The legendary American actress, Betty White, passed away on December 31, 2021 at the age of 99.

Betty White was truly a multifaceted trailblazer whose career spanned over eight-decades and has accomplished numerous accolades throughout her life. 

White’s incredible life came to a peaceful close as described by her good friend, and agent, Jeff Witjas. Witjas released a statement saying, “Even though Betty was about to be 100, I thought she would live forever. I will miss her terribly and so will the animal world that she loved so much. I don’t think Betty ever feared passing because she always wanted to be with her most beloved husband Allen Ludden. She believed she would be with him again.”

Following Witjas’ sentiments, we should reflect on White’s work, passions and charitable deeds to celebrate her full life. 

Many may not know that White served as a member of the American Women’s Voluntary Services during World War II. White joined as a volunteer in 1941 when she was just 19-years-old.

Her tasks consisted of delivering supplies to Hollywood Hills, and the actress served five years with the group before ending her voluntary service.

She was married for the first time and needed to move on to begin her career. 

After her service, White’s career in Hollywood officially took off in the 1950s when The Betty White Show premiered. Her stardom continued in her most notable roles such as The Golden Girls and The Mary Tyler Moore Show.

More recent projects, like hosting Saturday Night Live  in 2010 and voicing  “Bitey White” in 2019’s Toy Story 4, introduced her vivacious personality to newer generations. 

The California native was also known to be a major animal lover and advocate. White worked with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA) and the Morris Animal Foundation for more than four decades.

White began her advocacy with the Los Angeles Zoo in 1966 and was later named the zoo’s trustee in 1974.

Throughout her advocacy, White raised money for spcaLA, released public service announcements and took advantage of her celebrity status to encourage others to advocate for wildlife and all creatures alike. 

The entertainer’s 100th birthday celebration and tribute, Betty White: 100 Years Young — A Birthday Celebration, played in theaters nationwide on January 17 for one night only.  The show will include the likes of Ryan Reynolds, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Morgan Freeman as well as others.

Betty White had an incredible career and is a household name that sends smiles to the American public. She will be deeply missed and forever America’s sweetheart.

Fans can stream White’s most notable works on platforms such as Hulu, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+.

Anyone wishing to donate in White’s name can do so at spcaLA to support White’s most treasured passion.