 90-minute "Betty White's 90th Birthday: A Tribute to America's Golden Girl" special, which aired Monday, featured birthday wishes from the likes of Tina Fey, Mary Tyler Moore, Carol Burnett, Hugh Jackman, Amy Poehler, Joel McHale, Morgan Freeman, Ray Romano, Ellen DeGeneres, Carl Reiner, William Shatner, Chevy Chase, Zachary Levi (who proposed marriage to the adorably game star) and President Barack Obama himself.
- 1/17/2012
- Extra
The hilarity never stops with octogenarian superstar Betty White, who is now set to host an NBC reality show, tentatively titled, "Betty White's Off Their Rockers."
Wait until you hear the premise! The series focuses on a group of senior citizens who band together to play pranks on younger people. Now, that's entertainment!
The "Hot in Cleveland" star will host the series, based on a hit Belgian show that has been produced in other European countries,...
Wait until you hear the premise! The series focuses on a group of senior citizens who band together to play pranks on younger people. Now, that's entertainment!
The "Hot in Cleveland" star will host the series, based on a hit Belgian show that has been produced in other European countries,...
- 3/31/2011
- Extra
"Extra" asked for your votes on your favorite entertainers of 2010 -- and the top five choices have been made!
Coming in at No. 5 is spectacular octogenarian Betty White, who has had one heck of a year making the masses laugh their asses off.
From her hilarious Screen Actors Guild Lifetime Achievement acceptance speech in January, to her stellar hosting gig on "Saturday Night Live," appearances on the 2010 MTV Movie Awards, her wacky Snickers commercial, her TV series "Hot in Cleveland,...
Coming in at No. 5 is spectacular octogenarian Betty White, who has had one heck of a year making the masses laugh their asses off.
From her hilarious Screen Actors Guild Lifetime Achievement acceptance speech in January, to her stellar hosting gig on "Saturday Night Live," appearances on the 2010 MTV Movie Awards, her wacky Snickers commercial, her TV series "Hot in Cleveland,...
- 11/15/2010
- Extra
Betty White, 88, is starring in the new film "You Again," alongside Kristen Bell and Jamie Lee Curtis.
Check out these fun facts you probably didn't know about the celebrated octogenarian sensation.
55 Fun Facts About Betty WhiteBetty White
Betty White was born in Oak Park, Illinois onJanuary 17, 1922.
Betty White
Betty White is of German and Greek ancestry.
Betty White
Moved to Los Angeles at two years old.
Betty White
Betty was the first woman to receive...
Check out these fun facts you probably didn't know about the celebrated octogenarian sensation.
55 Fun Facts About Betty WhiteBetty White
Betty White was born in Oak Park, Illinois onJanuary 17, 1922.
Betty White
Betty White is of German and Greek ancestry.
Betty White
Moved to Los Angeles at two years old.
Betty White
Betty was the first woman to receive...
- 9/26/2010
- Extra
Betty White, 88, is starring in a new TV Land sitcom "Hot in Cleveland."
Check out more facts that you probably didn't know about America's favorite -- and White hottest -- actress!
Check out more facts that you probably didn't know about America's favorite actress!
55 Fun Facts About Betty WhiteBetty White
Betty White was born in Oak Park, Illinois onJanuary 17, 1922.
Betty White
Betty White is of German and Greek ancestry.
Betty White
Moved to Los Angeles at two years old.
Check out more facts that you probably didn't know about America's favorite -- and White hottest -- actress!
Check out more facts that you probably didn't know about America's favorite actress!
55 Fun Facts About Betty WhiteBetty White
Betty White was born in Oak Park, Illinois onJanuary 17, 1922.
Betty White
Betty White is of German and Greek ancestry.
Betty White
Moved to Los Angeles at two years old.
- 6/16/2010
- Extra
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.