Betty White, beloved actress and comedian whose career in the entertainment industry spanned over nine decades, has died at the age of 99.
What You Need To Know
- Betty White, beloved actress and comedian whose career in the entertainment industry spanned over nine decades, died at the age of 99, her agent told Spectrum News on Friday
- Entertainers, politicians, comedians, actors and more took to social media to honor White, who would have celebrated her 100th birthday on Jan. 17, 2022
- President Joe Biden called White’s death a “shame,” and first lady Dr. Jill Biden added: “Who didn’t love Betty White? We’re so sad about her death”
- Ryan Reynolds, who starred alongside White in the 2009 comedy "The Proposal," said "the world looks different now" following White's death
The news, first reported by TMZ, was confirmed by her agent, Jeff Witjas, Friday afternoon.
Remembrances from every corner of the industry soon came pouring in following news of White’s death, who was set to celebrate her 100th birthday on Jan. 17, 2022.
Condolences even came from President Joe Biden, who called White’s death a “shame.”
"She was a lovely lady," President Biden added.
First Lady Dr. Jill Biden added: “Who didn’t love Betty White? We’re so sad about her death.”
Here are some tributes from fellow entertainers:
Andy Cohen
Tonight we will raise MANY glasses to the WONDERFUL legacy of Betty White!!! ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
— Andy Cohen (@Andy) December 31, 2021
Ryan Reynolds
The world looks different now. She was great at defying expectation. She managed to grow very old and somehow, not old enough. We’ll miss you, Betty. Now you know the secret. pic.twitter.com/uevwerjobS
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) December 31, 2021
Dan Rather
A spirit of goodness and hope. Betty White was much beloved because of who she was, and how she embraced a life well lived. Her smile. Her sense of humor. Her basic decency. Our world would be better if more followed her example. It is diminished with her passing.
— Dan Rather (@DanRather) December 31, 2021
Seth Meyers
RIP Betty White, the only SNL host I ever saw get a standing ovation at the after party. A party at which she ordered a vodka and a hotdog and stayed til the bitter end.
— Seth Meyers (@sethmeyers) December 31, 2021
Reese Witherspoon
So sad to hear about Betty White passing. I loved watching her characters that brought so much joy. Thank you, Betty, for making us all laugh! https://t.co/iOkmHLrW21
— Reese Witherspoon (@ReeseW) December 31, 2021
Zelda Williams
I’ve loved few things in comedy more than Betty White’s sense of humor, that mischievous twinkle in her eye when she knew she was about to do something raucous or naughty. Thanks for the endless decades of funny and for all the animals you helped. Rest easy ♥️ pic.twitter.com/f2DvsURqXj
— Zelda Williams (@zeldawilliams) December 31, 2021
George Takei
Our national treasure, Betty White, has passed just before her 100th birthday. Our Sue Ann Nivens, our beloved Rose Nylund, has joined the heavens to delight the stars with her inimitable style, humor, and charm. A great loss to us all. We shall miss her dearly.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) December 31, 2021
Kathy Griffin
1) Betty White. Where do I begin? I’ve known her long, but I think the first time I met her was when she was a guest star on Suddenly Susan in the late 90s. Everyone was very excited she was on the show. I had accidentally parked in her parking spot that day. She walks in…
— Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin) December 31, 2021
Ellen DeGeneres
What an exceptional life.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) December 31, 2021
I’m grateful for every second I got to spend with Betty White.
Sending love to her family, friends and all of us.
Henry Winkler
Betty White : I is very hard to absorb you are not here anymore.. But the memories of your deLIGHT
— Henry Winkler (@hwinkler4real) December 31, 2021
are ..Thank you for yur humor , your warmth and your activism ..
Rest now and say Hi to Bill
LeVar Burton
Y’all, with the passing of #BettyWhite we have lost one of the best humans ever!
— LeVar Burton (@levarburton) December 31, 2021
Mike Birbiglia
I loved Betty White’s performances so much because I never knew where the script began or ended. I just knew I was laughing.
— Mike Birbiglia (@birbigs) December 31, 2021
Rosie O'Donnell
rest well legend #BettyWhite pic.twitter.com/uh4GpuWzW5
— ROSIE (@Rosie) December 31, 2021
Julie Packard
I’m honored to have known Betty White through her support for our Sea Otter Program & of @MontereyAq. Her joyful and generous spirit made her an inspiring friend to people and animals. I'm deeply grateful for her friendship and generosity over the years. #ThankYouForBeingAFriend pic.twitter.com/y86PJhCeEW
— Julie Packard (@juliepackard) December 31, 2021
Josh Gad
I do t think I’ve ever been sadder at the loss of a 99 year old than I am today. @BettyMWhite was truly one of the greatest comedic voices of her or any other generation. Not only was she the last Surviving Golden Girl but she was a living reminder of the golden age of Hollywood. pic.twitter.com/3sHDiXRaLx
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) December 31, 2021
Bernice King
Because courage matters no matter “the times.”
— Be A King (@BerniceKing) December 31, 2021
And the outcomes of standing for love and justice don’t always look like wins.
But you won, #BettyWhite.
And we won because of your character AND characters.
Thank you. https://t.co/rDcvLCeUBa
Rosanna Arquette
Rest in love laughter and power Betty White
— ✌🏼rosanna arquette (@RoArquette) December 31, 2021
Paul Reubens
I loved Betty White so much! I can't find the words! To call her an icon doesn't even scratch the surface! On top of her blinding talent and being one of the funniest people to ever work in comedy, she was enormously sweet and nice. pic.twitter.com/hhzlqOCQEx
— Pee-wee Herman (@peeweeherman) December 31, 2021
Viola Davis
RIP Betty White! Man did I think you would live forever. You blew a huge hole in this world that will inspire generations. Rest in glorious peace….you’ve earned your wings ❤️❤️❤https://t.co/7wpeLHgySy
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) December 31, 2021
Dionne Warwick
Another brilliant talent has made her transition. I had the pleasure of getting to know Betty White and shared a few giggles with her. May she rest in well-earned peace. ❤️
— Dionne Warwick (@dionnewarwick) December 31, 2021
Conan O'Brien
God bless Betty White. As my mom would say, “we were so lucky to have her.”https://t.co/pXzu6JezOg
— Conan O'Brien (@ConanOBrien) December 31, 2021
Mia Farrow
Once i was in a Beverly Hills restaurant & Betty White sat down at the table next to mine. i didn’t want to bother her. But after a few minutes she tapped me on the shoulder and with that radiant smile said “ Hello! Im Betty White.” People don’t do that in BH. I just love her
— Mia Farrow (@MiaFarrow) December 31, 2021
Pauley Perrette
Oh #BettyWhite
— Pauley Perrette (@PauleyP) December 31, 2021
I love you.
Thank you for being such a good role model for me.
Thank you for being a friend. pic.twitter.com/qPCef7At5o
This is a developing story. Check back later for further updates.