Betty White: 100 Remarkable Moments in an Extraordinary Life

by Ray Richmond, Gavin MacLeod (Foreword)

This visual salute to the First Lady of Television spans Betty White’s more than 80 years as a performer and star of such legendary series as The Mary Tyler Moore Show and The Golden Girls . Chronicling 100 highlights from the acting life and passions that have defined an entertainment career like no other, Betty 100 Remarkable Moments in an Extraordinary Life
White’s pioneering legacy extends back to the earliest days of TV in the 1950s, when she served as both producer and star of the sitcom Life with Elizabeth during an era that predated glass ceilings. The volume also vividly illustrates the beloved White’s lifelong advocacy for animals as well as the masterful comic versatility she displayed even as she closed in on the century mark. Revel in Betty White’s talent, elegance, and spunk with this photographic retrospective of her life.

Each book in the 100 Remarkable Moments series is a stunning tribute to a different pop culture icon, visually chronicling 100 extraordinary events that define their legacy. Interviews with friends and colleagues, and over 100 magnificent photographs, combine to create an illustrated retrospective of achievements and contributions readers of all ages will enjoy. Also Betty  100 Remarkable Moments in an Extraordinary Life Hardcover Edition; Betty  100 Remarkable Moments in an Extraordinary Life 2nd Edition; Dolly  100 Remarkable Moments in an Extraordinary Life

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Biography Memoir

256 pages, Paperback

Published April 12, 2022

Reviews

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bit of Betty White makes everything better. Her career in television began in 1949 and lasted almost 70 years. She was literally the very first woman to appear in the medium and she knows her stuff. Add to that her animal advocacy and her winning personality and you have an American icon. When I saw this book was coming out, I jumped on the hold list. Such a great idea to publish this book to commemorate her 100th birthday. So sad that she was not here to celebrate with all of us. Filled with amazing photos, interviews, and facts about Betty this is a book that I thoroughly enjoyed.

[Maria Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Net Galley and Quarto Publishing Group – Becker & Mayer For an advance copy of this book. Like so many, I'm a long-time fan of the national treasure Betty White so I was delighted to get an opportunity to receive this short read chronicle of her life. This book isn't a memoir but instead a tribute that is full of great insights and photographs from Betty's career through the decades and illustrates the wonderful person she is. A great gift for Betty White fans everywhere.

[Mid-Continent Public Library]

A bit of Betty White makes everything better. Her career in television began in 1949 and lasted almost 70 years. She was literally the very first woman to appear in the medium and she knows her stuff. Add to that her animal advocacy and her winning personality and you have an American icon. When I saw this book was coming out, I jumped on the hold list. Such a great idea to publish this book to commemorate her 100th birthday. So sad that she was not here to celebrate with all of us. Filled with amazing photos, interviews, and facts about Betty this is a book that I thoroughly enjoyed.
*Reviewed by Darla from Red Bridge*

[shereadswith_coffee]

One of my favorite movie stars, actresses and comedians of all time. Loving this salute and honor to the one and only. This visual book portrays Betty like no other and cherishes her beauty and memory of more than 80 years. Complete joy and entertainment.

One of my favorites of course is her starring in “Golden Girls”, but her career and acting life is remarkable! To see the photos of her throughout a lifespan back into the 50’s is awe inspiring. This photographic retrospective is of elegance just as Betty portrays. Her achievements and contributions are combined with photographs to not only honor and pay tribute to her exquisite life but to allow us all to celebrate who she was, an icon.

[Sue Plant · Rating 5 out of 5]

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book

an insightful book into the life of betty white an icon for women of all ages...lovely photos and what a life she has led...

[Diane Merritt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who couldn't love this book.about a beautiful icon Betty White. Was so great to live through her life with her in this book. If you love her you will love this book.

Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Password to Sue Ellen Nivens to Rose Nylund to Elka Ostrovsky to her countless other beloved characters, Betty White was a national treasure and a fixture on our televisions for decades. Betty White: 100 Remarkable Moments in an Extraordinary Life by Ray Richmond is a fun look back at her amazing life and career. Full of gorgeous photographs and information about Betty's personal and professional life, as well as her legacy, this is not a wordy traditional biography, this book just focuses on the most pivotal moments and events in Betty’s life, making it a quick, easy but still informative read.

This is the perfect book for anyone interested in pop culture, television history… really just ANYONE, because honestly, who doesn’t love Betty White, right?

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a joy to learn more about this fabulous woman and all the different careers she has had in the entertainment industry. She is a very loveable and likable person, it will awesome to see if she is about to celebrate 100 years old.

Thank you Quarto Publishing Group – becker & mayer!, and NetGalley for this advance read

[David Dunlap · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely valentine of a book to a lovely lady who has now left us just shy of her 100th birthday. This book is chockablock with wonderful photographs, interesting tidbits of Betty White's long -- and highly successful -- career, and interviews with people who knew and worked with her. The book is divided by decade, which is helpful, but the structure otherwise is a bit odd: Each decade begins with a two-page spread that provides an overview of the decade, but, unfortunately, 'spills the beans,' as it were, with much of the content to follow in that section, which lends a lamentable repetitiveness to some of the material. I also found it rather odd that no specific mention (except in retrospect) of Allen Ludden's death was made. (Was this the subject's request? Was it the author's misplaced reticence?) All in all, though, these are minor quibbles. From all accounts, Betty White was one person who was, in fact, as good and kind and special as she seemed on the screen. This book is highly recommended: to fans of Betty White, most certainly, but also to all those who might be interested in tracing the history of television through the lens of one (very active!) participant in making it.

[Jennifer Bourque (ButterflyReader77) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

I would like to say thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for the opportunity to read and review this book. I ended up really enjoying this book as I learned a lot about Betty White that I did not already know and the photos were beautiful.

This book was a different format than I am used to as it was more like a magazine style book as opposed to a novel. This took quite a bit of an adjustment on my part as I usually don't read a lot of magazines and I was reading via my phone.

The book itself was a fun read as it offers insights, facts, and tidbits of information about America's sweetheart Betty White. I don't think there is a single person out there who is not familiar with Betty White; but I am sure that you will learn something new and amazing about her. She has lived a remarkable 100 years so far and she is still going strong.

I definitely recommend this book for all fans of Betty White and also those readers who want to learn about the incredible life she has lived.

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful tribute to one of the longest acting, versatile, celebrities out there, Betty White. It’s a nice inclusion of her career highlights, which keep occurring. She has been in show biz for over 75 years and very few can match her. I grew up with her shows from the 1970s but really paid attention to her in the Golden Girls. The chemistry between the 4 was magical and I still watch the reruns. White as naive Rose with her insufferable stories, but then spot on one liners keeps generations returning. Betty White is one classy dame, no matter what decade she belongs to. Thanks to Quarto Publishing and NetGalley for the advance copy.

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who doesn't love Betty White? As a huge fan I was thrilled to read this book follows Betty through the decades. So many of her tv appearances and honoring moments I remember watching when they first aired. If there is a downside to the book I would say that I didn't learn much new about Betty White. Most of the information covered comes from her own book, published articles and televised salutes to her. But the author does a good job organizing the information and complimenting them with photographs. A perfect gift for Betty White fans regardless of their age. Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing group for the temporary ARC in exchange for an honest review. (4.5 stars)

[Tove R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Betty White, who wouldn't? A remarkable actress, a legend, an institution. I do not think bettywhites are born anymore. I loved to learn about her earlier days and her upbringing. There were a lot of things I did not know. Such a great character!

The book is well-written, interesting, and gives an insight to Betty's life that can be mind-blowing at times. Just think about all the different events in history she has witnessed! From the Depression to the Second World War to Internet and social media taking over the business.

This book is well worth the read! Highly recommended!

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first part of this book was spectacular about Betty's Life but there was a lot of repeating of stories. and I really love her on MTM and TGG and HIC but I do not need to have an episode by episode account. That is boring.

[Heidi Brydon · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMGOMG Thank you Netgalley once again for making me feel like the luckiest reader in THE WORLD! I love Betty White, but that's like saying, "I love oxygen," because really, who doesn't love her? Why would you even want to know someone who doesn't lover her?

My mom is the one who turned me on to how great she was with DVD's of the Mary Tyler Moore show, which is just excellent in every way (another duh! Who wouldn't love that?)

Anyway, enough stupid questions. This book is so charming, and has so much great information about Miss White and wonderful photos etc. etc.

It is literally the perfect gift for anyone who loves Betty White (again! Don't be friends with anyone you wouldn't give this book to, then give them the book!)

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Betty White passed away shortly before I ordered this book and it will be a wonderful addition to my coffee table collection. This book archived Betty's life and her impact on television spanning just shy of 100 years. The book is divided by decade with each decade being introduced with a summary of her live in that era. Within each section is 2 page impactful moments featuring a writeup and large photograph. The text comes from news articles, quotes, and Betty's own books. Additionally there are insets of interviews with people who worked with Betty. The book is well researched and made me want to go back and watch some of her older work. It truly captures what a national treasure she was.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, so here I am with my sometimes all-to-brutal honesty. I would have to say that it is my belief that all the five star ratings on this book are in fact five star ratings for Betty and not the book at all. Of course everyone loves Betty. Who doesn’t?! How can’t you!!?! So, yeah - Betty is great. Five star great (on a Goodreads scale). But this book? Not five star great (IMHO).

It was so repetitive and jumbled that I started to think I was losing my mind. I would come back to reading it after being away for a few minutes, and after having properly marked my page, and start reading again and thinking, “Wait. Did I mark the page wrong? Didn’t I already read this?” So, that was troubling for me. I’m slightly OCD (can’t read books in a series out of order, etc.) and so the disorganization of this book didn’t work for me. I had previously read the book “When Women Invented Television” (coincidentally, also repetitive and jumbled) so I already knew a lot of Betty’s story and perhaps that made me less patient with this similar telling of it. Idk.

I did enjoy some additional tidbits that I learned and I liked the occasional interview with various people who Betty has worked with. Also, all the pictures were great! As an animal lover myself, I really appreciated those pics in particular. The pics of Betty with the orangutans were so sweet and I absolutely loved the picture and story about Gita the elephant.

So, to summarize: the book itself gets three stars (as this is a book review website). Betty gets five million (if not more) stars.

Ok, ok. I’m feeling so bad about my 3 stars and after writing my support/reasoning for the three, am rethinking it. I’ve decided that since the forward by Murray (Gavin MacLoud, but really…Murray!) made me so happy to reminisce about one of my favorite childhood shows (that I faithfully watched with my beloved grandma) that I could eke out a little more than 3. The book gets 3.75 stars. 🫤

[Margie Bunting · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are a fan (as I am) of Betty White, who is approaching her century birthday in January, this is the book for you. Not a memoir or biography--after all, Betty herself has written three of those--this book showcases the highlights (as selected by the author) of a 70+-year career in show business, accompanied by an abundance of beautiful photographs.

Betty started her TV career in 1949 and never looked back. She originated and developed the beloved characters of Sue Ann Nivens on the Mary Tyler Moore show and Rose Nylund on Golden Girls, had her own show(s), and played guest roles on a plethora of others over the years. An abiding animal lover and activist, she interacted with many animals at the LA Zoo and even with Koko the gorilla, and these are some of my favorite vignettes in the book. Other favorites include behind-the scenes descriptions of specific TV episodes in which she appeared, her romance and marriage with Allen Ludden, interviews with her coworkers and celebrity friends, and testimonials to her unsurpassed work ethic and kindness.

This book is a celebration of someone who is deservedly hailed a true "national treasure."

My review is based on a complimentary pre-release copy of this book.

[J Earl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Betty White: 100 Remarkable Moments in an Extraordinary Life, by Mr Ray Richmond, is an even more enjoyable book than I anticipated. Photographs and text are all engaging.

Because these moments span her life, this is like a biography but without getting into all the minutiae. While a detailed biography would no doubt be a great read, I like this because I wanted more pictures and fewer details.

That said, I think Richmond found the ideal level of detail to include. Each moment offers more than simply a cursory comment as an excuse for the photographs. These entries offered some insight into where she was in her life at the time and how the given moment became important. In some ways, I think I prefer this type of biography-ish book. It is very informative yet also very entertaining.

I wasn't sure I could like or respect Betty White more than I already did, but both kept increasing with each moment covered in the book. If you like her, and who doesn't, this book will be a wonderful trip through her life. The text is engaging and the photographs are fun and, for many of us, nostalgic.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.

[MookNana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfectly fitting tribute to an absolute national treasure! This is an incredibly detailed decade-by-decade look at Betty White's life and career from birth until the present, where we're just a few months shy of her hundredth birthday.

The tone of this is of a gushing fan, and it's absolutely perfect. Information is drawn from television archives, Betty's own writings and interviews, and accounts from several cast-mates and show personnel over the years. The story is impeccably detailed and covers not only Betty's professional history, but also the relationships and passions that make her such a remarkable woman. Beyond a mere recounting, there's substantial discussion of her impact as well--how she's shaped and influenced the Hollywood, comedy, and acting we know today.

There are ample photos and many of them are just stunning! She was such a dish--I can't believe she was routinely told she wasn't photogenic! This book will be a real treat for any fan of Betty's (so, like, everyone).

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!

[Marie Bossio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Betty White is a national treasurer! Who doesn't love Betty White, honestly?! This book brilliantly captures her spunk, her energy, her talent, her wit, and her fabulous personality that everyone is so drawn to. The love she had for the business she has been in for over 80 years is found here in each chapter along with the love she had of the people she worked with throughout her career. The book is full of beautiful photographs of Betty, her family, her costars and scenes from the many radio, tv shows and movies she has been in throughout her career. I have always been a fan of Betty White, but I found when reading this book, what i knew about her career barely scratched the surface. I never knew how many game shows she had been on before this book. 80 different game shows! I knew of a few as a young kid i would watch them on TV with my grandmother and see Betty but would never have imagined how many she had been on. This book is full of wonderful anecdotes and memories shared from Betty herself and her costars throughout the years. Very enjoyable book. Thank you to Net Galley and Quarto Publishing Group - Becker & Mayer for the advance copy of this book.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Betty White: 100 Remarkable Moments in an Extraordinary Life is a book for everyone who is a Betty White fan. I loved everything about this book.
This is an extraordinary biography telling fans so much about her life. There are so many pictures and interviews about her. The life she is living is too be admired and this book just adds so much more to everything we all know about her. It tells a story about her as a celebrity but also as a wonderful person. Her love she has for what she does and how she values her friends , family, and coworkers through her life. Thank you for this tribute to one of the greatest women on television.
Thank you NetGalley, Ray Richmond and Quarto Publishing Group for the ARC Betty White: 100 Remarkable Moments in an Extraordinary Life. This is my personal review.

[Regina Mastrogiacomo · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book about everyone's favorite person Betty White! This amazing book starts from day one of Betty White life with her wonderful parents and the adventures she had with them while growing up. It is also at this time that she falls in love with animals. The book continues to include each decade Betty White has work in the television industry and all the wonderful work she has done to make us all laugh, cry and just be delighted in everything she does, What ever that is.
There are so many highlights to this book that you have to read it to find out what they are. I've been watching Betty White since Password and have enjoy every moment of this amazing and talented woman.

The photos that are in the book are gorgeous.

I want to thank Quarto Publishing Group – becker & mayer!, and NetGalley for this advance copy of this wonderful woman's accomplishments

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was somehow expecting less of a tribute and more of a biography, but this book is definitely a tribute and was not the least bit objective. And I loved it. I’m a big fan of Betty White and I loved her in “The Mary Tyler Moore Show”, “The Golden Girls” and “Hot in Cleveland”. I also frequently watch old game shows and enjoy her presence there. The book does Betty White justice, personally and career-wise. The photos are great and there is some cute wording, with the author’s sense of humor on display. The only fault I found with the book is that there is some repetition. I strongly recommend this book to fans of Betty White. Thank you to Netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group – becker & mayer! for the advance reader copy.

[Books By Your Bedside · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a gorgeous book about a gorgeous woman.

Is there anyone in any corner of the globe, of any age, who doesn’t like Betty White? She is a fantastic actress a d appears to be a wonderful woman - I don’t know her personally, as much as I’d love to. She broke barriers as a young woman and still does now well into her tenth decade. Golden Girls has always been one of my favourite shows and can always brighten my day.

This book follows her journey from birth to beginner actress to national treasure and everything in between. The photos that have been chosen for this book are also perfect and you can see just how beautiful she was, and still is.

If you’re after a lovely book to grace your coffee table, one that everyone will read and enjoy, this is the book for you.

[TammyJo Eckhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many of us can't imagine a time when Betty White wasn't part of the American culture, particularly on television. This book seems like it was part of a culture wide celebration of White as she approached (but sadly did not reach) her 100th birthday. The 100 moments sometimes do not seem like most important and there is a lot of repeated information, word for word at times, but over all, it was quite interesting to read together with my hubby. We were disappointed at times with the photos that accompanied the entries because they didn't match what was being written about. While we can understand that in the case of missing/lost shows, surely something survived if it is being written about. Also, didn't White have a high school photo or photos of her as a kid?

[Haley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Betty White: 100 Remarkable Moments in an Extraordinary Life is what you get if you mix a biography with a coffee table book. This book goes through the years of Betty's life sharing one special moment from each year. Now why you might not get the same insight as you would from Betty's own autobiography this book is good for quick snippets. It also has a beautiful foreword done by her costar Gavin MacLeod. A beautiful thing to read not only for what he says about his dear friend Betty but as one of the last things he probably had written before his passing.


I received this book for free from NetGalley

[Carol Custer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always loved Betty White. She really feels like part of my family. My first exposure to her that I can remember is when I was a child, watching her on her tv show "Life With Elizabeth". I've enjoyed her in so many other shows since. I'm even enjoying Golden Girls again in reruns.

This is a remarkable book - a wonderful walk down memory lane that explores not only Betty's life but the history of television.

I loved seeing all the wonderful photos and being reminded of all this remarkable woman has done - - and continues to do!!

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really quick, fun biography of Betty White. The book chronicles the highlights of the 10 decades in Betty’s life, lots of pictures and interviews with famous co-stars. Having watched Password as a child, and Mary Tyler Moore in my teens, I was thrilled to read the inside stories and re-live some of Sue Ann’s great lines. The book certainly illustrates Betty White is not only a brilliant actress, but a brilliant human being as well. Many thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy.

[Tanya R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up with Betty White on my TV set every Saturday night in Golden Girls.  Oh how I loved that show.  I've seen her in many things since but nothing will compare to those Golden Saturdays!

I loved reading this book about Betty's history.  I had no idea she will be turning 100 in 2022 but I guess that tracks with me looking a whole lot older when I peek in the mirror!

If you adore Betty like I do, or would just like to learn more about how she changed the TV world for all women that came after her, definitely pick this one up.