By Kimberly Dijkstra
There's hardly a person on this planet who was as revered as the dearly departed Betty White. A women who got her start in television right at the start of television, she became a welcome part of every household as the host of her own variety show in the '50s, a regular contestant on game shows in the '60s, man-hungry perfectionist Sue Ann Nivens on The Mary Tyler Moore Show in the '70s, and naïve storyteller Rose Nylund on The Golden Girls in the '80s.
With such a long and successful career, one might assume White would have earned the right to retire, but in the 2000s, she had a resurgence and became more prolific than ever, starring in The Proposal, a number of other movies and guest spots on television, a hosting gig on Saturday Night Live, and another successful sitcom Hot In Cleveland, and even an instant-classic Super Bowl commercial.
Known for being a true sweetheart with an often raunchy sense of humor, there was much more to White than her acting career. She was passionate about animals of all kinds and was heavily involved in animal rescues and welfare organizations. In fact her first book was about her love of animals. Betty White's Pet Love: How Pets Take Care of Us was published in 1983. It's sure to be a good read if you can get your hands on it.
White went on to write or co-write six other books, some about furry friends and some about herself. Her first memoir was published in 1995, with a follow-up by popular demand in 2011. She is also the subject of several books that delve into her time in show business, her love story with husband Allen Ludden, and what we can learn from her optimistic outlook on life.
Completely deserving of all the love that has ever been sent her way, White passed away at the end of 2021, just shy of her 100th birthday. Her death sparked an outpouring of donations to animal shelters across the country and numerous heartfelt tributes to the Golden Girl. After decades of being our friend, White's legacy lives on in film, in her writing, and in our hearts.
Here are five books that you can read to better get to know the beloved Betty White.
Here We Go Again: My Life In Television by Betty White (1995)
A memoir of Betty White's first five decades on television—as irreverent and irresistible as the beloved actress herself—filled “with inspiring cheerfulness” (The New York Times).
Packed with wonderful anecdotes about famous personalities and friendships, stories of Betty’s off-screen life, and the comedienne’s trademark humor, this deliciously entertaining book will give readers an entrée into Betty’s fascinating life, confirming yet again why this funny lady was one of the most memorable and beloved actresses of all time.
“A chatty, readable account…with inspiring cheerfulness.” — The New York Times
If You Ask Me: (And of Course You Won't) by Betty White (2011)
The New York Times bestseller from the beloved actress and Hollywood icon who's made us laugh on shows from The Mary Tyler Moore Show to Golden Girls to Saturday Night Live!
In this candid take on everything from the unglamorous reality behind red-carpet affairs to her beauty regimen (“I have no idea what color my hair is, and I never intend to find out”), Betty White shares her observations about life, celebrity, and love (for humans and animals). Filled with photos, If You Ask Me is funny, sweet, and straight to the point—just like Betty.
“Reads like a chat with the beloved star.” — The Denver Post
Betty & Friends: My Life at the Zoo (2011)
America's sweetheart, impassioned lifelong animal welfare advocate, and New York Times bestselling author Betty White shares intimate, funny, and enlightening stories about her very best friends in the world.
"A breezy patchwork of musings on aging, acting, poker (she plays a monthly game), and pet ownership." — The New York Times
"America's favorite [nonagenarian] never fails to surprise." — USA Weekend
How to be Golden by Paula Bernstein (2021)
If there's one thing the nation can agree on--we all love Betty White! This spirited homage to Betty captures her unique humor, timeless wisdom, and impish irreverence that's made her one of America's longest lasting and most beloved stars.
How to Be Golden recounts her engaging life story while weaving in her words of wisdom and insight about love, friendship, work, family, sex, acting, aging, beauty, and more.
"With How to Be Golden, Paula Bernstein has crafted the perfect tribute to an American icon. In a format that parses through the entire century of Betty's life and career, this lively book informs us about her incredible past, and provides life lessons that we, too, can use to Betty-er ourselves." ― Jim Colucci, author of Golden Girls Forever: An Unauthorized Look Behind the Lanai
"In a winning combination of genres, Paula Bernstein fuses biography, trivia, and life lessons to tell the story of Betty White— just when we need White's advice, wisdom, and sunny outlook the most! The life she’s led can inspire us all." ― Kate Aurthur, Editor-at-Large, Variety
That’s Betty! By Gregory Bonsignore (2022)
An innovative and joyful picture book biography that celebrates the life and achievements of TV legend, pioneer, and activist Betty White.
"Cleverly written from a child’s perspective, this biography will have readers loving Betty White more and more with each turn of the page. . .[T]his is a must-have for all library shelves." ― School Library Journal
"Readers unfamiliar with [Betty] White will find something to admire in her pioneering gumption and willingness to stand up for what’s right. Bonsignore handles all the details of White’s long life with elan. . .in this irrepressible picture book debut." ― Publishers Weekly