Betty White turns 94 on January 17. Just six years shy of her centennial celebration, White has been able to cram over a hundred years' worth of memories, accomplishments, and laugh-out-loud moments into her life and ours. After her 70-plus years in the entertainment industry, Betty White has — no doubt — become an icon. She continuously proves that you can still be hilarious, sexy, and wise beyond your years, no matter your age.
She’s been married three times, but has kissed countless men and women in the name of love, lust, and everything in-between. She has also won seven Emmys (after being nominated for 21!), written eight books, and won numerous other industry awards, like the People’s Choice Award for TV Icon, providing us with this heart-melting moment.
But most importantly, she has inspired us every step of the way. What makes White so awesome is that she keeps it real. She jokes about sex, relationships, and growing older. She gets pop culture — who could forget her Miley Cyrus spoof? And she loves her furry friends. White has been a major, lifelong donor to the Morris Animal Foundation and even created her own Betty White Wildlife Foundation.
While it would take a lot to top her flash mob birthday surprise last year, we know she will be celebrating in style. In honor of her, we collected our favorite unthinkable and thought-provoking Betty White-isms through the years. Betty White, you are like a fine wine: you keep getting better with age.
“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.”
— From a 2011 interview with Time Goes By.
“I’ve always liked older men. They’re just more attractive to me. of course, at my age there aren’t that many left. I’ve enjoyed the opposite sex a lot. Always have, always will.”
— From a 2010 interview in Parade.
"Tip Number 10: Get at least eight hours of beauty sleep. Nine if you’re ugly."
— From a 2011 episode of The Late Showwith David Letterman.
“My muffin hasn’t had a cherry since 1939.”
— From 2010 skit “NPR Delicious Dish: Dusty Muffin,” SNL.
“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.”
— From a 2012 interview with The New York Times.
“Darling, you were supposed to explore the galaxy. Not fill it.”
— On the Comedy Central roast of William Shatner.
“I didn’t know what Facebook was and now that I do know what it is, it sounds like a huge waste of time.”
— From her 2010 opening monologue on SNL.
“I had no idea that I would still be around at this point for one thing, but that I’d still be privileged enough to still be in this business. And it is such a privilege. And the bottom line I think to the television business is that unless you’re a real bad egg, it is such fun. It really is.”
— From her 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award acceptance speech at the Emmy Awards.
“People say, ‘But Betty, Facebook is a great way to connect with old friends.’ Well at my age, if i want to connect with old friends, I need a Ouija board.”
— From her 2010 opening monologue on SNL.
“I’m not a big cook. I only go in the kitchen to feed my dog.”
— From a 2014 column in Bon Appetit.
“Tip Number 6: Avoiding tweeting any photos of your private parts.”
— From a 2011 episode of The Late Showwith David Letterman.
“Guess what? I’m still hot.”
— From the music video “I’m Still Hot.”
“I am still, to this day, star struck. I look out at this audience and I see so many famous faces, but what really boggles my mind is that I actually know many of you. And I’ve worked with quite a few...maybe had a couple...and you know who you are.”
— From her 2010 Screen Actors Guild Lifetime Achievement Award acceptance speech.
“Well, I mean, if a joke or humor is bawdy, it's got to be funny enough to warrant it. You can't just have it bawdy or dirty just for the sake of being that — it's got to be funny.”
— From a 2012 interview with the Huffington Post.
“Vodka is kind of a hobby.”
— From a 2011 episode of the Late Show with David Letterman.
“I have no regrets at all. None. I consider myself to be the luckiest old broad on two feet.”
— From a 2013 interview with Guinness World Records.
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