2021 saved its dirtiest trick for last and took Betty White from us 18 days before her 100th birthday. It was a day that was much anticipated by her legions of adoring fans around the world. So much was posted on social media that back in the day we woulda said that those folks were jinxing it. Others attributed her early exit to her exquisite comedic timing. Whatever the reason White was taken from us before any of us were ready, join Ye Olde Blogge in celebrating her life and legacy.

Most of us know her from her later roles on the TV and the big screen:

• The Mary Tyler Moore Show: My personal favorite and a show that influenced me a lot because of its early feminist commentary and my mother being a single-head of household. I thought I’d mentioned it in a post once, but if I did, I didn’t tag it with Mary Tyler Moore.
• The Golden Girls: Her Rose Nylund was much loved by fans of the show. I never watched it much, but when I did, I enjoyed it. I’ve enjoyed watching the clips of it on YouTube that have been making the social media rounds.
• Hot in Cleveland: Again, a show I never watched, but which was much loved by its fan. She was only going to appear in the pilot, but she was asked to stay on as permanent character that’s how good she was.
• Comments: Feel free to comment on your favorite roles and TV appearances by her in the comments. I’d love to hear it.

White was renowned as a comedian. She was funny as could be and crude to match. Everyone has a favorite. Mine was her comment wondering why testicles were used as the metaphor for toughness when when they were so tender and sensitive to the touch. She suggested replacing it with a vulva because they can take a real pounding. Let us know your favorites in the comments!

White’s advocacy has also become popular:

• Animal Rights: She was a well-known animal rights activist. She donated to many funds and was active in many of the organizations, particularly The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens.
• Racial Equality: Famously, White insisted on having Author Duncan, a black tap dancer, on her 1954 variety show, The Betty White Show, especially because it was heavily criticised and the show was threatened with cancellation over it.
• LGBTQ+ Rights: She thought people were people first and we should just mind our business when it came to who loved who and who married who. Can’t argue with her there.
• Comments: Let us know which of her activists activities you liked the most in the comments.

Betty White’s popularity was based on her outspokeness and relentless optimism. She lived a blessed life and certainly made the world a better place. She was much loved and will be much missed.

Image Attribution

“Actress and Author Betty White Visits the Smithsonian’s National Zoo” by Smithsonian’s National Zoo is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0