Betty White

How TV’s ‘Golden Girl’ with a golden heart impacted the nation.

BettyWhite

BY ABBY BLOSE PHOTOS BY PROVIDED

As the world celebrates Betty White, there is no denying a life well-lived. Born to shine in 1922, White thrived in the spotlight for over eight decades as an actress and a comedian. To commemorate her life in summary, no one could say it better than Betty herself, “It's your outlook on life that counts. If you take yourself lightly and don't take yourself too seriously, pretty soon you can find humor in our everyday lives. And sometimes it can be a lifesaver.”

In reality, White was the lifesaver. Her humor was malleable, squeezing its way into every generation. Her smile was familiar and became a part of every American household quickly. And her ethics were timeless, as she took advantage of her massive platform to advocate for racial justice, social equality, and animal rights.

White’s big break came with the sitcom “Life With Elizabeth.” She not only played the lead role, but also took part in the production process, breaking boundaries for women in Hollywood. From that point on, there was no looking back. Her most notable characters included Sue Ann Nivens on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and the often simple Rose of “The Golden Girls.”

Comedy came naturally to White. Whether she was in front of the camera or off-screen, White knew exactly how to make people

laugh. When delivering a speech to accept an award (which she did frequently), White knew how to balance the heart-warming thankyous with the stereotypical witty and raunchy punchlines. With over 80 awards and nominations, White remained relevant and relatable. White even won a Teen Choice award at the age of 88, proving just how young she was at heart.

Despite nearing her 100th birthday, White once said, “I’m a teenager trapped in an old body.” She knew how to show it through fashion. White was no stranger to funky patterns and bright colors. White liked to keep her ensembles fun and flashy, just like her personality. She was no stranger to sequins. Most notable was her glamorous evening gown from the 2010 Screen Actors Guild Awards. White was not afraid to be herself with a bright blue dress highlighted with deep purple detailing. The dress sleeves were made entirely of lace with sparkle accents. To top it off, the actress knew how to accessorize. From layered necklaces in her earlier years to perfectly matching earrings as time progressed, nothing completed an outfit quite like her contagious smile.

Of course, White was funny; she was a comedian. There is no doubt that she knew how to dress for the spotlight, and no one can accuse her of being ordinary. However, the most notable feature of White was her heart. She was proof that ignorance when it came to social justice was not “a generational issue”. She remained an ally to many, and of course, a Golden Girl to all. Thank you for being a friend, Betty White!