Betty White: A Tribute to a True American Icon on Her 99th Birthday

In these turbulent and divisive times, there are precious few thing things that most Americans can agree on. The fact that Betty White is a national treasure is one of those few things. As the iconic actress celebrates her 99th birthday, I take a look back at her illustrious career, examine the qualities that made her an icon, remember the extraordinary moment that I got to meet her, and list ten classic moments from her career that are readily available to stream.

A Brief Summary of the Legendary Life and Career of Betty White

She may have been born in Oak Park, Illinois on January 17, 1922, but Betty White is a Los Angeleno through and through. She moved to Alhambra, California at the age of one and Los Angeles a few years later once the Great Depression set in. She has lived in Los Angeles ever since, famously turning down prestigious positions that would make her relocate elsewhere. (The first of many fun facts in this article: She turned town the opportunity to headline The Today Show in the 1960s because she did not want to move to New York and the position subsequently went to Barbara Walters.)

Shortly after graduating from Beverly Hills High School in 1939, Betty White tried to break into show business. She had little notable success, but found steady work as a model, in…