Live Like Betty
In typical 2021 fashion, the last day of the year brought sad news: actress/activist/all-around great gal, Betty White died of natural causes in her Los Angeles home. Betty would have turned 100 just 18 days later on January 17, 2022, and in honor of her incredible career and inspiring life, let’s make a resolution: to Live Like Betty.
In 2010 at the age of 88, Betty White didn’t just host Saturday Night Live, she nailed it. From the monologue to the closing credits, Betty solidified her comedy legend status. She was old enough to be every cast member’s grandma and with all due respect to cool grandmas everywhere, White, who never had children or grandchildren off-screen, proved she was the coolest grandma ever.
AARP recently posted a list of 100 Ways to Remember and Celebrate Betty White’s Life including these:
- Mark your calendar for January 31 when NBC will broadcast the Betty White Tribute, a primetime special celebrating Betty’s life and career.
- Check out Betty White as Bitey White, the Disney/Pixar character in the form of a tiger-shaped teething ring in Toy Story 4.
Betty has been interviewed hundreds of times over the years and wrote a memoir where she shared many pearls of wisdom. We’ve curated a few favorites to excite and inspire you.
“Kindness and consideration of somebody besides yourself keeps you feeling young.” – Interview with Katie Couric CBS Sunday Morning, 2011
“You may not be as fast on your feet, and the image in your mirror may be a little disappointing but if you are still functioning and not in pain, gratitude should be the name of the game” – from Betty’s book If You Ask Me (And Of Course You Won’t)
About being called a “legend: “I just laugh. Have I got them fooled?”
– CNN interview with Joy Behar
“Now that I’m 91, as opposed to being 90, I’m much wiser. I’m much more aware and I’m much sexier.” – People Magazine
“I have no regrets at all. None. I consider myself to be the luckiest old broad on two feet.” – On her induction into the Guinness World Record Book in 2014 for the longest TV career for a female entertainer.
Betty had a lifelong love of animals and according to the Associated Press, Betty said that she loved “anything with a leg on each corner.” She left behind her beloved golden retriever, Pontiac. In honor of her 100th birthday, fans are encouraged to take on the Betty White Challenge by supporting a local animal shelter or rescue organization. Here in Milwaukee the Wisconsin Humane Society, Lucky Mutts Rescue, and JRs Pups ‘N Stuff are three local shelters that do fantastic work matching animals with loving homes. Click to make a donation or support their daily operations by purchasing an item (or two or three?) from their Amazon wish lists.
As we enter the new year, let’s all try to Live like Betty. It’s as simple as finding purpose, pursuing your passion, and most of all, maintaining a strong sense of humor.