By Wonderwall.com Editors
8:13am PST, Jan 3, 2022
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Actress, animal activist and comedy icon Betty White passed away at 99 on Dec. 31, 2021 — less than three weeks before her 100th birthday. Celebrity friends and fans took to social media to honor the trailblazing comedy star who entertained us in everything from TV's "The Golden Girls" and "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" to movies like "The Proposal." See what they all had to say, starting with this former co-star… Oscar and Emmy nominee Don Cheadle worked with Betty on the 1992-1993 "Golden Girls" spinoff series "The Golden Palace." "Betty was the best of the best. When we were shooting scenes together it was difficult for the DP [director of photography] to get the lighting right between my chocolate and betty's white! she was either a ghost or i was the shadow. i came on set one day and betty had darkened her make up/hair a bit in an attempt to accommodate for it. nobody asked her to do it. and that's just one small example of her overflowing generosity," Don wrote on Twitter, adding, "My dogs thank her too. she gave us our veterinarian reco who we still see to this day. she was the goldenest of them all and will be forever missed."
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"Betty lived life devoted to her craft and her love of animals. She made us all laugh, including me," Robert Redford — for whom Betty White carried a torch for decades — told E! News in a statement, adding, "I had a crush on her too!"
RELATED: See Betty White's life and career in photos
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"RIP Betty White, the only SNL host I ever saw get a standing ovation at the after party. A party at which she ordered a vodka and a hotdog and stayed til the bitter end." –Seth Meyers
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"The Proposal" co-stars Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock weighed in on the sad news. "The world looks different now. She was great at defying expectation. She managed to grow very old and somehow, not old enough. We'll miss you, Betty. Now you know the secret," Ryan tweeted. Added Sandra in a statement to People magazine: "I don't drink vodka … but I will tonight, on ice, with a slice of lemon with a hot dog on the other side and just be okay being sad. I'll have to buy some rose-colored glasses because Betty was that for all of us."
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Katie Couric posted a clip from an interview she did with Betty White that she captioned, "I interviewed @BettyMWhite when I was at @CBSNews and asked her if she was afraid of dying. Her answer seems particularly poignant today. RIP dear Betty. It was an honor and joy to know you. Give Alan and the MTM gang our love." So what did Betty say when asked if she was afraid of death? "No, not at all, not at all. My mother has the most wonderful outlook on death. She would always say nobody knows. People think they do, you can believe whatever you want to believe, what happens at that last moment, but nobody ever knows until it happens. But she said, 'It's a secret.' Growing up, whenever we'd lose somebody, she'd always say, 'Now they know the secret.'" Katie also asked Betty what her secret was to such a long life. Her response? "When I pontificate it sounds so, 'She's preaching.' I'm not preaching, but I think maybe I learned it from my animal friends: Kindness and consideration of somebody besides yourself. And I think that keeps you feeling young, I really do."
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"In 1974, I was an obscure opening act for Linda Ronstadt at the Troubadour in Los Angeles. Passing through the lobby before the show, I saw Betty White and her husband Allen Ludden waiting in line. I loved Betty White, so I went up to them: 'I'm so honored to meet you both.' And then I said, 'Isn't Linda great?' She said, 'We came to see you.' I said, 'Why?' 'Because we heard you were funny.' I was elated." –Steve Martin
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Comedian Kathy Griffin posted a series of tweets honoring Betty White and her memories of the trailblazing star… "1) Betty White. Where do I begin? I've known her long, but I think the first time I met her was when she was a guest star on Suddenly Susan in the late 90s. Everyone was very excited she was on the show. I had accidentally parked in her parking spot that day. She walks in… 2) yells from the back of the soundstage for everyone to hear 'Where's that redheaded b**** who stole my parking spot???' SWOON. A friendship was born. Another time I was lucky enough to present at the primetime Emmy awards with the [late] great Don Rickles. He and Betty and I … 3) We're sitting backstage at rehearsal with the great Mary Tyler Moore. Don and Betty and I were being silly and vulgar and Mary was not having it. Mary got up and walked away and Don turned to Betty and I and said 'She was never the warmest.' We laughed way too hard. But when…"
Keep reading for more of Kathy's memories…
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Kathy Griffin's tweets about Betty White continued, "4) Betty, who was gracious enough to be a guest star on the episode of 'Kathy Griffin My Life on the D List,' where we get my mom Maggie a play date with Betty White, was a bucket list memory, touching and hilarious at the same time. We surprised Maggie, so when Betty shows up… 5) at Sizzler Senior Early Bird Special, my Mom about fell OUT! And I got to spend the day on film and off camera, with my mom and Betty White. It was basically a dream girls day. Betty legit treated my mom like a friend. She answered every question, acted very shocked at… 6) …every word out of my mouth, which was mandatory. She hung out with my mom, like a peer. She treated me like we were in the same club or something. She actually treated me like an equal in the comedy gurrrl world. She was as sharp and funny as she was soft and wise… 7) …and no matter how long this world continues to spin, there will be only one Betty White."
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"Rest in peace, sweet Betty. My God, how bright heaven must be right now." –Valerie Bertinelli, Betty's "Hot in Cleveland" co-star
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"When I was a kid, I watched 'Golden Girls' with my grandmother, and I fell in love with Betty White. And then I got to work with her, and I fell in love with her for real. I had the greatest honor and pleasure of being really close with her and calling her a really, really good friend. One of my best friends. … She was everything that you wanted her to be and more. So please honor her by laughing and drinking vodka, 'cause she loved vodka, and playing Scrabble, because she loved to play Scrabble, and watching her on 'Golden Girls,' and all the amazing things that she was a part of. Hug your animals because she loved animals more than anything in the world. Miss Betty White, you are now my angel, and I love you always." —Jennifer Love Hewitt
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"#BettyWhite has died. 2021 really was a b**** and a 1/2." –Bette Midler
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"What an exceptional life. I'm grateful for every second I got to spend with Betty White. Sending love to her family, friends and all of us." —Ellen DeGeneres
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"So sad to hear about Betty White passing. I loved watching her characters that brought so much joy. Thank you, Betty, for making us all laugh!" –Reese Witherspoon
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"Sweet Betty White! You will be missed! How much laughter you brought to us, and what an amazing woman you were producing your own shows at an early age. Such an inspiration. RIP Sue Ann Nivens" –Sheryl Crow
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"Another brilliant talent has made her transition. I had the pleasure of getting to know Betty White and shared a few giggles with her. May she rest in well-earned peace." –Dionne Warwick
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"I Watched Her on her first TV Show 'Life With Elizabeth' When I Was 7 Yrs Old.When She Did S&C I Got a Chance To Tell Her. I Was Embarrassed cause tears came to my eyes.She put her arms around me, & I Felt 7 again. Some Ppl Are Called ICONS, BETTY IS A TRUE ICON." –Cher
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"Making Betty White laugh hard was one of the great joys of my life! A tremendous talent and a lovely person. I was honored to help her celebrate her 92 birthday! You made this world better!" –Rob Schneider, who tweeted this message alongside a "Hot in Cleveland" blooper reel link
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"Golden Girls was our favorite show to watch with our Dad Saturday nights. When we were 9 his TV broke. The screen went black, but still had sound. We begged to get a new one. 'Why, we know what the Golden Girls look like!' he laughed. We listened for months. RIP Betty White." –music stars Tegan and Sara
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"Betty White. Oh noooooooo. I grew up watching and being delighted by her. She was playful and daring and smart. We all knew this day would come but it doesn't take away the feeling of loss. A national treasure, indeed. Fly with the Angels. " –Debra Messing
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"It's hard to face the fact that we all now live in a world without a Betty White. #Irreplaceable #RIPower_Queen" –Mark Hamill
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"A few yrs ago at an animal charity event I bid on a day at the zoo with Betty White. Not only was she a legend but a fierce advocate for animal rights. Both the humans and the animals are so sad today Betty." –songwriter Diane Warren
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"God bless Betty White. As my mom would say, 'we were so lucky to have her.'" –Conan O'Brien
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"I hosted one of the many attempted reboots of the Pyramid game show in 2010 and Betty was a celebrity guest. The only thing she asked for all day was two bean and cheese burritos from Taco Bell." –Andy Richter
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"Oh Dear Lord. Heaven just got a new superstar to celebrate with tonight! An icon, a legend, a trailblazer, a bada**, and a ray of sunshine who gifted us creative genius, joy and laughter for 99 years. Thank you for your bold and generous spirit. Rest In Peace #BettyWhite " –Kerry Washington
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"As if 2021 wasn't bad enough. Rest In Peace, Queen Betty White." –Mark Ruffalo
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"Well, we knew this day would come. But it still stings. They don't make many like Betty White." –Lance Bass
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"To honor Betty White, be a friend to the animals tomorrow." –Thomas Lennon
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"I loved Betty White so much! I can't find the words! To call her an icon doesn't even scratch the surface! On top of her blinding talent and being one of the funniest people to ever work in comedy, she was enormously sweet and nice. And sly and wicked. Plus she was a fierce animal lover and advocate. She genuinely had it all! RIP" –Pee-wee Herman (aka Paul Reubens), who's seen here with Betty and actress Dixie Carter in 1986
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"Betty White brought a smile to the lips of generations of Americans. She's a cultural icon who will be sorely missed. Jill and I are thinking of her family and all those who loved her this New Year's Eve." –President Joe Biden
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"Q. 'What haven't you done in the business that you've always wanted to do?' A. 'Robert Redford.' RIP Betty White – the funniest woman I've ever met." –Piers Morgan
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"The last of the great TV icons has left us. Betty White could land a joke and take a joke like no one else in the business. She was smart, beautiful and hilarious all rolled into one. RIP to a tremendous star." –Melissa Rivers
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"All of us in Times Square and around the world are grieving the loss of Betty White. She was a TV pioneer who paved the way for so many people. Beyond that, she showed us what you can accomplish in a lifetime through kindness and humor. Rest in peace to a true American icon." –Ryan Seacrest
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"Y'all, with the passing of #BettyWhite we have lost one of the best humans ever!" –LeVar Burton
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"I am feeling so grateful right now for the many years of enjoyment #BettyWhite brought me and my family (esp when my mom was newly widowed & we lived on Golden Girls). Rest In Peace you wonderful, beautiful, talented woman. And thank you." –Megyn Kelly
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"I [don't] think I've ever been sadder at the loss of a 99 year old than I am today. @BettyMWhite was truly one of the greatest comedic voices of her or any other generation. Not only was she the last Surviving Golden Girl but she was a living reminder of the golden age of Hollywood." –Josh Gad
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"NOooooooooo….!!!! She was supposed to live forever!!! As if the end of this year couldn't get worse and then it did Thank you for the joy you brought I love you forever" –Diane Kruger
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"Well 2021 just topped 2020 for being the absolute worst. RIP Brilliant Betty White" –Audra McDonald
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"Betty White: [It is] very hard to [absorb] you are not here anymore…But the memories of your deLIGHT are. Thank you for your humor, your warmth and your activism. .. Rest now and say Hi to Allen." –Henry Winkler, seen here with Betty and her "The Golden Girls" co-star Bea Arthur in 2008
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"RIP Betty White! Man did I think you would live forever. You blew a huge hole in this world that will inspire generations. Rest in glorious peace….you've earned your wings" –Viola Davis
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"Tonight we will raise MANY glasses to the WONDERFUL legacy of Betty White!!!" –Andy Cohen
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"Funny in a way few were. Original and bawdy and a lady. RIP queen." –Laraine Newman
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"A spirit of goodness and hope. Betty White was much beloved because of who she was, and how she embraced a life well lived. Her smile. Her sense of humor. Her basic decency. Our world would be better if more followed her example. It is diminished with her passing." –Dan Rather
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"Saddened to hear that @BettyMWhite has passed. I loved her comedic wit and endearing charm. She definitely was a sweetheart to the world and a gift to the entertainment world." –William Shatner
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"Our national treasure, Betty White, has passed just before her 100th birthday. Our Sue Ann Nivens, our beloved Rose Nylund, has joined the heavens to delight the stars with her inimitable style, humor, and charm. A great loss to us all. We shall miss her dearly." –George Takei
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"Betty White is forever. Rest In Peace #BettyWhite" –Ellen Barkin
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"She was wonderful!! Weren't we lucky to have loved her for so long." –Mia Farrow
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"By all accounts, #BettyWhite guzzled down every ounce life had to offer. And that she was mere weeks away from reaching 100, let's all round up and always refer to her as having lived to that age, shall we? #ripbettywhite" –Richard Marx
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"We lose a breath of fresh air. Now! So long Ms. White. You will be missed. You're one of the reasons the word joy was invented." –Lewis Black
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"This woman… beyond the talent… the smile… the spirit. I swear i thought she'd live forever– And, she will. Through her work, her smile, her love of life. May we all live 'A Betty White Life'. Gone too soon… #ripbettywhite thank you for being an inspiration of how to live this damn life." –Marlon Wayans
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"What an incredible life… RIP Betty White. Legend #Icon #BettyWhite" –Mario Lopez
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"Man, 2021, you just couldn't slip out without one more punch in the face, could you? So sad to hear comedy legend Betty White has passed. It's hard to imagine a world without her. It'll be a much less funny place, that's for sure. RIP Genius Betty." –director and filmmaker Paul Feig
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"So grateful that years ago I disobeyed the orders of the person on the universal lot and burst into Betty Whites dressing room and told her that I love her." –Jackie Hoffman
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"Betty White will go down in the history books as ageless..99 or 100, the numbers belie the fact that she lived the best life EVER! RIP Betty White." –Marlee Matlin
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"I always LOVED when Betty White brilliantly played the passive/aggressiveness of Sue Ann. In this episode, Mary is threatened with jail because she won't reveal her journalistic source. So many amazing line readings 'When you get out…if you get out…' Rest in peace!" –Seth Rudetsky
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"Betty White dying less than 3 weeks before her 100th birthday is so 2021. She was not only an icon but a warm, kind and genuine human being. She and my late mom used to have their hair done together and shared many of life's ups and downs. Much love and respect." –"Portlandia" producer Dan Pasternack
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"An amazing life and a legend. Rest in Power #BettyWhite" –Dorinda Medley
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"Rest In Peace Betty White. Supporter of all the vulnerables you gave us a wonderful role model. You were a fun and feeling person who didn't take herself [too] seriously. Thank you for being a friend #GoldenGirls #BettyWhite #RIP" –Sonja Morgan
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"Thank you betty white for being so kind to this kid behind the scenes and for teaching me the most important life lesson 'sometimes life just isn't fair kiddo'" –music star Jenny Lewis, who appeared on "The Golden Girls" when she was a child actress
