Betty White Biography: Husband, Age, Death, Net Worth, Height, Parents, TV Shows, Comedy

Betty Marion White, known professionally as Betty White, was an American actress, comedian, and television host whose career spanned over eight decades, earning her the title of a television pioneer.

Best known for her roles as Sue Ann Nivens on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Rose Nylund on The Golden Girls, White charmed audiences with her wit, warmth, and comedic timing. Her extensive work in game shows, talk shows, and advocacy for animal welfare cemented her status as a beloved cultural icon.

Profile

• Full Name: Betty Marion White
• Stage Name: Betty White
• Born: 17, January 1922
• Date of Death: December 31, 2021 (Aged: 99 years old)
• Birthplace: Oak Park, Illinois, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actress, Comedian, Television Host
• Height: 1.63m
• Parents: Horace Logan White, Tess Curtis White
• Siblings: None
• Spouse: Dick Barker (m. 1945-1945), Lane Allen (m. 1947-1949), Allen Ludden (m. 1963-1981)
• Girlfriends: None
• Children: None
• Relationship: Widowed
• Net Worth: $75 million

Early Life and Education

Betty Marion White was born on January 17, 1922, in Oak Park, Illinois, to Horace Logan White, an electrical engineer, and Tess Curtis White, a homemaker. She was an only child.

White attended Horace Mann School in Beverly Hills and graduated from Beverly Hills High School in 1939. With a passion for performance from a young age, she did not pursue formal higher education, instead focusing on her early career in radio and television.

Her ethnicity was of English and Danish descent, and her religious beliefs were not publicly disclosed.

Career

Betty Marion White began her career in the late 1930s, performing on radio shows in Los Angeles. Her television debut came in 1939, singing on an experimental broadcast. After World War II, where she served in the American Women’s Voluntary Services, White transitioned to hosting radio programs like The Betty White Show.

Her first major television role was as co-host of the daily live show Hollywood on Television in 1949, which showcased her comedic talent and led to her producing and starring in the sitcom Life with Elizabeth (1953–1955), earning her first Emmy Award.

White’s career soared in the 1970s with her role as the sharp-tongued Sue Ann Nivens on The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1973–1977), which won her two Emmy Awards. Her portrayal of the sweet but naive Rose Nylund on The Golden Girls (1985–1992) became one of television’s most iconic characters, earning her another Emmy and global recognition.

She continued with roles in The Golden Palace (1992–1993) and guest appearances on shows like The Bold and the Beautiful. White also hosted game shows, including Password, and produced television content, demonstrating her versatility.

Betty White remained a vibrant presence in entertainment into her nineties. Her role as Elka Ostrovsky in Hot in Cleveland (2010–2015) introduced her to a new generation, while her hosting of Betty White’s Off Their Rockers (2012–2014) highlighted her comedic prowess.

She earned a Grammy Award in 2012 for her audiobook If You Ask Me (And Of Course You Won’t). White’s advocacy for animal welfare through organizations like the Morris Animal Foundation and her timeless humor left an enduring legacy in television and philanthropy.

Social Media

• Twitter Handle: @BettyMWhite

Personal Life

Betty Marion White married three times. She was first married to Dick Barker in 1945, a brief union that ended in divorce; then to Lane Allen from 1947 to 1949, also ending in divorce.

Her third marriage to game show host Allen Ludden in 1963 lasted until his death in 1981, and she regarded him as the love of her life, choosing not to remarry. White had no children but was a devoted stepmother to Ludden’s three children from a previous marriage.

Known for her love of animals, she lived a private yet joyful life, often sharing her passion for pets and philanthropy. She passed away peacefully at her home in Los Angeles on December 31, 2021.

Filmography

• Life with Elizabeth (1953–1955)
• The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1973–1977)
• The Golden Girls (1985–1992)
• The Golden Palace (1992–1993)
• The Proposal (2009)
• Hot in Cleveland (2010–2015)
• Betty White’s Off Their Rockers (2012–2014)

Net Worth

Betty Marion White had an estimated net worth of $75 million at the time of her death. Her wealth stemmed primarily from her extensive television career, including starring roles in The Golden Girls and Hot in Cleveland, which earned significant syndication royalties.