Legendary actress and cultural icon, Betty White has died at 99.
White was well-known by multiple generations of television and movie watchers as her career spanned more than 80 years. She was regarded as a pioneer of television and was one of the first women to work both in front of and behind the cameras. She was the first woman to produce a sitcom. This sitcom, “Life with Elizabeth,” was one of the reasons that White was given the honorary title Mayor of Hollywood in 1955. That, however, was far from the only title she held. Over the course of her career, White received eight Emmy Awards, three American Comedy Awards, three Screen Actors Guild Awards, a Grammy Award and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 1995, she was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame. She also became a Disney Legend in 2009.
I just make it my business to get along with people so I can have fun. It’s that simple.”
White was not limited to simply working in front of and behind cameras either. She is known for her work with animal organizations including the Los Angeles Zoo Commission, the Morris Animal Foundation, African Wildlife Foundation and Actors & Others for Animals.
I’m not into animal rights. I’m only into animal welfare and health. I’ve been with the Morris Animal Foundation since the ’70s. We’re a health organization. We fund campaign health studies for dogs, cats, lizards and wildlife. I’ve worked with the L.A. Zoo for about the same length of time. I get my animal fixes!
From television to animal shelters, Betty White was a commonly recognized sight and a beloved one. There is no doubt the entertainment industry will not be the same without her.