Deemed “First Lady of Television” by PBS, actress and star Betty Marion White Ludden spent over eight decades in the entertainment industry. She starred in multiple popular programs such as The Golden Girls, The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Hot in Cleveland. More recently, White had voice-acted Bitey White in Toy Story 4 (2019) and Mrs. Sander Vanderwhoozie in the movie, Trouble (2019). 

White passed away on Dec. 31, 2021, at the age of 99. She had suffered from a stroke six days prior on Dec. 25. According to PEOPLE magazine, White died peacefully in her sleep. 

Betty White did not leave behind any biological children but was close to her stepchildren from her later marriage to Allen Ludden, who passed away in 1981. The two were married for 18 years, the longest out of White’s three marriages.

White’s big break was in 1973 when joined the cast of the sitcom, The Mary Tyler Moore Show. On the broadcast, White was The Happy Homemaker Sue Ann Nivens. The role earned White two Emmy Awards as Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. 

Eight years later, The Golden Girls debuted. The show was a hit and propelled White’s career even further. Later on, White would continue to have a part in films and voice acting.

Betty White not only made a reputation for herself in the acting industry but the animal one as well. A lifelong animal rights activist, White earned herself the National Humanitarian Medal and the Legacy Award. The honor is the highest of the American Humane Society. 

White was able to inspire many others with her compassion for animals, hence the trending #BettyWhiteChallenge, a recent fundraiser set up to receive 5 dollar donations in her name. 

According to PEOPLE magazine, Betty White was stated to not fear her end; it meant she would be reunited with her love Allen Ludden. White left behind a long Hollywood legacy, one that is able to be enjoyed today in the forms of both movies and television.