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 acclaimed American actress and comedian, celebrated for her pioneering role in early television and a remarkable career that spanned nearly seven decades. Renowned for her extensive television presence, she excelled in sitcoms, sketch comedy, and game shows, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry with her comedic talent and enduring charm.

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: Graduated from Beverly Hills High School

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

1941: Volunteered for American Women's Voluntary Services

In 1941, after the U.S. entered World War II, Betty White volunteered for the American Women's Voluntary Services, contributing to the war effort by driving a PX truck and participating in events for troops.

1945: Marriage to Dick Barker

In 1945, Betty White married Air Force P-38 pilot Dick Barker after meeting while volunteering with the American Women's Voluntary Services. 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 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, when The Betty White Show became national, Betty White was criticized for having Arthur Duncan, a Black tap dancer, on her variety show and refused to remove him despite threats.

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1961: Stepmother to Allen Ludden's Children

In 1961, Betty White became the stepmother of Allen Ludden's three children after his first wife, Margaret McGloin Ludden, died of cancer.

1961: Meeting Allen Ludden on Password

In 1961, Betty White met her future husband, Allen Ludden, as a celebrity guest on his game show Password.

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June 14, 1963: Marriage to Allen Ludden

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

1963: Married Allen Ludden

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

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1968: Meeting Tom Sullivan

In 1968, Betty White and Allen Ludden met blind musician and motivational speaker Tom Sullivan while he was singing in a small club at the same time that White and Ludden were performing in a play on Cape Cod.

1971: Trustee of the Morris Animal Foundation

In 1971, Betty White became a trustee of the Morris Animal Foundation.

1974: Board of Directors of the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association

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.

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 since 1971.

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

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

2010: Support for LGBT Rights

In 2010, Betty White expressed her support and advocacy for LGBT rights, stating her belief that gay couples should have the right to marry.

2010: Inside the Actors Studio Interview

In 2010, during an interview on Inside the Actors Studio, Betty White expressed her desire to be reunited with her late husband, Allen Ludden, in Heaven.

September 2011: Collaboration with Luciana on "I'm Still Hot" Remix

In September 2011, Betty White teamed up with English singer 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 was awarded an honorary degree and a white doctor's coat by 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)", which included stories about her friendship with John Steinbeck.

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

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2011: Judge at the 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 conducted by Reuters and Ipsos revealed that Betty White was considered the most popular and most trusted celebrity among Americans.

2011: Relationship with Liberace

In a 2011 interview, Betty White revealed that she always 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, sixty-three years after The Betty White Show was canceled, Arthur Duncan appeared as a surprise guest on Little Big Shots: Forever Young, where he performed and reunited with Betty White.

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