Early Life and Education of Betty White: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Betty White, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Betty White was a highly celebrated American actress and comedian, renowned for her pioneering role in early television. Her career spanned nearly seven decades, marked by prolific appearances in sitcoms like 'The Golden Girls' and 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show', sketch comedy, and game shows such as 'Password'. White's enduring popularity and comedic talent solidified her status as a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

January 17, 1922: Betty White's Birth

On January 17, 1922, Betty Marion Ludden (née White), later known professionally as Betty White, was born. She became a renowned American actress and comedian.

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1939: Graduation from Beverly Hills High School

In 1939, Betty White graduated from Beverly Hills High School.

1941: Volunteering for American Women's Voluntary Services

After the U.S. entered World War II in 1941, Betty White volunteered for the American Women's Voluntary Services, contributing to military support efforts in Hollywood.

1945: Marriage to Dick Barker

In 1945, Betty White married Air Force P-38 pilot Dick Barker, whom she met while volunteering with the American Women's Voluntary Services. After the war, they moved to Belle Center, Ohio.

1947: Marriage to Lane Allen

In 1947, Betty White married Hollywood talent agent Lane Allen.

1949: Divorce from Lane Allen

In 1949, Betty White divorced Hollywood talent agent Lane Allen because he wanted to start a family but she wanted to focus on her career.

1954: Criticism for Featuring Arthur Duncan

In 1954, Betty White faced criticism for including Arthur Duncan, a Black tap dancer, on her show, 'The Betty White Show', and was asked to remove him. She refused.

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1961: Death of Margaret McGloin Ludden

In 1961, Margaret McGloin Ludden, Allen Ludden's first wife, passed away from cancer, making Betty White the stepmother to his three children.

June 14, 1963: Marriage to Allen Ludden

On June 14, 1963, Betty White married television host Allen Ludden, whom she had met on his game show 'Password' in 1961. Her legal name was changed to Betty Marion Ludden.

1963: Marriage to Allen Ludden

In 1963, Betty White married Allen Ludden, the host of the game show Password.

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1968: Met Tom Sullivan

In 1968, Betty White and her husband Allen Ludden met blind musician and motivational speaker Tom Sullivan in Cape Cod.

1971: Trustee of the Morris Animal Foundation

In 1971, Betty White began serving as a trustee of the Morris Animal Foundation.

1974: Member of the Board of Directors

In 1974, Betty White became a member of the board of directors of the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association.

June 9, 1981: Death of Allen Ludden

On June 9, 1981, Allen Ludden, Betty White's husband, died from stomach cancer in Los Angeles.

2000: Hosted 'History on Film'

From 2000 to 2002, Betty White hosted 'History on Film' for the Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Garden.

April 2008: Donation to the Los Angeles Zoo

In April 2008, Betty White donated nearly $100,000 to the Los Angeles Zoo.

2009: President Emerita of the Morris Animal Foundation

As of 2009, Betty White was the president emerita of the Morris Animal Foundation, where she served as a trustee of the organization beginning in 1971.

August 2010: Book Deal with G.P. Putnam's Sons

In August 2010, Betty White signed a deal with G.P. Putnam's Sons to produce two more books.

2010: Support of LGBT Rights

In 2010, Betty White voiced her support for LGBT rights, stating her belief in marriage equality.

2010: Interview on Inside the Actors Studio

In 2010, during an interview on Inside the Actors Studio with James Lipton, Betty White shared her sentiments about her late husband, Allen Ludden.

September 2011: Release of "I'm Still Hot" Remix

In September 2011, Betty White teamed up with Luciana to produce a remix of her song "I'm Still Hot". The song was released digitally on September 22 and the video later premiered on October 6.

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October 2011: Honorary Degree from Washington State University

In October 2011, Betty White received an honorary degree and a white doctor's coat from Washington State University at the Washington State Veterinary Medical Association's centennial gala in Yakima, Washington.

November 8, 2011: Judge for American Humane's Hero Dog Awards

On November 8, 2011, Betty White served as a judge alongside Whoopi Goldberg and Wendy Diamond for American Humane's Hero Dog Awards on the Hallmark Channel.

2011: Publication of 'If You Ask Me (And of Course You Won't)'

In 2011, Betty White published her book 'If You Ask Me (And of Course You Won't)'.

[(If You Ask Me: (And of Course You Won't) )] [Author: Betty White] [May-2011]

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2011: Judge at American Humane Hero Dog Awards

In 2011, Betty White served as a judge at the American Humane Hero Dog Awards ceremony.

2011: Most Popular and Trusted Celebrity

In 2011, a poll by Reuters and Ipsos found that Betty White was considered the most popular and most trusted celebrity among Americans.

2011: Liberace friendship

In a 2011 interview, Betty White revealed that she knew her close friend Liberace was gay and that she sometimes accompanied him to premieres to help him hide it.

2017: Reunion with Arthur Duncan

In 2017, Arthur Duncan reunited with Betty White on the series premiere of 'Little Big Shots: Forever Young', where he performed and thanked her for her support.

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2018: Recalled Threats to Her Show

In 2018, Betty White recalled the threats to take her show off-air if she didn't remove Arthur Duncan in the documentary 'Betty White: First Lady of Television'.

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