Betty White has charmed the world since her first debut on television in 1939. In the years that followed she starred in The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Golden Girls, and Hot in Cleveland. She has won awards, made guest appearances in commercials and movies, and even hosted Saturday Night Live in New York. And even after celebrating her 97th birthday this past January, she’s still going strong. With her darling personality, sweet mannerisms, and quick wit, it’s impossible to not love Betty White. (1, 2)
The Best Quotes From Betty White
It’s true that her most popular role, Rose, may not have been the brightest Golden Girl of the group. But Betty White herself has never been at a loss for words or wisdom. And considering how many times she’s been around the block, I’d say her advice is definitely worth listening to. Here are some of Betty White’s best quotes ever.
On Her Career
“I’m so pleasantly surprised when I get asked to do something, I always say yes. Retirement is not in my vocabulary. They aren’t going to get rid of me that way.” – 2011, USA Today (3)
When asked how it feels to be legendary, she said, “I just laugh. Have I got them fooled.” – 2010, Joy Behar Show (4)
Living Life Happily
“It’s your outlook on life that counts. If you take yourself lightly and don’t take yourself too seriously, pretty soon you can find the humor in our everyday lives. And sometimes it can be a lifesaver.” – 2011, Chicago Tribune (5)
“Well, if you don’t appreciate something as it’s happening, if you look back and say, oh, gee, that was a great time, I didn’t realize it at the time, you’ve missed it. So, everything isn’t sweetness and light. You get some bad times, too. But, by appreciating and celebrating the good stuff, you can handle the bad stuff better.” – 2017, Momtastic (6)
On Health
“I’m a health nut. My favorite food is hot dogs with french fries. And my exercise, I have a two story house and a very bad memory so I’m up and down those stairs.” – 2012, Times Talks (7)
“I’m not a big cook. I only go in the kitchen to feed my dog.” – 2014, Bon Appétit (8)
Aging With Grace
“Gravity has taken over. So there’s not much I can do about it. My problem with [plastic surgery], is you’ll go to a women’s press conference or something like that, and old friends will come up and I kind of don’t recognize them. I recognize the voice, but I don’t—all of a sudden, there’s this whole new face that I don’t know who that is.” – 2010, Joy Behar Show (4)
“Best thing about being in your 90s is you’re spoiled rotten. Everybody spoils you like mad and they treat you with such respect because you’re old. Little do they know, you haven’t changed. You haven’t changed in [the brain]. You’re just 90 every place else. Now that I’m 91, as opposed to being 90, I’m much wiser. I’m much more aware and I’m much sexier.” – 2013, NBC (9)
Death And Loss
“There’s no formula. Keep busy with your work and your life. You can’t become a professional mourner. It doesn’t help you or others. Keep the person in your heart all the time. Replay the good times. Be grateful for the years you had.” – 2011, Time Goes By (10)
“My mother had a wonderful approach to death. She said, “We have managed to find out almost anything that exists, but nobody knows—we think we do and some believe they do—we don’t know what happens at that moment when it’s over.’ And she said, ‘It’s the one secret that we don’t know.’ So whenever we would lose somebody very close and very dear, she’d always say, ‘Well, now he knows the secret.’ And it took the curse off of it somehow. And now [my mother] knows the secret. So I have no fear or dread of death.” – 2012, Times Talks (7)
We Love Betty White
Betty White has an incredible career, a happy life, and a kind heart. She’s an icon and an idol in every way. We’re glad that she’s still here to celebrate her 97th birthday, and we hope she’ll just keep on celebrating for years to come. Because the longer Betty White sticks around, the more there is of her to love!
