Who Is Betty White? Age, Biography and Wiki
Betty White, born on January 17, 1922, was an iconic American actress and comedian known for her pioneering contributions to television. With a career that spanned over seven decades, White became a beloved figure thanks to her roles in popular shows like "The Golden Girls" and "The Mary Tyler Moore Show". As of 2025, Betty White would have been 103 years old. Unfortunately, she passed away on December 31, 2021, in Los Angeles, California, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and admiration from fans worldwide.
| Occupation | Civil Rights Activists |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 17, 1922 |
| Age | 99 Years |
| Birth Place | Oak Park, Illinois, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 31 December, 2021 |
| Died Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Betty White's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
At the height of her career, Betty White stood at approximately 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) tall. While specific details on her weight and body measurements vary over the years, she was often celebrated for her petite frame and timeless charm.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Betty White was known for her loving and supportive relationships throughout her life. She was married three times, most notably to Allen Ludden, a game show host, from 1963 until his passing in 1981. Throughout her life, she had a deep love for animals and was a passionate advocate for animal welfare. There were numerous reports about her affection for her late husband, but as of 2025, her dating life remained a tribute to her enduring love for him.
She later clarified that "Betty" was her legal name and not a shortened version of "Elizabeth" as some people had assumed. She was the only child of housewife Christine Tess (née Cachikis) and lighting company executive Horace Logan White. Her father was from Michigan.
White's maternal grandfather was Greek, her paternal grandfather was Danish, both of her grandmothers were Canadians of English descent, and her other ancestry included Welsh. When she was one year old, her family moved to Alhambra, California, and later to Los Angeles during the Great Depression.
To make extra money, her father built crystal radios and sold them wherever he could. Since it was the height of the Depression and hardly anyone had a sizable income, he would trade the radios for other goods, which sometimes included dogs.
Net Worth and Salary
By 2021, Betty White's net worth was estimated to be around $75 million. This fortune derived not only from her successful acting career but also from her engagements in various entertainment ventures, including voice acting and endorsements. Her long-standing presence in Hollywood ensured she commanded significant salary offers for her projects, contributing to her substantial wealth.
After the war, White made the rounds to movie studios looking for work, but was turned down because she was "not photogenic". She started to look for radio jobs, where being photogenic did not matter. Her first radio jobs included reading commercials and playing bit parts, and sometimes even doing crowd noises. She made about five dollars a show.
She would do just about anything, like singing on a show for no pay. She appeared on shows such as Blondie, The Great Gildersleeve, and This Is Your FBI. She was then offered her own radio show, called The Betty White Show.
In 1949, she began appearing as co-host with Al Jarvis on his daily live television variety show Hollywood on Television, originally called Make Believe Ballroom, on KFWB and then on KLAC-TV (now KCOP-TV) in Los Angeles.
Career, Business and Investments
Betty's career began in the late 1930s, but it skyrocketed in the 1950s with her participation in sitcoms and game shows. She became a household name with "The Golden Girls", which garnered numerous awards and critical acclaim. Alongside acting, she was a producer, author, and marketing ambassador for various brands, showcasing her versatility.
In addition to her entertainment career, Betty White was also an entrepreneur. She famously endorsed various pet products and worked tirelessly with animal shelters and advocacy organizations, investing both her time and resources into causes she cared about deeply.
Betty Marion Ludden ( White; January 17, 1922 –December 31, 2021), known professionally as Betty White, was an American actress and comedian. A pioneer of early television with a career spanning almost seven decades, she was noted for her vast number of television appearances, acting in sitcoms, sketch comedy, and game shows.
Social Network
Although Betty White passed away in 2021, her presence on social media continued to thrive. Her official Twitter account, run by her team, remains active, sharing fond memories and interactions with her fans. The legacy she left behind is celebrated on various platforms, with countless fan pages dedicated to keeping her spirit alive.
From 1952 to 1954, White hosted and produced her own daily talk/variety show, The Betty White Show, first on KLAC-TV and then on NBC (her first television, but second show to feature that title). Like her sitcom, she had creative control over the series, and was able to hire a female director.
In a first for American network variety television, her show featured an African-American performer, but the show faced criticism for the inclusion of tap dancer Arthur Duncan as a regular cast member. The criticism followed when NBC expanded the show nationally.
Local Southern stations in the Jim Crow era threatened to boycott unless Duncan was removed from the series. In response, White said "I'm sorry. Live with it", and gave Duncan more airtime. Initially a ratings success, the show repeatedly changed time slots and suffered lower viewership. By the end of the year, NBC quietly cancelled the series.
Education
Betty White graduated from Beverly Hills High School in 1939 and briefly attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Although her formal education was cut short by the allure of Hollywood, her intelligence and wit shone through in every role she undertook, proving that talent often transcends traditional education.
In conclusion, Betty White's impact on the entertainment industry and beyond remains profound. Her legacy as a beloved actress and advocate for animals will continue to inspire generations. While 2025 marks a time after her passing, her spirit, laughter, and legacy remain as vibrant as ever.
In October 2011, 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.
