Actors applaud Betty White, a glowing star at 88
“I loved The Proposal,” said my gushing 25-year-old friend. Because of beyond adorable Ryan Reynolds? Comic genius Sandra Bullock? No, she continued, “I knew it would be good because Betty White is in it.”
Well, no wonder White, 88, is receiving this year’s Life Time Achievement award from the Screen Actors Guild (Saturday, January 23, at 8 p.m. on TNT and TBS). She’s everybody’s favorite grandma–and a comic whose caustic wit was so ahead of its time, it’s breaking boundaries today.
Many of us were introduced to Betty as Mary Richards’ man-devouring nemesis, “The Happy Homemaker,” on The Mary Tyler Moore Show. “Oh, Mary,” she would coo, helpfully pointing out the younger woman’s deficits, including the pointy corners on her sweaters. And then she was off and pursuing grumpy Lou Grant.
Even more viewers discovered White as the Golden Girls‘ divine fool, Rose, the senior roommate most likely to see clearly the truth.
Before that, in the murky mid-20th-century, she was a game show regular, wife of Alan Ludden, Password host, who died in 1981. He was her third husband, but her great love.
Quietly, White’s TV career has garnered her six Emmy awards and 18 nominations–and a fan base that smiles the moment she walks onscreen. How can you not love this vibrant geriatric who can commune with the most world-weary teen?
So congratulations, Betty, and keep going–Avatar II, here you come!
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You are probably too young, but Betty had a 15 minute program called “Life with Elizabeth” in the 50s and 60s
Ralph–I’m not too young (thanks for that!), but I don’t remember it. Betty has referred to it in interviews, though, so it must mean something to her. She also apparently had an LA talk show, which she just sort of made up as she went along. Another tribute to her quick wit!
In response to another comment. See in context »Betty White is consistently hilarious in everything she does. Her comic timing is always pitch perfect. Well deserved, and clearly a popular choice.
I love women like Betty White who show us that life can be delicious fun at any damn age.
[...] Actors applaud Betty White, a glowing star at 88 – Susan Toepfer …“I loved The Proposal,” said my gushing 25-year-old friend. Because of beyond adorable Ryan Reynolds? Comic genius Sandra Bullock? No, she continued, “I knew it would be good because Betty White is in it.” Well, no wonder White, 88, … Read more [...]