Betty Marion White Ludden was an American actress and comedian. White was a pioneer of early television,  one of the first women to work both and behind the camera. She was the first woman to create a sitcom in the United States, Life with Elizabeth, which earned herself the honorary title of Mayor of Hollywood in 1955. White is known as the “First Lady of Television,” a label she earned for a 2018 documentary on her life and career.

Early life 

Betty Marion White was born in Oak Park, Illinois, on January 17, 1922. She was the only child of Christine Tess and Horace Logan White.  She initially wanted to pursue the career of a forest ranger but was unable to accomplish this because women were not allowed to serve as rangers at that time. White pursued a passion for writing. She discovered her passion for playing when she authored and starred in a graduation play at Horace Mann School. She decided to pursue a profession as an actor after being inspired by her idols Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy. 

Popular Shows:

“Life With Elizabeth”

“Advise & Consent”

“The Mary Tyler Moore Show”

“Mama’s Family”

“The Golden Girls”/”The Golden Palace”

“Chance of a Lifetime”

Cause of Death 

White died of a cerebrovascular accident, or stroke, according to her death certificate acquired by E! News. Six days before her death, she had a stroke.  Betty white died on Dec. 31 at the age of 99 in her Los Angeles home.