The legendary actress, comedian, and animal lover died Friday at the age of 99.
What an honor to have her on this earth as long as we did.
Betty White’s power was in her contradictions.
The apron-wearing Happy Homemaker with a filthy mind.
The Florida retiree with the naive worldview of a child.
The little old lady with a wit as brutal as a prison-sharpened shiv.
At least once an episode, the show’s male announcer would scold Elizabeth for her latest shenanigans.
“Elizabeth, aren’t you ashamed?”
he’d admonish in a condescending baritone.
You must need something in there to relieve the tedium!"
White read for the part of man-hungry Southern belle Blanche Devereaux.
Jay Sandrich, who had worked with White onMTMand was directing theGolden Girlspilot, had a different idea.
As creator Susan Harristold EW in 2018, “He said, ‘Betty’s done that before.
OnMary Tyler Moore, she was the [vixen].
Let her read for the part of Rose.'”
Once again, playing against pop in propelled White to new heights of TV hilarity.
(Dorothy[sarcastic]: “I’m clairvoyant, Rose.
“Rose: “You’re so lucky.
I get into a pool and sink like a stone.")
Somehow, even the lulls worked to her advantage.
But your mouth looks like a drive-through window for oral sex.")
What’s the last lie you told?
WHITE: Um, boy, it’s hard to choose.
[Maybe] when I said I didn’t mind talking this morning.
What an honor to be the target of a classic Betty White burn.
And what an honor to have Betty White on this earth for as long as we did.
May she now, at last, rest in peace.
