Post A Pup Sundays: Betty White

 

Betty Marion White Ludden, born on January 17, 1922, in Oak Park, Illinois, was not just a trailblazing entertainer and ardent animal advocate but a beacon of resilience and determination. Her career, which spanned over eight decades, was a testament to her unwavering spirit. She pioneered early television, becoming one of the first women to have creative control in front of and behind the camera, a feat that was not easy in those times.

White's family's relocation to Los Angeles during the Great Depression, when she was just a toddler, marked the beginning of her journey. Her love for wildlife, nurtured during family vacations in Sierra Nevada, initially led her to dream of becoming a forest ranger. However, societal norms of the time barred women from such roles. Undeterred, she turned her attention to writing and performing, setting the stage for her future in entertainment.

White's foray into the entertainment industry began in radio, where she honed her skills by reading commercials and playing bit parts. Her breakthrough came in 1949 when she secured her first regular television role as the co-host of the variety show 'Hollywood on Television.' This paved the way for her own sitcom, 'Life with Elizabeth,' in 1952, where she won her first Emmy Award and became one of the first female producers in Hollywood, setting a precedent for women in the industry.

White's breakthrough came with her role as the devious Sue Ann Nivens on the classic sitcom "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" (1973-1977), for which she won two Emmy Awards. She cemented her status as a television icon by portraying the lovable Rose Nylund on "The Golden Girls" (1985-1992), earning another Emmy.

In the 2000s, White experienced a career resurgence, appearing in films like "The Proposal" (2009) and hosting "Saturday Night Live" in 2010, becoming the oldest person to host the show at age 88. She also starred in the TV Land sitcom "Hot in Cleveland" from 2010 to 2015.

Alongside her entertainment career, White's dedication to animal welfare was not just a side interest but a profound commitment that left a lasting impact. She supported numerous organizations, including the Morris Animal Foundation, where she was a trustee for over 40 years and sponsored more than 30 animal health studies. In 2010, she established the Betty White Wildlife Rapid Response Fund, a testament to her deep concern for wildlife health issues, including the Deepwater Horizon oil spill's impact on marine life.

White also served on the board of trustees for the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association for over 50 years, advocating for improved animal habitats and public education on wildlife conservation. She strongly supported guide dogs, co-authoring books about them and adopting several "career change" dogs who didn't complete their training.

One of the most notable dogs in Betty White's life was Pontiac, a golden retriever she adopted in 2005. Pontiac was a "career change" dog from Guide Dogs for the Blind, meaning he did not complete his training as a guide dog because he was too friendly and wanted to greet everyone he met. This extroverted nature made him a perfect match for White, who shared a similar outgoing personality.

White had a long-standing relationship with Guide Dogs for the Blind, supporting the organization with generous annual donations, attending events, and recording public service announcements since 1986. Her involvement with guide dogs extended beyond Pontiac, as she supported The Seeing Eye, the oldest guide dog school in America, and advocated for the rights of people using guide dogs.

Betty White's advocacy for dogs extended to several animal welfare organizations. She was a dedicated supporter of American Humane for over 70 years, serving on its board of directors and participating in fundraising activities. She also supported The Seeing Eye, the oldest guide dog school in America, and strongly advocated for the rights of people who use guide dogs.

Betty White received numerous awards and honors throughout her career, including seven Emmy Awards, three Screen Actors Guild Awards, and a Grammy Award. She was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 1995 and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Following her passing, the #BettyWhiteChallenge was not just a fleeting trend but a powerful testament to her enduring legacy. This viral campaign, launched to honor her, inspires people to donate to local animal shelters and welfare organizations on what would have been her 100th birthday. The challenge, which has raised millions of dollars for animal shelters, is now an annual event, ensuring that White's legacy of compassion for animals lives on. Her absence is deeply felt, but her impact continues to be profound.

(photos:NBC, unknown secondary sources, People magazine)