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The Ever Inspiring Betty White
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by Sandra Siepak
More than 20 years of TV/Print experience covering news and entertainment. Coverage of celebrity interviews, feature films stage productions in Los Angeles, CA.
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By: Sandra Siepak
Betty White is pretty hot these days. Not just “Hot in Cleveland,” but everywhere. At 90, she can run circles around some of the most popular actresses in television not only with her good looks but also with her wit, charm, and undeniable multi-faceted talents. The unstoppable Betty White is enjoying every minute of being one of the hardest working women in Hollywood. With her starring role in TV Land’s comedy “Hot In Cleveland,” to appearing as host of the ever popular “Saturday Night Live,” (for which she won her 7th Emmy) to hosting the new NBC series “Betty White’s Off Their Rockers,” this woman is busy! Just when most actresses her age are retired Betty White is THE girl who just keeps going and going.
Her new book, “If You Ask Me (And I know You Won’t),” already a best-seller, is a fun filled journey readers will find both interesting and entertaining. It chronicles the last fifteen years of White’s life and the adventurous avenues that have taken her to get some of the most extraordinary roles in her successful career. It’s funny, to the point, and full of unforgettable stories. She is more than candid about aging, health, playing poker, TV and film roles, friendships and her love for animals. Simply put, it’s Betty at her best.” She added, “Well I enjoyed writing it. But it’s not War and Peace, I just hope it’s fun to get to know each other.”
For Betty White, born in Oak Park, Illinois and raised in Hollywood the joy of performing began in radio in the 40’s and Television in the 50’s. She was a long-time host of the Tournament of Roses parade, game player on TV in “Password” and “Match Game” in the 60’s and later as the popular character Sue Ann Nivens in “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” White soon became a household name. In 1985 she landed the role of Rose in the hit NBC series, “The Golden Girls.” She went on to do various guest appearances in such shows as, “Malcolm In The Middle,” “Ally McBeal,”“The Practice,” “Boston Legal,” and “30 Rock.” She has also lent her voice to such animated series as “The Simpsons” and “Family Guy.” In 2009 she brought her comedic talents alongside good friend Sandra Bullock in the film, “The Proposal” and garnered a new generation of fans when she appeared in a memorable 2010 Snickers Super Bowl commercial that created a Betty White You Tube and Facebook sensation. After a flurry of fans wrote campaigning for her to host “Saturday Night Live,” White happily obliged. As SNL’s oldest host, Betty White’s episode was one of the highest rated in the shows history. White says she embraces her age and doesn’t even think about slowing down from her long running career. “I wouldn’t dream of complaining, I’m just enjoying myself way too much.”
Yes, Betty White is busier than ever but she has always makes time for something dear to her heart─ caring for animals. For more than 47 years she has worked with the Morris Animal Foundation. “You just think about what you can do to help and I’m proud of all the great things we have done.” In addition she works tirelessly as the interim Chairman of the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association,” the zoo is my relaxation,” and as a board member for Actors and Others for Animals. The group recently feted her with their Inaugural Inspirational Award at the 40th Gala Anniversary Luncheon this past year.
As an actress Betty White knows a thing or two about show business. She’s worked with many big names in the past and present and met the love of her life husband Allen Ludden, Host of “Password” when they worked together. After his death in 1981 Betty never remarried but continued acting and entertaining audiences. After a seven-decade long career she was recently honored with the prestigious Screen Actors Guild Lifetime Achievement Award. “This was the biggest surprise honor I’ve ever had in this business,” said White.
Today, with so many notable roles coming her way retirement isn’t an option. “I’m trying to cut down, but when you love what you do, it’s a privilege.” Her advice to Hollywood’s younger generation of actors.“ Don’t believe your own publicity and don’t abuse your privileges.”
Her TV Land sitcom, “Hot In Cleveland” airing Wednesdays at 10PM tapes here at CBS in Studio City where folks line up early for show tickets. Thoroughly enjoying her role as the outspoken widower Elka Ostrovsky, White also thinks highly of her fellow co-stars, Valerie Bertinelli, Wendy Malick and Jane Leeves a close-knit group with great cast chemistry. She says, “I think all the women on our show get along so well because we all bring different experiences from our lives together. It’s also a very happy set to work on.” Audiences seem to agree. The highly-rated hit show was recently picked up for a third season and 24 more new shows.
Now that her book tour for “If You Ask Me (And of Course You Won’t) where she toured the country is finished Betty White’s momentum continues. She has finished taping current episodes of the new show for NBC, “Betty White’s Off Their Rockers.” The series of 12 half-hour episodes features White as Host and Executive Producer of the new hidden-camera comedy show. Following her fun playful side, the show follows a group of seven senior citizens whose mission is to play pranks on unsuspecting younger people. “People have been telling me that I’m ‘Off My Rocker’ for years—now I can prove it,” joked White about her new show.
So what is her secret for staying so active?
“I’m blessed with good health and good genes. My energy level is high. I don’t really get tired. If I can get a good 5 hours of sleep I’m fine. I’m not really an exercise nut. I have a two story house and a bad memory so I’m up and down those stairs all the time! I do like crossword puzzles. It’s great mental exercise. I’ll be 90 in January. All I can do is roll with the punches and enjoy it all thoroughly.” In her book she adds, “I think everybody needs passion. If you live without passion, you can go through life without leaving any footprints.”
The incomparable Betty White is a true Hollywood veteran. She brings her talents and mischievous sense of humor into every project she takes on and is definitely an inspiration not only to seniors but to all of us who are young at heart.
Published: Mar 11,2012 16:42
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Andy Cowan
Andy Cowan, an award-winning writer, whose credits include Cheers and Seinfeld, regularly contributes humor pieces to the Los Angeles Times and the CBS Jack FM Radio Network.
Paul M. J. Suchecki
Paul M. J. Suchecki has more than 30 years of experience as an award winning writer, producer, and cameraman. He's written numerous newspaper and magazine articles. Currently he writes, produces and shoots for LA CityView Channel 35 and his more than 250 articles for Ehow.com are approaching half a million readers.
Coby Kindles
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Dan Rafter has covered the residential real estate industry for more than 15 years. He has contributed real estate stories to the Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, Business 2.0 Magazine, Home Magazine, Smart HomeOwner Magazine and many others.
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