BETTY WHITE HOT

Just when you were getting tired of the same old 20 somethings flaunting, flirting, fighting, fornicating, and forcing me to gag, in rides Betty White.  This 88 year old television and movie actor/comedienne has been around the block a few times.  She began her career in television when she starred in her own comedy show in 1952 -1955 called "Life With Elizabeth".  She was co-producer on this show and won her first Emmy for it.  Throughout the 1950-60s she starred in more sitcoms, commercials and then she began a game show journey.  She was dubbed "The First Lady of Game Shows" exhibiting her playing prowess and bubbly personality with each show.  She began playing "Password" in 1961-1975.  She fell in love with the host Allen Ludden and married him in 1963.  They met previously on Jack Parr's Tonight show where they were both guests.  He proposed twice before she married him.  They were together until he passed away in 1981.  They never had any children.  

An active animal rights activist and spokeswoman, she devotes a large part of her life to donating, rescuing, getting legislation passed, building shelters and supporting all forms animal rights issues.  She has been a member of the board of directors for the Los Angeles Zoo since 1974 and served as their commissioner for eight years. 

In the 1970s after a guest appearance on the "Mary Tyler Moore" as Sue Ann Nivens - The Happy Homemaker (femme fatal) she was so popular it earned her a job as a regular cast member and subsequently two Emmy wins.  The show ended in 1977.  Betty stayed busy with many other sitcoms and television appearances until she landed the golden role as Rose Nyland in the "Golden Girls" in 1985.  The show ran through 1992 and she won one Emmy and was nominated every year.  Once the show ended she guest starred on numerous shows without much fanfare until her stint on "Boston Legal" in a reoccurring role as Catherine Piper, gossip, blackmailing murderess secretary.  This role displayed her comedic talent in the bizzaro Boston Legal office where she more than held her own with the likes of William Shatner. 

In 2009 she made her presence known in the blockbuster movie "The Proposal" with Sandra Bullock.  Her portrayal of Ryan Reynolds grandmother was a comedic clinic.  The two scene stealers where she fits Sandra in her wedding gown and where she fakes a heart attack are classic.

So it should come as no surprise when this past Saturday SNL enjoyed its biggest ratings since John McCain paired with host Ben Affleck and Tina Fey was doing Sarah Palin in 2008.  Her hosting came through a ground swell campaign through Facebook when the public demanded that Betty White be given the hosting honors.  She not only was hired but blew the roof off the place.  She showed not only can she get down with the young comediennes but also raise the bar on sketch comedy with her brilliance.  The "Big" girls turned out for her (Tina Fey, Molly Shannon, Amy Poehler, Anna Gasteyer, etc.) to help honor her place on their court.   Mother's Day eve was the perfect time for her appearance. 

Her opening monologue was done entirely by her, a honor reserved only for those that can handle the pressure.  Her skits were classic going between yesteryear -Lawrence Welk, to the Scared Straight jailhouse mama, scaring the homeboys with her "grandson"  Kenan Thompson.  Her NPR skit "The Muffin Lady" a takeoff  of the classic Alec Baldwin "Schweaty Balls" was funny on its own merits but also because of the content vs. her age.  No one knows how to do that better.  Funny stuff all. 

Betty White's enduring popularity proves that with talent, experience, and hard work you can have a wonderful career in a fickle profession where most people last 15 minutes.

Throw in her Snickers commercial and you got one WHITE HOT BETTY.