History of Betty White in Timeline
"Betty Marion Ludden was a pioneering American actress and comedian with a career spanning nearly seven decades. Renowned for her extensive television work, she appeared in sitcoms, sketch comedy, and game shows. Notably, she produced and starred in "Life with Elizabeth" (1953–1955), making history as the first woman to produce a sitcom.
January 17, 1922: Betty White's Birth
Betty Marion White was born on January 17, 1922.
1939: High School Graduation
Betty White graduated from Beverly Hills High School in 1939.
1941: World War II Service
During World War II, Betty White volunteered for the American Women's Voluntary Services in 1941. Her duties included driving a truck with military supplies.
1945: Marriage to Dick Barker
Betty White married Air Force pilot Dick Barker in 1945 after meeting him during her time volunteering with the American Women's Voluntary Services.
1947: Marriage to Lane Allen
Following her divorce from Dick Barker, Betty White married Hollywood talent agent Lane Allen in 1947.
1949: Co-host on "Hollywood on Television"
Betty White began co-hosting "Hollywood on Television" with Al Jarvis in 1949.
1949: Divorce from Lane Allen
Betty White's second marriage ended in divorce in 1949 due to differing views on starting a family.
1951: "Life with Elizabeth" Live Production
"Life with Elizabeth" began as a live production in 1951.
1951: First Emmy Award Nomination
Betty White received her first Emmy Award nomination for "Best Actress" on television in 1951.
1952: "The Betty White Show" Begins
Betty White began hosting and producing her talk/variety show, "The Betty White Show", in 1952.
1952: Co-founds Bandy Productions
Betty White co-founded Bandy Productions with George Tibbles and Don Fedderson in 1952.
1952: Solo Host of "Hollywood on Television"
Betty White started hosting "Hollywood on Television" by herself in 1952.
1952: Los Angeles Emmy Award
Betty White won a Los Angeles Emmy Award in 1952, marking an early milestone in her successful career.
1953: "Life with Elizabeth" National Syndication
"Life with Elizabeth" went into national syndication in 1953.
1953: "Life with Elizabeth" Premiere
Betty White's sitcom "Life with Elizabeth" premiered in 1953.
1954: White Champions Diversity on "The Betty White Show"
In 1954, Betty White faced criticism for including Black tap dancer Arthur Duncan on "The Betty White Show." White stood firm against racist backlash, keeping Duncan on the show and advocating for racial integration on television.
1954: "The Betty White Show" Cancellation
NBC canceled "The Betty White Show" in 1954.
1955: Honorary Mayor of Hollywood
Betty White's popularity and contributions to entertainment were acknowledged in 1955 when she was named the honorary Mayor of Hollywood.
1955: "Life with Elizabeth" Ends
Betty White's sitcom "Life with Elizabeth" ended in 1955.
1955: End of "Life with Elizabeth" National Syndication
The national syndication of "Life with Elizabeth" ended in 1955.
1956: Guest Appearance on "The Millionaire"
Betty White guest-starred on the TV show "The Millionaire" in 1956.
1958: Date with the Angels Cancellation and The Betty White Show Reboot
However, facing pressure from sponsors unhappy with the fantasy aspects, the show underwent changes, leading to its decline and cancellation in 1958. Despite this, White's contractual obligation led her to revive her talk/variety show, "The Betty White Show," to fulfill the remaining episodes.
July 1959: Stage Debut in "Third Best Sport"
In July 1959, Betty White took to the stage for the first time in a week-long production of "Third Best Sport" at the Ephrata Legion Star Playhouse in Pennsylvania.
1961: Death of Margaret McGloin Ludden
Allen Ludden's first wife, Margaret McGloin Ludden, passed away from cancer in 1961.
1961: Meeting Allen Ludden
Betty White first met her future husband, Allen Ludden, in 1961 when she appeared as a celebrity guest on his game show "Password".
1961: Game Show Appearances and "Password"
Throughout the 1960s, White became a familiar face on game shows, notably on "Password" from 1961 to 1975.
1962: Film Debut in "Advise & Consent"
In 1962, White made her feature film debut in the drama "Advise & Consent," portraying a fictional Kansas Senator.
June 14, 1963: Marriage to Allen Ludden
On June 14, 1963, Betty White married television host Allen Ludden, whom she met on the game show "Password". This marked the beginning of a loving relationship that lasted until Ludden's death in 1981.
1963: Marriage to Allen Ludden and "The King and I"
She married Allen Ludden, the host of "Password," in 1963. That same year, she starred in a production of "The King and I" in St. Louis.
1968: Friendship with Tom Sullivan
Betty White and Allen Ludden developed a close friendship with blind musician and motivational speaker Tom Sullivan after meeting him in 1968.
1971: Trustee of the Morris Animal Foundation
Betty White's dedication to animal welfare led her to become a trustee of the Morris Animal Foundation in 1971, a role she held for many years.
1973: "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" Premiere
"The Mary Tyler Moore Show", featuring Betty White as Sue Ann Nivens, premiered in 1973.
1973: Recurring Role on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show"
In 1973, Betty White joined the cast of "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" in its fourth season as Sue Ann Nivens.
1974: Board Member 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, further solidifying her commitment to animal welfare.
1975: Replacement as Tournament of Roses Parade Hostess
In 1975, NBC replaced White as the Tournament of Roses Parade commentator hostess, perceiving her as too associated with CBS's "The Mary Tyler Moore Show."
1975: First Emmy Award for "The Mary Tyler Moore Show"
White's performance earned her two consecutive Emmy Awards in 1975 and 1976.
1976: Golden Ike Award and Genii Award
Betty White received two significant awards in 1976: The Pacific Pioneer Broadcasters Golden Ike Award and the Genii Award from the Alliance for Women in Media.
1976: Second Emmy Award for "The Mary Tyler Moore Show"
White's performance earned her two consecutive Emmy Awards in 1975 and 1976.
1977: "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" Ends
"The Mary Tyler Moore Show" ended in 1977.
1977: "The Betty White Show" and Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Following "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" in 1977, White landed her own sitcom, "The Betty White Show," on CBS. Despite its cancellation after one season, White embarked on a decade-long stint as the hostess of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade for CBS.
1977: Miskel Spillman Becomes Oldest Person to Host "Saturday Night Live"
In 1977, Miskel Spillman, at age 80, became the oldest person to host "Saturday Night Live."
June 9, 1981: Death of Allen Ludden
Betty White experienced the loss of her husband, Allen Ludden, who died from stomach cancer on June 9, 1981.
1983: Recurring Role on "Mama's Family"
From 1983 to 1984, White had a recurring role as Ellen Harper Jackson on "Mama's Family," sharing the screen with future "Golden Girls" co-star Rue McClanahan.
1983: Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show Host
In 1983, Betty White became the first woman to receive a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show Host for "Just Men!".
1983: First Woman to Win Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Game Show Host
In 1983, she made history as the first woman to receive a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show Host for "Just Men!"
1984: Recurring Role on "Mama's Family"
From 1983 to 1984, White had a recurring role as Ellen Harper Jackson on "Mama's Family," sharing the screen with future "Golden Girls" co-star Rue McClanahan.
1985: "The Golden Girls" Premiere
"The Golden Girls", starring Betty White as Rose Nylund, premiered in 1985.
1987: Humane Award from the American Veterinary Medical Association
In 1987, Betty White received the Humane Award from the American Veterinary Medical Association, acknowledging her dedication to animal welfare.
1987: Funniest Female American Comedy Award
Recognized for her comedic talent, Betty White was awarded the American Comedy Award for Funniest Female in 1987.
1990: American Comedy Awards Lifetime Achievement Award
Betty White's contributions to comedy were celebrated in 1990 when she received the American Comedy Award for Lifetime Achievement.
1992: "The Golden Palace" and Guest Appearances
Following Arthur's decision to leave, "The Golden Girls" concluded in 1992. White, McClanahan, and Getty reprised their roles for the spin-off "The Golden Palace," which lasted one season. White also made guest appearances as Rose Nylund on "Empty Nest" and "Nurses."
1995: Television Hall of Fame Induction
Betty White was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 1995.
1996: Emmy Award Win for Outstanding Guest Actress
In 1996, Betty White won an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for her appearance as herself on The John Larroquette Show.
1999: Appearance in the Film "Lake Placid"
Betty White appeared in the film "Lake Placid" in 1999.
2000: White Hosts "History on Film"
Betty White hosted the show "History on Film" from 2000, marking her presence as a television personality.
2002: End of "History on Film"
Betty White's run as host of "History on Film" concluded in 2002.
2003: Appearance in the Film "Bringing Down the House"
Betty White appeared in the film "Bringing Down the House" in 2003.
2004: Guest Stars on "The Practice"
In 2004, Betty White guest-starred on the television show "The Practice" as Catherine Piper, a role she would later reprise for "Boston Legal."
2005: Begins Recurring Role on "Boston Legal"
Betty White began a recurring role as Catherine Piper on the television show "Boston Legal" in 2005.
December 2006: Joins the Cast of "The Bold and the Beautiful"
In December 2006, Betty White joined the cast of the soap opera "The Bold and the Beautiful" as Ann Douglas, playing the role for 22 episodes.
2006: Los Angeles Recognition for Animal Welfare Work
The City of Los Angeles honored Betty White's commitment to animal philanthropy in 2006 with a bronze plaque at the Los Angeles Zoo, also naming her "Ambassador to the Animals".
2007: Featured in PetMed Express Commercials
Beginning in 2007, Betty White was featured in television commercials for PetMed Express.
April 2008: White Donates to Los Angeles Zoo
In April 2008, Betty White donated almost $100,000 to the Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Garden, showcasing her dedication to animal welfare.
May 19, 2008: Appears on "The Oprah Winfrey Show"
On May 19, 2008, Betty White appeared on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" for a reunion special of "The Mary Tyler Moore Show."
June 12, 2008: Returns to "Password"
Betty White returned to the game show "Password" for its newest iteration, "Million Dollar Password," on June 12, 2008.
2008: Concludes Recurring Role on "Boston Legal"
Betty White concluded her recurring role as Catherine Piper on the tv show "Boston Legal" in 2008.
September 2009: Announcement of SAG Life Achievement Award
In September 2009, the Screen Actors Guild announced its plan to honor Betty White with the SAG Life Achievement Award, recognizing her significant contributions to the entertainment industry.
2009: President Emerita of the Morris Animal Foundation
As of 2009, Betty White held the title of president emerita of the Morris Animal Foundation, an organization she had been involved with since 1971.
2009: Betty White Comments on Bea Arthur's Death
Following Bea Arthur's passing in 2009, White expressed her grief, acknowledging the impact of their complex relationship.
2009: Stars in "The Proposal" and Appears in Snickers Commercial
In 2009, Betty White starred in the romantic comedy "The Proposal." That same year, she appeared in a Snickers commercial.
2009: TCA Career Achievement Award
The Television Critics Association honored Betty White's long and impactful career with the TCA Career Achievement Award in 2009.
2009: "The Proposal" Release
The romantic comedy film "The Proposal", starring Betty White, was released in 2009.
January 2010: Grassroots Campaign to Make Betty White Host of "Saturday Night Live"
A grassroots campaign on Facebook urging NBC to have Betty White host "Saturday Night Live" began in January 2010.
January 23, 2010: Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award
On January 23, 2010, Betty White received the prestigious Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award at a ceremony in Los Angeles.
March 11, 2010: NBC Confirms Betty White Will Host "Saturday Night Live"
On March 11, 2010, NBC confirmed that Betty White would host "Saturday Night Live" on May 8th of that year.
June 2010: Betty White Joins Cast of "Hot in Cleveland"
Betty White joined the cast of the TV Land sitcom "Hot in Cleveland" in June 2010, playing the character Elka Ostrovsky.
July 22, 2010: Launches Clothing Line
Betty White launched her own clothing line on July 22, 2010.
August 2010: White Signs Book Deal
In August 2010, Betty White signed a book deal with G.P. Putnam's Sons for two books.
November 9, 2010: Honorary Forest Ranger
On November 9, 2010, Betty White's lifelong dream was fulfilled when the USDA Forest Service and Smokey Bear named her an honorary forest ranger.
December 2010: California Hall of Fame Induction
Betty White was inducted into the California Hall of Fame in December 2010, further cementing her status as a beloved figure in the state.
2010: "Hot in Cleveland" Premiere
"Hot in Cleveland", with Betty White playing Elka Ostrovsky, premiered in 2010.
2010: White Voices Support for LGBT Rights
Betty White expressed her support for LGBT rights and same-sex marriage in 2010, advocating for equality and acceptance.
2010: "Inside the Actors Studio" Interview
During a 2010 interview on "Inside the Actors Studio", Betty White shared a poignant anecdote about her late husband, Allen Ludden, reflecting their enduring bond.
2010: Mary Tyler Moore Discusses Casting Betty White
In a 2010 interview, Mary Tyler Moore revealed that producers were initially cautious about auditioning White due to their friendship, fearing potential awkwardness.
2010: Snickers Commercial Airs During Super Bowl XLIV
The Snickers commercial featuring Betty White aired during Super Bowl XLIV in 2010 and became very popular.
January 2011: SAG Award for "Hot in Cleveland"
Betty White won a SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series for her role in "Hot in Cleveland" in January 2011.
January 30, 2011: Stars in "The Lost Valentine"
On January 30, 2011, the Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation of "The Lost Valentine," starring Betty White, aired.
September 2011: White Releases Remix of "I'm Still Hot"
Betty White partnered with Luciana to release a remix of the song "I'm Still Hot" in September 2011, which reached number one on the Dance Club Songs chart, demonstrating her continued relevance and popularity.
October 2011: Honorary Degree from Washington State University
In October 2011, Washington State University recognized Betty White's contributions to animal welfare with an honorary degree and a white doctor's coat.
November 8, 2011: White Judges Hero Dog Awards with Whoopi Goldberg and Wendy Diamond
On November 8, 2011, Betty White joined Whoopi Goldberg and Wendy Diamond as judges for the American Humane's Hero Dog Awards, broadcast on the Hallmark Channel.
2011: Most Popular and Trusted Celebrity
A 2011 poll by Reuters and Ipsos declared Betty White the most popular and trusted celebrity in America, highlighting her widespread appeal.
2011: Betty White Calendar Published
A Betty White calendar was published in late 2010 for the 2011 year.
2011: Nominated for Primetime Emmy Award for Role on "Hot in Cleveland"
Betty White was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as Elka on "Hot in Cleveland" in 2011.
2011: White Publishes "If You Ask Me"
Betty White's book "If You Ask Me (And of Course You Won't)" was released in 2011.
2011: White Discusses Liberace's Sexuality
In 2011, Betty White revealed that she had always known about her close friend Liberace's homosexuality, highlighting her acceptance and loyalty.
2011: White Judges American Humane Hero Dog Awards
In 2011, Betty White served as a judge for the American Humane Hero Dog Awards, reflecting her commitment to animal causes.
2011: Publication of "If You Ask Me (And of Course You Won't)"
In her 2011 book, "If You Ask Me (And of Course You Won't)", Betty White shared insights into her life and friendships, including her bond with writer John Steinbeck.
January 16, 2012: 90th Birthday Celebrated with NBC Special
On January 16, 2012, NBC aired "Betty White's 90th Birthday Party," a television special honoring the actress.
February 2012: White Wins Grammy Award for "If You Ask Me"
Betty White received a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Recording for her audiobook "If You Ask Me (And of Course You Won't)" in February 2012.
2012: Second SAG Award for "Hot in Cleveland"
Betty White's performance in "Hot in Cleveland" earned her another SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series in 2012.
2012: Begins Hosting and Executive Producing "Betty White's Off Their Rockers"
From 2012 to 2014, Betty White hosted and executive produced the television show "Betty White's Off Their Rockers."
January 2013: NBC Airs Second Birthday Special for Betty White
In January 2013, NBC aired another birthday special for Betty White.
2014: Guinness World Record for Longest TV Career
Betty White earned her first Guinness World Record for the longest TV career by a female entertainer in 2014.
2014: Concludes Hosting and Executive Producing "Betty White's Off Their Rockers"
Betty White stopped hosting "Betty White's Off Their Rockers" in 2014.
2014: Last Emmy Nomination
In 2014, Betty White received her last Emmy nomination, culminating an impressive career with a nomination span of over 60 years.
February 15, 2015: Final Appearance on "Saturday Night Live"
On February 15, 2015, Betty White made her last appearance on "Saturday Night Live" for the show's 40th Anniversary Special.
June 3, 2015: Series Finale of "Hot in Cleveland"
The series finale of "Hot in Cleveland" aired on June 3, 2015, after six seasons.
2015: Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award
In 2015, Betty White received the prestigious Daytime Emmy Award for Lifetime Achievement, honoring her illustrious career in television.
2017: White Reunites with Arthur Duncan
In 2017, Betty White reunited with Arthur Duncan, the Black tap dancer she had supported in the face of racism in the 1950s, on the television show "Little Big Shots: Forever Young."
2017: Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Member
In 2017, after an illustrious 70-year career, Betty White was invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences at the age of 95.
August 18, 2018: PBS Documentary "Betty White: First Lady of Television" Released
On August 18, 2018, a PBS documentary called "Betty White: First Lady of Television" was released.
2018: Second Guinness World Record for Longest TV Career
Betty White earned her second Guinness World Record for the longest TV career by a female entertainer in 2018.
2018: Documentary Highlights White's Support for Duncan
The 2018 documentary "Betty White: First Lady of Television" revisited White's decision to retain Arthur Duncan on her show despite pressure to dismiss him because he was Black.
2018: "Betty White: First Lady of Television" Documentary Release
The documentary "Betty White: First Lady of Television", detailing Betty White's life and career, was released in 2018.
2019: Voice Role in "Toy Story 4"
In 2019, Betty White voiced the character Bitey White in Pixar's "Toy Story 4."
December 2021: Documentary Film "Betty White: A Celebration" Announced
The documentary film "Betty White: A Celebration" was announced in December 2021.
December 25, 2021: Betty White Suffers a Stroke
On December 25, 2021, at the age of 99, Betty White suffered a stroke.
December 31, 2021: Betty White's Death
Betty White passed away on December 31, 2021.
January 10, 2022: Featured on Cover of "People" Magazine
On January 10, 2022, "People" magazine released a newsstand issue and commemorative edition featuring Betty White as the cover story.
January 17, 2022: Release of "Betty White: A Celebration"
The documentary film "Betty White: A Celebration" was released in U.S. theaters on January 17, 2022, which would have been Betty White's 100th birthday.
June 2022: Sale of Betty White's Carmel Home and Donation of Belongings
Following her passing, Betty White's Carmel home was sold in June 2022. Her personal belongings were auctioned, and the proceeds were donated to various charities.
