RIP, Betty White

1950s

This caption is just vaguely "from the 1950s" but I can't entirely tell how it fits in, or whether that's accurate, but what a gorgeous picture. So, we kick off with it.

1952

American actress Betty White (left), actor Eddie Albert (1906 - 2005), and an unidentified woman pose in front of the a KLAC-TV camera during a broadcast of the talk show, 'Hollywood on Television,' Los Angeles, California, 1952. (Photo by Nigel Dobinson/Getty Images)

This is Betty with Eddie Albert and "an unidentified woman." It's also a fun peek at a TV set from this era -- she's hosting "Hollywood on Television" which I assume was the 50s version of Entertainment Tonight. Betty's polka dots and belt are of course fantastic.

1954

"It SAYS it's Wuthering Heights but the inside is a copy of The Laird's Breeches, and no, I'm not giving it back to you."

Betty White

"THIS one is The Countess's Hunger, and it's a gas. I didn't know a member could DO that."

Betty White, 1954

Don't let go, Betty.

Betty White

"Do you REALLY want me to hit this? That's Bob Hope's living room window, you know."

1954

(Original Caption) Betty White, television star is shown in this photograph.

My favorite thing about this was the original title: "Betty White Holds Her Neck."

1954

"Stormy" is a huge St. Bernard, one of the three pet dogs Betty spends her few leisure moments around the house enjoying. Her schedule's too full for romance, she says, "and how would the real Cinderella like those apples."

We're going to give this to Informative Caption: "Stormy is a huge St. Bernard, one of the three pet dogs Betty spends her few leisure moments around the house enjoying. Her schedule's too full for romance, she says, 'and how would the real Cinderella like those apples.'"

1954

(Original Caption) Betty White, star of DuMont's Life with Elizabeth show, has just about enough time to feed her huge St. Bernard, Stormy, before dashing off to the studio from home.

Betty loved Stormy. She was in fact a noted lover of animals -- and possibly stripes! -- and a major activist in that arena.

1954

Betty sometimes prepares a meal for friends. But most of the time, she's too busy for such domestic pursuits. "Sometime in the future," she keeps hoping.

Friends, I cannot beat Informative Caption here, so please take in this one: "Betty sometimes prepares a meal for friends. But most of the time, she's too busy for such domestic pursuits. 'Sometime in the future,' she keeps hoping." I like to imagine Betty is looking at that cookbook and thinking, "What in the hell is a tsp?"

Betty White, 1955

This photo is so serious. It feels like a headshot she went to take at the local photo parlor.

1955

I hope Betty got a free Chevrolet.

1955

Betty White, US actress and comedian, smiling while sitting with her arms folded across a pillow on the backrest of a sofa in a living room, circa 1955. (Photo by Archive Photos/Getty Images)

The caption for this went full Daily Mail, just describing to a fine point what is in the photo. No idea if it's her house or just a set, or what. That's the only thing we DON'T know, but by gum, let's be clear that her arms are draped over a sofa that has a throw pillow on it.

1956

This one was called "Betty's Chair." I imagine her wondering if it was placed here because she's in trouble, and meant to be staring at her backyard fence.

1957

Betty White, the Vicki Angel of ABC-TV's 'Date with the Angels,' takes a break on a handy prop wagon wheel, during a rehearsal for the romantic comedy series.

Here, she was on ABC's Date with the Angels, and the caption tells us that Betty "takes a break on a handy prop wagon wheel" during rehearsal. Yes. Thank GOD for that wagon wheel. So handy. So, so handy.

1957

Actress Betty White holds a bouquet of roses in a publicity shot from the late 1950’s, United States. (Photo by CBS Television Network/De Carvalho Collection/Getty Images)

Betty, though, will give her all to a photo. Here, Betty is pleased to be patting a flower for you.

Michael Ansara and Betty White, 1957

Syrian Actor Michael Ansara (1922-2013) and Actress Betty White relax playing tennis in a candid shot taken in California’s Griffith Park from 1957, United States. (Photo by ABC Network/De Carvalho Collection/Getty Images)

And she's very pleased to be playing tennis for you in what Caption called a "candid photo," which makes me think Caption doesn't have the same concept of "candid photo" that I do.

Pianist and Friend, 1958

A poodle with a penchant for the piano, 'Danny' joins comedienne Betty White for some close harmony at the keyboard. Betty has two other dogs, a Pekinese and a St. Bernard, but says neither of them are as talented as Danny. She's the star of 'The Betty White Show,' a comedy variety program on the ABC television network.

Here we go again with the caption, and yes, the title of this slide was also the captioner's work: "A poodle with a penchant for the piano, 'Danny' joins comedienne Betty White for some close harmony at the keyboard. Betty has two other dogs, a Pekinese and a St. Bernard, but says neither of them are as talented as Danny." Poor Stormy. We know she still loves him too.

That Famous 'Betty' Smile, 1960

Betty White's smile comes naturally. So do the quizzical expression and the unaffected facial gestures. So she's the Cinderella girl-next-door on NBC's coast-to-coast TV show--chatting, singing, and always friendly.

And ONCE MORE WITH FEELING: "Betty White's smile comes naturally. So do the quizzical expression and the unaffected facial gestures. So she's the Cinderella girl-next-door on NBC's coast-to-coast TV show--chatting, singing, and always friendly." That is some real word salad right there.

Betty White and Allen Ludden, 1963

Allen Ludden, 45, of TV "Password" and "College Bowl" fame embraces his bride, actress Betty White, 41, following their wedding at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, today.

This is from their wedding day. Betty was a game show staple, and Allen hosted Password, on which they met. He was her third husband and the great love of her life. Per Wikipedia: "When asked by James Lipton on Inside The Actor's Studio that should Heaven exist, what would she like God to say to her when she walked through the Pearly gates, White replied 'Come on in Betty. Here's Allen.'" I hope she gave him the biggest hug when she got there.

Betty White, Westchester, USA

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Bob Wands/AP/Shutterstock (6620399a) Allen Ludden and his wife Betty White admire magnolia blossoms on the lawn of their country home in Westchester, N.Y. on . The TV personalities both enjoy gardening Betty White, Westchester, USA

Here, they're in their Westchester home. Her dress is obviously perfect.

Betty White, Westchester, USA

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Bob Wands/AP/Shutterstock (6620399b) Password" master of ceremonies Allen Ludden and his wife Betty White, who is also a TV personality, spend leisure hours at home gardening, birdwatching and game playing in Westchester, N.Y. on Betty White, Westchester, USA

They also... you know, used sticks, and stuff.

1968

This was apparently before anyone knew that we need THE WHOLE OUTFIT PLEASE, SWEET PHOTOGRAPHER, THANK YOU. I assume it was fabulous.

1976: Edward Asner, Betty White, Mary Tyler Moore and Ted Knight

(Original Caption) Mary Tyler Moore and her weekly comedy series won five Emmy's at the 28th Annual Television Academy Awards May 17 to top all other shows for the 1975-76 season. Show regulars (left to right) Edward Asner, Betty White, Mary Tyler Moore and Ted Knight. All won their Emmy's for their roles in The Mary Tyler Moore Show except Asner, who won his for his performance in Rich Man, Poor Man.

The MTM show snagged a bundle of Emmys in its 1975-76 season. (Ed actually won his for something else this year.) Whatever her top is doing, I like it. Mary also looks twinkly.

Betty White and Alvy Moore 1981

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Mediapunch/Shutterstock (10498313a) A Color Photo of Betty White and Alvy Moore Standing Together Arms Around Each Other and Smiling in 1981 Betty White and Alvy Moore 1981

Well, if one is going to wear a truly giant scarf, make it that color.

Betty White and Alex Trebek 1982

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Mediapunch/Shutterstock (10498373a) A Color Photo of Betty White Smiling and Leaning Next to Alex Trebek Standing Together at Night in 9-1982 Betty White and Alex Trebek 1982

Surely this helped inspire the Seinfeld puffy shirt a decade or so later. I also thought you'd enjoy revisiting Trebek's hair of this era.

circa 1980s

So, I don't know how to feel about the elephant here... Can we assume that it was being well taken care of, and that it was in fact a huge fan of Betty White and really pleased to be carrying her around? Because she DOES deserve a grand entrance.

1984

Betty White (Photo by Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)

What a dish.

The Golden Girls, 1985

Editorial use only. No book cover usage. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Touchstone Tv/Whitt-Thomas-Harris Prod/Kobal/Shutterstock (5882932g) Betty White, Bea Arthur, Rue McClanahan The Golden Girls Touchstone TV/Whitt-Thomas-Harris Prod USA Television Tv Classics

I just. Their faces. Rue McClanahan's in particular has to be her trying not to break.

1986 - Michael J. Fox and Betty White

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Douglas C Pizac/AP/Shutterstock (6563998a) Betty White, Michael J. Fox Michael J. Fox and Betty White, winners of Emmys for best actor and actress in a comedy series, stand backstage at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California, after receiving their honors. Fox won for his role in "Family Ties;" Ms. White for her role in "The Golden Girls Michael J. Fox and Betty White, Pasadena, USA

This was her first nomination for the Golden Girls, and the only one for which she won. I hope they both had this photo framed and blown up to an enormous size and hung in a place of prominence in their home.

Alex Trebek And Betty White, 1986

Television presenter Alex Trebek and actress Betty White attend the Third Annual Television Academy Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Santa Monica, California, 1986. (Photo by Vinnie Zuffante/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

SURPRISE. More Alex.

"Gorillas in the Mist" Los Angeles Premiere, 1988

Betty White and Rue McLanahan (Photo by Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)

What a collection of 80s outfits this is.

Night of 100 Stars - May 5, 1990

Estelle Getty, Bea Arthur, Betty White and Rue McClanahan (Photo by Jim Smeal/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)

All in gold is a BIT on-the-nose but I'll take it.

2002

I like this pantsuit -- very stylish, very I'm Running For Senate. Oh, lord, I wish Betty White had done that. Who would cross her? NO ONE.

2003

Betty White (Photo by SGranitz/WireImage)

Beautiful.

2004

Betty clearly liked this outfit, because -- SPOILER -- you're going to see it again, and at the Emmys again, too. Bravo, I say. She was ahead of the sustainability trend.

2004: Betty, Rue, Bea

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Bei/Shutterstock (504322o) Betty White, Rue McClanahan & Bea Arthur 'THE GOLDEN GIRLS, 1ST SEASON' DVD RELEASE PARTY, LOS ANGELES, AMERICA - 18 NOV 2004 November 18, 2004 - Beverly Hills, CA. Betty White (cast), Rue McClanahan (cast) & Bea Arthur (cast). Buena Vista Home Entertainment presents DVD Release Party for THE GOLDEN GIRLS: 1ST SEASON at the Museum of TV & Radio. Photo by: Eric Charbonneau®Berliner Studio/BEImages

Sniffle. (I don't know where Estelle was. She passed in 2008; maybe she was ill.)

2007

Betty White during 34th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards - Red Carpet at Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, California, United States. (Photo by Chris Polk/FilmMagic for Variety Magazine)

P.S. She also likes this blouse.

2007: with Valerie Harper

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Jim Smeal/BEI/Shutterstock (634534oz) Valerie Harper and Betty White 13th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards, Arrivals, Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles, America - 28 Jan 2007 January 28, 2007 - Los Angeles, CA Valerie Harper and Betty White Red carpet arrivals at the 13th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium. Photo ® Jim Smeal/BEImages

They both look lovely here.

2009

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Eric Charbonneau/Shutterstock (4377608eu) HOLLYWOOD, CA - JUNE 01: **EXCLUSIVE** Ryan Reynolds, Betty White and Sandra Bullock at the World Premiere of Touchstone Pictures' 'The Proposal' on June 01, 2009 at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, California. The World Premiere of Touchstone Pictures' 'The Proposal' Hollywood Los Angeles, America.

Someone please check on Ryan and Sandra in the wake of this news.

2010 - Pink Hot Dogs Unveils The Betty White "Naked" Hot Dog

I think this all speaks for itself.

2010

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI/Shutterstock (12336282n) Actress Betty White appears backstage with her Lifetime Achievement Award at the 16th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles on January 23, 2010. Screen Actors Guild Awards, Los Angeles, California, United States - 24 Jan 2010

The Proposal really kicked off the new wave of Betty White love (Hot In Cleveland came on its heels), and she was given a SAG Lifetime Achievement award after it. Yes, that's after this movie but BEFORE she would go on to star in another TV series and win awards for it. Betty could not be stopped.

2010

LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 19: Actress Betty White poses with a snake at the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association's 40th Annual "Beastly Ball" at Los Angeles Zoo on June 19, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Kovac/FilmMagic)

Betty was also, it should be noted, WAY BRAVER THAN I AM.

2010

And here are her rainbow separates again!

2011

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Mark J Terrill/AP/Shutterstock (6294841dd) Betty White Betty White accepts the award for best female actor in a comedy series for "Hot in Cleveland" at the 17th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on in Los Angeles. In background is presenter Jon Hamm SAG Awards - Show, Los Angeles, USA

Yes, Jon Hamm. Look at Betty White. Check it out. DRINK IT IN.

2011

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Charles Sykes/Shutterstock (1315404f) Betty White 'If You Ask Me (And Of Course You Won't)' Book Signing, New York, America - 06 May 2011

"This book is a CORKER."

2011 with Michael Stipe

This Times Talk really feels like it was programmed via dart board.

2011

Of COURSE Betty White hung out with Slash and a giant snake.

2012

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 08: Actress Betty White attends her 90th birthday celebration "A Tribute To America's Golden Girl" at Millennium Biltmore Hotel on January 8, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic)

And OF COURSE she was given a throne at this party (for her 90th).

2012

LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 16: Actresses Sarah Michelle Gellar (L) and Betty White pose with Jacob, a Columbian Red Tail Boa Constrictor at the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association's 42nd Annual Beastly Ball at the Los Angeles Zoo on June 16, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amanda Edwards/WireImage)

Again, I assume this photo has a place of prominence in SMG's home.

2012: Wendie Malick, Jane Leeves, Valerie Bertinelli, Betty White

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Chris Pizzello/AP/Shutterstock (6262965gx) Wendie Malick, Jane Leeves, Valerie Bertinelli, Betty White From left, Wendie Malick, Jane Leeves, Valerie Bertinelli and Betty White accept the award for favorite cable TV comedy for "Hot in Cleveland" during the People's Choice Awards on in Los Angeles Peoples Choice Awards Show, Los Angeles, USA

"Hot in Cleveland" won at the People's Choice Awards that year. And what dishes all four of these ladies are. They need to drop that show on Netflix and make it hot again.

2012

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Mark J Terrill/AP/Shutterstock (5964763eo) Betty White, Kyle Chandler Betty White, right, accepts the award for outstanding performance by a female actor in a comedy series for "Hot in Cleveland" at the 18th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on in Los Angeles. Kyle Chandler, left, hands her the award SAG Awards Show, Los Angeles, USA

THE BLOUSE IS BACK. Kyle Chandler, meanwhile, is delighted to be there. Rightly.

2012

THE BLOUSE IS BACK AGAIN. I hope this was her holiday card that year.

2012

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Katy Winn/Invision/AP/Shutterstock (9192822t) Betty White, at left, attends her wax figure unveiling at Madame Tussauds on in Los Angeles Betty White Wax Figure Unveiling At Madame Tussauds, Los Angeles, USA - 4 Jun 2012

I hope this was NOT her holiday card, because as much as she is beaming and trying her best, that is not a great wax figure -- it's all wrong in the nose. The Lorax was better.

Betty White Wax Figure Unveiling At Madame Tussauds, Los Angeles, USA - 4 Jun 2012

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Katy Winn/Invision/AP/Shutterstock (9192822v) Betty White, at left, attends her wax figure unveiling at Madame Tussauds on in Los Angeles Betty White Wax Figure Unveiling At Madame Tussauds, Los Angeles, USA - 4 Jun 2012

"Listen, I don't mean to be unsupportive, but this is L.A. and I can get you the name of a guy who does great nose jobs."

2015

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP/Shutterstock (9056560at) Betty White accepts the award for favorite TV icon at the People's Choice Awards at the Nokia Theatre, in Los Angeles 2015 People's Choice Awards - Show, Los Angeles, USA

"Thank you! These are almost as tall as The Lorax!"

2015

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP/Shutterstock (9053249cr) Charo, left, presents Betty White with the lifetime achievement award at the 42nd annual Daytime Emmy Awards at Warner Bros. Studios, in Burbank, Calif 42nd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards - Show, Burbank, USA

Of course she danced with Charo.

2018

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP/Shutterstock (9885502bx) Kate McKinnon, Betty White. Kate McKinnon, right, acknowledges Betty White at the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards, at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles 2018 Primetime Emmy Awards - Show, Los Angeles, USA - 17 Sep 2018

And, that is Kate McKinnon bowing down to her, as would any of us.

Mandatory Credit: Photo by RBL/Bauer-Griffin/Shutterstock (12682991b) Flowers and mementos in honor of Betty White are seen at her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on in Los Angeles Betty White Hollywood Walk of Fame Star honored with Memorial Wreath, Los Angeles, California, USA - 31 Dec 2021

Sniffle.

Mandatory Credit: Photo by RBL/Bauer-Griffin/Shutterstock (12682991f) Flowers and mementos in honor of Betty White are seen at her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on in Los Angeles Betty White Hollywood Walk of Fame Star honored with Memorial Wreath, Los Angeles, California, USA - 31 Dec 2021

SNIFFLE.