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Everything I Need to Know I Learned from Betty White: 100 Years of Wisdom from the First Lady of Television
Learn to live with the good humor, straight-talk, kindness, compassion and grit of the one-and-only Betty White.
With a television career spanning more than 80 years (the longest on record), she was one of America’s most beloved entertainers, best known for her award-winning roles on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Golden Girls and Hot in Cleveland . She received eight Emmy Awards, three American Comedy Awards, three Screen Actors Guild Awards, a Grammy Award, and numerous Humanitarian Awards for her work with animals. She was a Television Hall of Fame Inductee as well as a Disney Legend. In 2018, her career was celebrated in a PBS documentary called Betty First Lady of Television and in 2019 she joined the cast of Pixar’s Toy Story 4. As she approached her 100th birthday in January 2022, Betty continued to break new ground as an entertainer and grow in popularity.
Those achievements didn’t come easy. In a career that spanned the whole of television history, she’s had to exhibit a special mix of tenacity and kindness to overcome the obstacles in her path. This book helps readers address their own real-life challenges by examining how Betty would have done so with kindness, forthrightness and an abundance of good humor.
With references to her television and film work, as well as her devotion to animal welfare and other humanitarian causes, Everything I Need to Know I Learned from Betty White provides answers to the questions we all face with gentle wisdom and the occasional kick in the pants.
With a television career spanning more than 80 years (the longest on record), she was one of America’s most beloved entertainers, best known for her award-winning roles on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Golden Girls and Hot in Cleveland . She received eight Emmy Awards, three American Comedy Awards, three Screen Actors Guild Awards, a Grammy Award, and numerous Humanitarian Awards for her work with animals. She was a Television Hall of Fame Inductee as well as a Disney Legend. In 2018, her career was celebrated in a PBS documentary called Betty First Lady of Television and in 2019 she joined the cast of Pixar’s Toy Story 4. As she approached her 100th birthday in January 2022, Betty continued to break new ground as an entertainer and grow in popularity.
Those achievements didn’t come easy. In a career that spanned the whole of television history, she’s had to exhibit a special mix of tenacity and kindness to overcome the obstacles in her path. This book helps readers address their own real-life challenges by examining how Betty would have done so with kindness, forthrightness and an abundance of good humor.
With references to her television and film work, as well as her devotion to animal welfare and other humanitarian causes, Everything I Need to Know I Learned from Betty White provides answers to the questions we all face with gentle wisdom and the occasional kick in the pants.
176 pages, Hardcover
Published November 16, 2021
6 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 1, 2022
“𝐿𝑎𝑢𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑘𝑒𝑒𝑝𝑠 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑓𝑒𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑤𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑓𝑢𝑙.”
I have loved Betty White for years, from her classic role as Sue Ann Nivens, to pretentious Ellen on Mama’s Family; loveable Rose Nylund to Grandma Annie from The Proposal. This book, a celebration of Betty White in honour of her 100th year, was given to me as a stocking stuffer for Christmas. With Betty’s passing on December 31st, her January birthday, and the celebration of her life that aired on NBC on January 31st, it seemed like the perfect time to celebrate all Betty White.
This book was part biography, part fun life advice centred around Betty White. I loved how much of the life advice came directly from specific episodes of Golden Girls, Hot in Cleveland, and The Mary Tyler Moore Show, which to me gave a unique spin and definitely had me thinking about going to watch each episode!
Some of the advice, comes from things Betty had done such as:
💖 Talk it out (over cheesecake, from Golden Girls)
💖 Nature is good for the soul (from Betty’s childhood camping trips)
💖 Say it with a smile (Sue Ann was famous for her quips with a smile on Mary Tyler Moore)
💖 Do the right thing (relating to Betty’s hiring Arthur Duncan, a black tap dancer; she was told to stop featuring him on her show or get cancelled. The show was cancelled)
💖 Love unconditionally. Accept others as they are, flaws and all (Grandma Annie’s attitude to Margaret and Andrew in The Proposal)
There were so many pictures that accompanied each part, which gave a further visual to each section. Learning more about Betty makes me want to read her autobiography!
Everything I Need to Know, I Learned from Betty White was a joy to read from cover to cover. It brought many smiles to my face (much needed right now), furthered my appreciation of Betty as a person, and gave me a lot of good advice to remember! If you love the First Lady of Television, I highly recommend checking it out.
I have loved Betty White for years, from her classic role as Sue Ann Nivens, to pretentious Ellen on Mama’s Family; loveable Rose Nylund to Grandma Annie from The Proposal. This book, a celebration of Betty White in honour of her 100th year, was given to me as a stocking stuffer for Christmas. With Betty’s passing on December 31st, her January birthday, and the celebration of her life that aired on NBC on January 31st, it seemed like the perfect time to celebrate all Betty White.
This book was part biography, part fun life advice centred around Betty White. I loved how much of the life advice came directly from specific episodes of Golden Girls, Hot in Cleveland, and The Mary Tyler Moore Show, which to me gave a unique spin and definitely had me thinking about going to watch each episode!
Some of the advice, comes from things Betty had done such as:
💖 Talk it out (over cheesecake, from Golden Girls)
💖 Nature is good for the soul (from Betty’s childhood camping trips)
💖 Say it with a smile (Sue Ann was famous for her quips with a smile on Mary Tyler Moore)
💖 Do the right thing (relating to Betty’s hiring Arthur Duncan, a black tap dancer; she was told to stop featuring him on her show or get cancelled. The show was cancelled)
💖 Love unconditionally. Accept others as they are, flaws and all (Grandma Annie’s attitude to Margaret and Andrew in The Proposal)
There were so many pictures that accompanied each part, which gave a further visual to each section. Learning more about Betty makes me want to read her autobiography!
Everything I Need to Know, I Learned from Betty White was a joy to read from cover to cover. It brought many smiles to my face (much needed right now), furthered my appreciation of Betty as a person, and gave me a lot of good advice to remember! If you love the First Lady of Television, I highly recommend checking it out.
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February 2, 2022A short, fun read with terrific photos.
July 26, 2023
A cute book. Betty was an amazing philanthropist. She was an animal, human rights, and environmental activist and fund raised for many charities. Seeing some of the photos in the book brought it back home. Most people know her TV roles (biggest being Golden Girls and Hot In Cleveland) and while she loved humor, she was a force to be reckoned with, too. The phrases and quotes are all Betty, all laughter and charm. This book would make a cute gift idea for the fans in your life.
January 3, 2022
I received this book as a Christmas gift, just 6 days before Betty's passing and it was so heartwarming to see Betty's life though lessons that are valuable to all ages. This book also serves as a brief overview of Betty's career and the hardships she faced throughout. A definite must read for all Betty White fans.
January 25, 2022
There are over three dozen lessons to learn from the one and only Betty White - a trailblazer, role model, and beloved by so many. Filled with photographs (personal and professional), this quick book packs an emotional punch that will linger with you long after you put the book down. Enjoy various life lessons and mantras as you appreciate the wonderfulness of a true icon.
November 11, 2021
I simply love Betty White. When I feel the weight of the world on my shoulders, and see her smiling face on the cover of a book or magazine or on tv, it makes everything better. This little book is perfect for fans of Betty and her kindness.
December 28, 2021
I adore her. Every single thing about her. I loved seeing the photos of her. And to think she was once told she was “unphotogenic”! I hope she lives forever because I can’t imagine a world without Betty White.
January 25, 2022
I love this Book! It was very inspirational and the photos were wonderful! What a WOMAN! I purchased this book and I am glad I did. The World lost a Wonderful Person! I know I will reread this book again and again!
March 22, 2022
A great collection of Betty White facts, quotes, pictures, and words of encouragement/inspiration/motivation all tinged with that famous Betty White sense of humor. I love the book and I'm happy to have it on my shelf.
April 12, 2022
This book was intended to celebrate Betty White's 100 birthday, but it also serves as a memorial to her! Lots of interesting information about her years in television and movies, as well as information about her personal life.
October 7, 2024
"Feel free to indulge yourself every now and then. Self-care comes in many forms. It's all about balance" (158).
This quote is important for all of us, and I think it's a great reminder to try and have a good work life balance. This book is filled with helpful tips and anecdotes. It reminds me of when Sophia gives her age old advice on The Golden Girls except this time it's advice based on Betty's real life and wisdom. Sadly this is not written by her, but the author still includes many quotes which make this appear, at times, as if Betty is telling her story to us. Besides just a self-help book, you can also learn a bit more about Betty's life and historical career.
I learned several interesting tidbits:
1. The night before she filmed Life With Elizabeth her dog died from a sudden illness, but she kept going and worked the next day (96). What a trooper!
2. Date With the Angels is the only project she ever did where she wanted to abandon it.
3. She chose her career over motherhood and never regretted it (170).
Above all, I just admired Betty's positive attitude as I read this book.
"We can't always control what happens to us, but we can always choose to make the most of the way we approach the commitments we've made. That starts with committing to having a good attitude" (120).
"Make time for the things that make you smile. Even if everything else isn't going your way, the joy you create will keep you going until things work out" (112).
Since this came out right before Betty passed away, it is still written in the present tense, but I was acutely aware of how short life is now that she is gone. Perhaps that's why I took this last quote to heart and think this is a good life lesson for us all to live by so hopefully we do not have any regrets.
"Follow your passions and make the most of every day. Take comfort in knowing that you are the author of your story" (170).
This quote is important for all of us, and I think it's a great reminder to try and have a good work life balance. This book is filled with helpful tips and anecdotes. It reminds me of when Sophia gives her age old advice on The Golden Girls except this time it's advice based on Betty's real life and wisdom. Sadly this is not written by her, but the author still includes many quotes which make this appear, at times, as if Betty is telling her story to us. Besides just a self-help book, you can also learn a bit more about Betty's life and historical career.
I learned several interesting tidbits:
1. The night before she filmed Life With Elizabeth her dog died from a sudden illness, but she kept going and worked the next day (96). What a trooper!
2. Date With the Angels is the only project she ever did where she wanted to abandon it.
3. She chose her career over motherhood and never regretted it (170).
Above all, I just admired Betty's positive attitude as I read this book.
"We can't always control what happens to us, but we can always choose to make the most of the way we approach the commitments we've made. That starts with committing to having a good attitude" (120).
"Make time for the things that make you smile. Even if everything else isn't going your way, the joy you create will keep you going until things work out" (112).
Since this came out right before Betty passed away, it is still written in the present tense, but I was acutely aware of how short life is now that she is gone. Perhaps that's why I took this last quote to heart and think this is a good life lesson for us all to live by so hopefully we do not have any regrets.
"Follow your passions and make the most of every day. Take comfort in knowing that you are the author of your story" (170).
June 3, 2022
4.6! This treasure of a small book is wonderful and tells the true stories of just how real Betty White was. She was a died-in-the-wool optimist workaholic animal-lover who truly loved everything she did. Betty White set a great example for us all.
January 7, 2022
Wonderful, quick read full of insight and humor and many life lessons.
January 12, 2022
Good advice from someone I have admired for a long time.
January 25, 2022
Who didn't love Betty?!? She was the best!
February 10, 2022
It's okay. Pretty much what you'd expect. Lots of good photos and some bio bits.
March 12, 2022
I mean who doesn't love Betty White?!
March 22, 2022
A funny quick read and a look back at a beautiful and talented actress who more like family than a TV personality.
April 15, 2022
An adorable book about an adorable woman!!
April 19, 2022
Quick and easy fun read!
June 3, 2022
Flipped through the book, reading chapter headings and descriptions
November 26, 2022
Full of heartwarming bits of wisdom we can learn from Betty!
January 21, 2023
Betty White is such a treasure! I love her and the beautiful pictures of her throughout her career.
February 22, 2023
Who doesn't love Betty White? 😀
March 17, 2023
This is a cute, quick book, and there are some good life lessons in there. I also learned some fun trivia about Betty White. Think of it as a mini biography.
July 14, 2023
Super quick read.
Thoughts and advice from Betty White! Everyone’s favorite lady!
Thoughts and advice from Betty White! Everyone’s favorite lady!
September 14, 2024
Full of common sense advice for living your life to the full, with vignettes from the life of the wonderful Betty White.
Plenty of laughter and insights into the actress' career and homelife.
Plenty of laughter and insights into the actress' career and homelife.
September 20, 2024
Betty is #Goals.
January 1, 2025
Fun coffee table book for Betty White lovers.
July 18, 2025
She is Betty White. She wi forever be our Golden Girl. With a heart as genuine as hers, it is impossible or to give her anything less than a 5. Thank you for being our friend💛
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews