Comedy icon Betty White has reportedly passed away this morning.
TMZ is reporting that law enforcement officials have informed the publication of the actress’s death, stating that White passed away in her home sometime before 9:30 a.m. She was 99 years old, and would have celebrated her 100th birthday on January 17.
White enjoyed a long, prolific, and successful career in media. She originally got her start as a child actress in radio in the 1930s, before transitioning into television in the 1950s. Her stint as host of the variety show, “Hollywood on Television,” and the sitcom “Life with Elizabeth,” earned her national recognition and creative power over her projects in an era where women usually had none.
She earned critical acclaim, and Emmy nominations, for playing Sue Ann Nivens on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” in the 1970s. But she is perhaps best known for playing Rose Nylund on the groundbreaking sitcom, “The Golden Girls,” a role which earned her one Emmy win and multiple nominations.
In addition to being both a comedy and entertainment pioneer – and trailblazer for women in the entertainment industry – White was a tireless advocate for animal rights. Throughout her lifetime, she worked with numerous foundations that support animals, including the Morris Animal Foundation and the Los Angeles Zoo.
White was recently featured in People Magazine, ahead of what was to be her centennial birthday celebration. “Even though Betty was about to be 100, I thought she would live forever,” said agent and friend Jeff Witjas in a statement to People today. “I will miss her terribly and so will the animal world that she loved so much.”
GO Magazine will sorely miss Betty White, a revolutionary icon and truly beautiful soul. RIP.
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