The world had the privilege to know Betty White for 99 BEAUTIFUL years. The woman that everyone thought would live forever left us on the last day of 2021. Betty White is widely known for her acting skills, but she is so much more than the character she played on screen.
Background info
Betty White was born in early 1922 in Illinois and moved to Los Angeles when she was just two years old. She was a natural with acting, and began as early as the 1940’s. She started acting on different radio shows and by the early 50’s she began a regular on television.
Did you know Betty White co-founded Brandy Productions to be able to produce her own projects?
The Golden Years
Betty wasn’t even supposed play Ms. Rose Nylund. She originally was going to be casted as Blanche, but the director thought the role was too close to one of White’s previous roles. Believe it or not, but the lovely actors on Golden Girls did not always get along. Throughout the time of the show the women all stuck together and became lifelong friends. Betty White won an Emmy from her time on Golden Girls, and the show itself won 11 Emmy awards.
Bringing Betty to 2022
Of course with living 99 years, Betty White got to experience some pretty amazing things. She watched the most of the 20th century unfold right in front of her and then watched the beginning of the 21st. In her lifetime Betty White has left perhaps one of the biggest marks on the world. She was so kind and graceful with her words. Never let anyone step all over her. And most importantly stayed true to herself and lived out her dream of being a performer.
WWBD (What Would Betty Do?)
Going into 2022 you might be bringing some things with you that need to stay in 2021. Here are some of Betty White’s words of wisdom to help you get through the new year!
Remember it’s ok to eat!
“I’m a health nut. My favorite food is hot dogs with French fries. And my exercise: I have a two-story house and a very bad memory, so I’m up and down those stairs.” (2012 interview with The New York Times).
If it doesn’t concern you… let it go.
“… I don’t know how people can get so anti-something. Mind your own business, take care of your affairs, and don’t worry about other people so much.” (2010 interview with Parade Magazine).
Make them remember you!
“Everybody needs a passion. That’s what keeps life interesting. If you live without passion, you can go through life without leaving any footprints.” (Betty White’s 2011 memoir, If You Ask Me: (And of Course You Won’t).
Betty White may be gone, but we have so many ways to keep her energetic spirit alive through 2022 and many many more years. She was one remarkable woman who left her mark on the world. Think about all of the amazing things you could do if you just put your mind to it. If Betty could do it, so can you! You are capable of so many great things, all you have to do is believe. Betty White was just a little girl from Illinois, and now the whole world knows her name. You got this!
Sources
Betty White’s Guide to life, in 20 quotes. Mental Floss. (2017, January 17)
A&E Networks Television. (2021, December 31). Betty White. Biography.com.
Staff, O. K. (2021, January 17). Betty White tells all! the actress reflects on ‘The golden girls’ – and which costar she didn’t get along with. OK Magazine.
Littleton, C. (2022, January 1). Betty White, ‘golden girls’ star and TV legend, dies at 99. Variety.