Honoring Betty White On What Would Have Been Her 100th Birthday Today

Jan 17, 2022 by apost team

Actress Betty White was a beloved Hollywood icon and one of the last remaining actors from the golden age of television. Her passing on Dec. 31, 2021, left people all over the world reeling from grief. Her long and respected career in show business spoke for itself — she was the queen of sitcoms and had worked in the industry since 1939, which was most of her life.

Best known for her roles in the hit shows "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," "Golden Girls" and "Hot in Cleveland," White's career spanned over 80 years. In fact, she was even recognized by the "Guinness Book of World Records" for having the longest-running career in the film and television industry.

Her lengthy career was also heavily awarded — White received eight Emmy Awards in multiple categories over the years. She also won three American Comedy Awards, three Screen Actors Guild Awards and one Grammy. In 1985 she was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame and even received her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. 

But her contributions to the world go far beyond entertainment. An avid lover of animals, White dedicated her life to advocating for animal health and welfare. She was a devoted pet enthusiast, had three dogs of her own and worked with a number of animal organizations, including the Los Angeles Zoo Commission, Actors and Others for Animals, African Wildlife Foundation and The Morris Animal Foundation.

People have mourned her death since the news came to light, and now, on Jan. 17, 2022 — the day that would have been her 100th birthday — the public has continued to honor White. Social media users have come together for the Betty White Challenge, which urges people to donate to their local animal shelter or animal care organization in White's name. 

On Jan. 17, 2022, White would have turned 100, and despite the fact that the star didn't make it to celebrate her centennial birthday, the public isn't letting the day fall by the wayside. People have posted to social media to continue her legacy, while the so-called Betty White Challenge is continuing on her love and dedication to animals. 

Mere days before she passed away, White posted to Twitter about her centennial birthday. She wrote:

"My 100th birthday… I cannot believe it is coming up, and People Magazine is celebrating with me!" 

Her post showed off the cover of the People Magazine issue, which included the quote "Funny never gets old." How true that is. Sadly, the post ended up being her final one, but despite the fact that she's no longer with us, fans aren't letting her be forgotten. 

One fan took to Twitter to suggest that White should be honored as "Person of the Century" by Time Magazine. They wrote:

"1/17 Is Betty White’s 100th birthday. Let's not only make it a national holiday but feature her as Time Magazine's 'Person of the Century.'"

Meanwhile, a public celebration for her took place in her birthplace of Oak Park, Illinois over the weekend. Dubbed a "hometown hero" by one Twitter user, White's 100th birthday was celebrated with people lined up in the street. In a touching gesture, the singer of "The Golden Girls" theme song, Cindy Fee, led attendees in an acapella rendition of the song in White's honor. What a heartfelt tribute.

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But that's not the only way fans are celebrating White's life and legacy. Social media users haven't forgotten her love of animals, which has led to the Betty White Challenge, in which people are urged to donate whatever they can to an animal shelter or animal care organization in White's name. One Twitter user included a photo of their cat and wrote:

"For Betty White's 100th birthday, be sure to support your local animal rescue so they can continue finding lovely pets like our dear Kobe loving homes to live in."

Humane Tomorrow, an animal care center wrote:

"If you would like to honor Betty White's legacy, please consider joining the Betty White Challenge. An initiative that urges animal lovers & Betty lovers across the nation, to donate to shelters & rescues in honor of her 100th birthday."

White's love for animals was well known. Her agent Jeff Witjas had previously told Fox Television Stations:

"Betty’s love for animals as she says started in the womb ... She had an uncanny way of communicating with all types of 4-legged creatures … The animals just knew through Betty’s voice and body movement that she meant no harm."

He added:

"In fact, there may have been a few times she would make a funny face and the animal would show signs of smiling ... Betty always knew how to work her audience."

Despite still being in mourning, the world isn't letting White's memory go, as fans continue to pay their respects to the legendary actress. A film celebrating White's longevity and featuring many of her Hollywood contemporaries was set to be released in cinemas today for one-day-only. Titled “Betty White: 100 Years Young – A Birthday Celebration," the movie is still being released in her honor. 

Are you a fan of Betty White? Which is your favorite role of hers? Let us know, then pass this on so others can honor her memory too.