Iconic actress and philanthropist Betty White died on New Years Eve, just 17 days shy of her hundredth birthday. The outpouring of support was remarkable. With everyone from celebrities, to TikTokers and politicians reaching out over various forms of media to console her family and celebrate her life. One has to wonder—what made her so widely beloved across generations, and particularly amongst Gen Z?
In a world where celebrities rarely survive their careers without controversy, Betty White comes out of a lifetime in the spotlight relatively unscathed. She belongs to a generation that all-too often prefaces excuses for past racist or homophobic remarks with “it was a different time,” yet White has avoided the unsavory humor her coworkers often end up apologizing for.
Many actors less deserving than White still receive much public attention glossing over their blatant xenophobia with the glamour of their careers. Take John Wayne– he is the bottom of the barrel when it comes to racism and homophobia. He’s been quoted as supporting white supremacists, frequently using slurs for gay men and suggesting indigenous americans were “selfish” for wanting to keep their land, yet he maintains a legacy for his movies and a large group of devoted fans.
Perhaps one of the reasons why she is so loved is because a new generation can look at her and think, “finally, an actress I can appreciate without compromising my morals.” Older generations may be willing to dismiss discrimination, but Gen Z has no patience for it. It’s refreshing to be able to love both an actress and her work with no compromises.
White wasn’t just uncontroversial, she actively made strides to make the world a better place. In 1954, she hosted a variety show on which she frequently invited a Black dancer, Arthur Duncan. Despite threats to burn down her studio and cancel her show, White stood her ground.
“They were going to take our show off the air if we didn’t get rid of Arthur, because he was black. I’m sorry, but you know, he stays. Live with it,” White said. CBS ended up canceling her show after just 14 episodes.
White supported many marginalized groups and was known to be a frequent donor to a variety of charities supporting the LGBTQ+ community, suicide prevention and victims of abuse just to name a few of her causes. She played a significant role in destigmatizing AIDS/HIV when her character, Rose Nylund, was tested for HIV on the popular show “Golden girls”. Supporting LGBTQ+ youth at a time when acceptance in her generation was uncommon is something that carries into today’s more accepting age and brings new meaning to her ties with the Elton John AIDS Foundation and the Trevor Project. Her support provided a face for LGBTQ+ youth not being accepted by grandparents to look to as evidence that not everyone lacks that understanding.
She also was known for being an animal lover who prioritized animal welfare movements alongside her career. Her fan club was known as Bet’s Pets. White donated any money made from the memberships to animal welfare organizations. Even now there is a movement for people to donate money to their local animal shelters on Jan. 17, White’s birthday, to preserve her legacy.
Betty White represents exactly what young people today expect out of the people they look up to: anti-racist action and humble activism. With so many hardships in the world today, younger generations need people like her to confidently support and take advice from. She knew how to make people feel safe and how to make us laugh without making jokes at anyone’s expense. White is leaving an admiral legacy of a life well-lived, a footprint of good deeds and a lot of love.
