The first show that I remember seeing Betty White act in is the Mary Tyler Moore show in the 1970’s. At the time I was a big fan of Mary Tyler Moore, but it only took a few episodes for Betty White to earn my admiration.
She played Sue Ann Nivens, a two-faced diva. As Sue Ann Betty could be a sweet innocent southern lady one instant and a real ‘B’ of a diva the next.
What fascinated me about this was the way she could make you laugh while she did this.
In the show Golden Girls, Betty played Rose Nylund, a real country bumpkin. What I loved about her as Rose was the way she could keep a perfectly innocent face while the most ridiculous things were coming out of her mouth.
I often wondered how many times they would have to shoot a scene before they could get one where her co-stars were not laughing.
In January 2021 Betty told People magazine that she believed having a sense of humour was the key to a long and happy life. She might be right, after all they do say that laughter is the best medicine.
We need to laugh more. I know during the last two years we do not feel like we have had much to laugh about but I think we need to find things to laugh about to help us get through this mess.
My young dog makes me laugh nearly every day, even with that, I have started to actively look for things to make me laugh.
I started to read all those jokes people post on Facebook, yes most of them are duds, but sometimes you find a winner.
TV Land has put out some new comedies and I have been trying to give all the new ones a try. A few of them make me laugh so I will keep them on my list.
Those wall hangings that say “ Live, Laugh, Love” make me think of Betty White.
She loved life, she loved to laugh and she had a great love for animals. If she could know about the huge amount of money that was donated in her name to animal shelters across the country I am sure she would be crying tears of joy.
Betty has said that she was born a “cockeyed optimist” and always tried to find the positive. We need to follow her example, enjoy life, laugh a lot, and be passionate about things we love. Maybe a sense of humour really is the key to a long and happy life.
Rest In Peace Betty White. We will miss you.
by Lois Perepelitz
