“Everybody needs passion. That’s what keeps life interesting. If you live without passion, you can go through life without leaving any footprints.” This line was written by the TV legendary icon herself, Betty White, who sadly passed away on December 31, 2021 at 99.

Born on January 17,1922, Betty White was best known for her comedic work on numerous television sitcoms, most notably The Mary Tyler Moore Show and The Golden Girls. 

White grew up in Los Angeles. In the 1940s she acted on various radio shows and television shows. In 1952, she co founded Bandy Productions to develop her own projects. Later that year, the sitcom Life With Elizabeth premiered. White played the title role, which was about a married woman whose predicaments test the patience of her husband. Two years later, White starred in a comedic look at life show, Date with the Angels. She also became a frequent guest on game shows. Years later in 1963, White married Allen Ludden. They were together until his death in 1981. 

In 1973, White began performing on The Mary Tyler Moore Show. She then was nominated and successfully won three Emmy Awards in 1975 and 1976. White continued to appear on many shows in recurring roles throughout the later years. 

The infamous show, The Golden Girls, debuted in 1985, starring White, Rose Nylund, Bea Arthur, Rue McClanahan and Estelle Getty. This series was centered around a group of older women who lived together in Miami. In 1986, White was nominated for 12 Emmys, resulting in three wins during her career.   The show ended in 1992, but White was not finished acting. She starred in many more shows, including The Golden Palace, That 70’s Show, Boston Legal and the soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful. 

Outside of acting, White was an active animal health advocate who supported many organizations around the Los Angeles area. She was also a caring woman who supported everyone’s individual rights.

Betty White will always have a strong, influential impact and be remembered as one of the first females who shaped the rise of American television.