Photo: ©1985 Mario Casilli/mptvimages.com
The Golden Girls
In this sitcom about four elderly friends living under one roof, Betty plays the lovable and naive Rose Nylund. Betty, along with co-stars Bea Arthur, Rue McClanahan and Estelle Getty, hilariously portrays how friendship changes—or doesn't—as we age. This golden girl delivered laughs with her innocent and literal interpretations of Dorothy's wit and Rose's sexual innuendos. The beloved sitcom had us all thanking Betty for being a friend.
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Password
While loved for her comedic roles, Betty's no stranger to the game show circuit. She made regular appearances on Password, where she met her late husband, host Allen Ludden. The one-time game show maven also appeared on To Tell the Truth, Match Game, Tonight Starring Jack Paar and What's My Line?
The Mary Tyler Moore Show
Betty played Sue Ann Nivens, host of the Martha Stewart–esque WJM-TV show The Happy Homemaker. Despite her TV persona, Sue Ann was a sugary sweet maneater off-camera. In this breakout role, Betty won over TV audiences with her spot-on delivery of Sue Ann's snide remarks.
The Proposal
It was the movie that prompted a career resurgence. Betty returned to the big screen as the hilarious Grandma Annie in the 2009 romantic comedy, The Proposal with Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds. Her portrayal of a loving grandmother anxious to see her grandson get married doesn't disappoint. At 87, Betty reinforced her onscreen comedic prowess, whether she was performing a tribal rain dance or feeling up Sandra Bullock.
Ugly Betty
America Ferrera went "Bananas for Betty," in the episode of the same name. Guest starring as herself, Betty (White, not Suarez) becomes the victim of Wilhelmina Slater's temper after they fight over a cab. As retaliation, Betty ends up initiating a hilarious showdown with Wilhelmina and gets the best of the magazine diva when she makes her look like a bully in front of the TV cameras.
