James L. Brooks offered her the role of Helen Hunt's mother in As Good as It Gets (1997). She turned it down because she objected to the treatment of the dog in the film.
Admits to having surgery before "The Golden Girls" (1985), even though the program was about growing old and not having a problem with it.
At 88 and a half, the oldest person ever to host Saturday Night Live. [2010]
Attended the same high school as Angelina Jolie, Michael Klesic, Nicolas Cage, Lenny Kravitz, David Schwimmer, Jonathan Silverman, Gina Gershon, Rhonda Fleming, Jackie Cooper, Rob Reiner, Antonio Sabato Jr., Pauly Shore, Michael Tolkin, Corbin Bernsen, Elizabeth Daily, Albert Brooks, and Crispin Glover.
Attended the same school as Jamie Luner.
Beloved frequent guest celebrity/panelist on numerous game shows, including every version of "Password All-Stars" (1961), "The Hollywood Squares" (1965), "Match Game 73" (1973), "The (New) $25,000 Pyramid" (1973), and countless others.
Best known for her starring role as Rose Nylund on "The Golden Girls" (1985).
Betty was originally considered for the role of the sexpot, "Blanche," on "The Golden Girls" (1985). However, Betty had already been the aggressive "Sue Ann Nivens" on "Mary Tyler Moore" (1970) and Rue McClanahan had played the introverted "Vivian" on "Maude" (1972). It was thought best not to have these two actresses reprise similar characters. Therefore, Betty got the part of naive "Rose Nylund" and Rue played the oversexed "Blanche".
Ih her first screen appearance she played Jimmy Lydon's girlfriend in "Time To Kill"(1945), a short promoting the educational benefits of the US Armed Forces' "GI Bill".
In 1955, Betty was the honorary mayor of Hollywood, California.
Is an avid Animal Rights activist and is a sponsor for Farm Animal Reform Movement and Friends of Animals.
Is an avid animal welfare activist and works with a number of organizations; including the Los Angeles Zoo Commission, the Morris Animal Foundation, and Actors & Others for Animals.
Is of German and Greek ancestry.
Is strongly critical of reality television.
Made several appearances on "Santa Barbara" (1984) as part of a contest.
Moved to Los Angeles when she was only two years old.
Of the four principal stars/actresses on "The Golden Girls" (1985), Betty White is the oldest (first born), as well as the last surviving. (In order: Betty White, born January 17, 1922; Bea Arthur, born May 13, 1922; Estelle Getty, born July 25, 1923; and Rue McClanahan, born February 21, 1934.).
Parents' names were Horace and Tess White.
Per her autobiography, White was named "Betty" at birth not "Elizabeth" because her parents did not want her to be saddled with any of the nicknames and derivatives of Elizabeth -- i.e. Beth, Liza, Ellie, etc.
Played the same character, Rose Nylund, on four different TV series: "The Golden Palace" (1992), "The Golden Girls" (1985), "Nurses" (1991), and "Empty Nest" (1988).