Betty White was a legendary actress whose career in show business spanned over 80 years, earning her the title “The First Lady of Television.” She became an icon through her memorable roles as Sue Ann Nivens on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Rose Nylund on The Golden Girls, the latter widely considered her most celebrated work. White maintained her career well into her late 90s, passing away on December 31, 2021, just weeks shy of her 100th birthday. She credited her longevity to a positive attitude and a sense of humor, always encouraging others not to take life—or themselves—too seriously.

Beyond her entertainment career, White had a lifelong and passionate love for animals. Her affection for nature began in childhood, inspired by family vacations to the Sierra Nevada, where she dreamed of becoming a forest ranger—an ambition unavailable to women at the time. Her devotion to animal welfare became a central focus in her life, with White often explaining that her work in show business was a means to fund and support her advocacy efforts.

White contributed extensively to animal organizations, including the Morris Animal Foundation, the Los Angeles Zoo Commission, and the African Wildlife Foundation. Her love for animals became more publicly visible in the 1970s when she hosted the TV series The Pet Set. Over the years, she authored two books on her passion for animals and donated nearly $100,000 to the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens in 2008 alone, demonstrating her unwavering commitment.

Her bond with animals was vividly captured in the 2018 documentary Betty White: First Lady of Television. In one unforgettable scene, she interacted with a grizzly bear at the Los Angeles Zoo, calmly petting and even kissing the massive animal on the forehead. The bear responded affectionately, taking snacks from her hand, illustrating White’s unique ability to connect with creatures of all kinds and her fearless, compassionate nature.

In addition to her professional and advocacy work, White’s personal life included a lasting romance with her late husband, Allen Ludden, whom she met on Password in 1961 and married in 1963. Their marriage lasted until his death in 1981. Even as her fame grew, White’s commitment to animal welfare remained central to her identity, solidifying her legacy not only as a comedic genius but also as one of Hollywood’s most dedicated and beloved animal rights advocates.