Betty White — the legendary actress who brought Sue Ann Nivens and Rose Nyland to life — turns 95 today. With this in mind, we decided to come up with a list of five things you didn’t know about the “national treasure” that’s been stealing our hearts for more than 70 years.
1. She was originally supposed to play Blanche.
For fans of a certain age, Betty White is perhaps best known as Rose Nyland on The Golden Girls. However, she was originally commissioned to play the role of Blanche (played by the late Rue McClanahan)! When the women read for the part, the producers realized that they were type-casting the women (as Rue had played a Rose-like character on Maude, while Betty had played a Blanche-like character on The Mary Tyler Moore Show). The two women switched roles, and the rest, as they say, is history!
2. If she’d stayed with her second husband, she wouldn’t be famous today.
In her autobiography, Betty White stated that her second husband — Lane Allen — didn’t like the fact that she wanted to be in show business. He wanted her, in fact, to be more of a housewife than a career woman, and ultimately asked her to make a choice. She chose Hollywood, and divorced Allen a short time later.
3. She’s the original Thanksgiving Day Parade commentator.
Betty White originally hosted the Thanksgiving Day Parade on television in 1962, and continued to report on the Parade until 1971. What’s more, in 1956, she began reporting on the annual Roses Parade, where she stayed until 1976.
4. She’s an animal rights activist.
Betty White has been a staunch supporter of animal rights for more than 40 years. In fact, she’s even said that she likes animals more than she likes people! (And we’re inclined to agree with her…)
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5. She’s also a strong supporter of gay rights.
Betty White was an activist for gay rights even before it was the “in” thing to do. She’s been supporting gay rights for more than 40 years, and continues to do so today.
Happy 95th Birthday, Betty White!