Born: 1922 (Oak Park, Illinois)
Biography:
Betty Marion White was an American actress and comedian. Born on January 17, 1922, in Oak Park, Illinois, she became a pioneer of early television with a career that spanned an impressive seven decades. White was noted for her extensive television appearances, showcasing her talents in sitcoms, sketch comedy, and game shows.
One of her notable achievements was producing and starring in the series Life with Elizabeth from 1953 to 1955, which made her the first woman to produce a sitcom. After transitioning from radio to television, White became a staple panelist on American game shows such as Password, Match Game, Tattletales, To Tell the Truth, The Hollywood Squares, and The $25,000 Pyramid. She was affectionately dubbed the first lady of game shows and made history by becoming the first woman to receive the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show Host for the show Just Men! in 1983.
In addition to game shows, White gained widespread recognition through her guest and recurring appearances on shows like The Carol Burnett Show, The Bold and the Beautiful, and Boston Legal. However, her most significant roles came in the form of beloved characters. She portrayed Sue Ann Nivens on the CBS sitcom The Mary Tyler Moore Show from 1973 to 1977, capturing the hearts of viewers. White’s role as Rose Nylund on the NBC sitcom The Golden Girls from 1985 to 1992 further solidified her status as a television icon. Her portrayal of Elka Ostrovsky on the TV Land sitcom Hot in Cleveland from 2010 to 2015 marked a late career resurgence.
White’s talent extended beyond television to the big screen. In 2009, she starred in the romantic comedy film The Proposal, which contributed to her late career resurgence. The following year, she made history once again by hosting Saturday Night Live, earning her a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series.
In 2018, the documentary Betty White: First Lady of Television delved into her remarkable life and career, shedding light on her contributions to the entertainment industry. Her extensive work in radio, television, and film earned her two Guinness World Records for the longest TV career by a female entertainer in 2014 and 2018.
Throughout her illustrious career, White received numerous awards and nominations, showcasing her exceptional talent. She was recognized with seven Emmy Awards, three Screen Actors Guild Awards, and a Grammy Award. In 1995, she was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and inducted into the Television Hall of Fame.
Betty White’s impact extended far beyond her remarkable achievements in the entertainment industry. Her wit, charisma, and talent have inspired generations of comedians and entertainers. As a trailblazer for women in television, she broke barriers and paved the way for future generations of female performers. Her enduring legacy continues to shine as a testament to her exceptional talent and contributions to women’s history.
Awards:
– Seven Emmy Awards
– Three Screen Actors Guild Awards
– Grammy Award
– Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
– Inducted into the Television Hall of Fame