Here We Go Again: My Life in Television

by Betty White

A memoir of Betty White's first five decades on television—as irreverent and irresistible as the beloved actress herself.

Betty White first appeared on television in 1949 and has gone on to have one of the most amazing careers in TV history, starring in shows such as Life with Elizabeth, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and The Golden Girls, among many others. She is one of the hardest-working actresses of any era, and her sense of humor and perennial optimism have seen her through half a century of industry changes and delighted millions of fans.

Now, during Betty's sixty-first year on screen, a year in which she has enjoyed a huge resurgence of popularity, her 1995 memoir makes a comeback too. Here We Go Again is a behind-the-scenes look at Betty's career from her start on radio to her first show, Hollywood on Television, to several iterations of The Betty White Show and much, much more. Packed with wonderful anecdotes about famous personalities and friendships, stories of Betty's off-screen life, and the comedienne's trademark humor, this deliciously entertaining book will give readers an entrée into Betty's fascinating life, confirming yet again why we can't get enough of this funny lady.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Memoir, Audiobook, Humor, Biography Memoir, Autobiography

320 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1995

About the author

Betty White was an American five-time Emmy Award-winning film and television actress with a career spanning sixty years. She also appeared in radio programs, movies, theater, commercials, and was also a talk show and game show host. White is perhaps best known for her roles in the sitcoms The Mary Tyler Moore Show and The Golden Girls.

Reviews

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

A friend recommended this book to me, noting it would be a light read and likely a good break from all the mystery, suspense, murder and thrillers I generally choose. He was right, a definitely a light one, but I'm on the fence on how much I enjoyed it. I rated it a 3 because the sections I loved, I loved. But the sections I did not love, I did not love!

I'm a huge Betty White fan and find myself on the lookout for anything new she stars in. I knew a lot about her career for the last 35+ years when I was alive to watch it but little about anything before about 1980. I had hoped I'd learn a lot but also enjoy what I was reading. Unfortunately, it's very fact-based and felt more like a list of things that she did rather than taking me on the journey of her life. I wanted to see more about her childhood (connections to TV), a chapter on each major TV show or series she did, a section on her business and personal relationships thru the TV experience, et al. Instead, it felt a bit disorganized and jumped around a lot. It wasn't bad, just not what I was expecting and not my favorite style.

With that said, once she got to the shows I watched, it was much more enjoyable. I learned a few things and felt even more connected. I skimmed the parts I didn't know much about or care much for but read with clear focus on the ones that spoke to me. And it worked out... as I write this, I feel like my review is a little disorganized like the book felt. Totally intended that way... Ha!

About Me
For those new to me or my reviews... here's the scoop: I read A LOT. I write A LOT. And now I blog A LOT. First the book review goes on Goodreads, and then I send it on over to my WordPress blog at https://thisismytruthnow.com, where you'll also find TV & Film reviews, the revealing and introspective 365 Daily Challenge and lots of blogging about places I've visited all over the world. And you can find all my social media profiles to get the details on the who/what/when/where and my pictures. Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Vote in the poll and ratings. Thanks for stopping by. Note: All written content is my original creation and copyrighted to me, but the graphics and images were linked from other sites and belong to them. Many thanks to their original creators.

[Jason Koivu · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew Betty White went back a few years, that she was part of the Mary Tyler Moore set, but I didn't realize she went all the way back to the very dawn of television! Radio, even!

Here We Go Again (probably a reference to this being her second or third biography) is a really nice and compact look at the history of television programing, especially in the early years. It's short, which is to its merit, and it is sensibly focused on White's career, but nevertheless I learned a thing or two about tv, and that's something I didn't expect to get out of a slim Betty White bio!

I also didn't realize that she was such a model of feminism. I don't know for certain, but I'd be surprised to hear that she was a card-carrying member of the movement and that she marched with Gloria Steinem (certainly nothing like that is mentioned in this book), however, White did her part for women's rights simply by working. Her career came about at a time when women weren't expected to have careers. She went through two men who wanted her to stay at home in order to pursue a life in showbiz. She was good at entertaining and so that's what she did, damn what the men had to say about it. It's that kind of gumption that truly moves a movement!

White never even relates her career or what she did to achieve to feminism. The whole episode is just a matter of course with her. No, what she champions, if she's going to champion anything, is animal welfare. She loves her pets, talks about them throughout the book, and has devoted her free time to animals in general. Again, it's just something she does. Never did I feel like she was saying "oh look at me, I'm such a good person for caring!". No, she simply cares for all creatures great and small.

A well-balanced book, even when dealing with the truly tragic moments of her life, Here We Go Again is highly recommended to anyone interested in this lovely lady. And how can you not love her? It's amazing to think it's 2017 and she's still with us! Still able to totter out there on stage to make an appearance and even cognizant and quick enough to deliver a one-liner, and the woman is creeping up on 100! She's outliving her earliest fans. A lot of people are going to be sad when she goes, and because of this book I better understand why.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here We Go Again: My Life in Television (Paperback) by Betty White (audio book read by Betty White) is a memoir of Betty White's first five decades on television—as irreverent and irresistible as the beloved actress herself. Betty White first appeared on television in 1949 and has gone on to have one of the most amazing careers in TV history, starring in shows such as Life with Elizabeth, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and The Golden Girls, among many others. She is one of the hardest-working actresses of any era, and her sense of humor and perennial optimism have seen her through half a century of industry changes and delighted millions of fans.

Now, during Betty's sixty-first year on screen, a year in which she has enjoyed a huge resurgence of popularity, her 1995 memoir makes a comeback too. Here We Go Again is a behind-the-scenes look at Betty's career from her start on radio to her first show, Hollywood on Television, to several iterations of The Betty White Show and much, much more. Packed with wonderful anecdotes about famous personalities and friendships, stories of Betty's off-screen life, and the comedienne's trademark humor, this deliciously entertaining book will give readers an entrée into Betty's fascinating life, confirming yet again why we can't get enough of this funny lady. With her recent passing, I found this memoir particularly interesting.

[TL *Humaning the Best She Can* · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars









What can I saw that hasn't already been said? :) It was pure joy to dive into Betty's world again and learn more about her life... she is quite a person and I hope I have just as much energy and zest for life as she does when I'm that age.

Highly recommend, lots of fun!

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

To me this book felt like when you’re a young child and your grandparent is telling you stories and you’re thinking “Make it Stop” and bored to death.

( Now that I’ve lost 3 out of 4 of my grandparents I sure do wish that I paid WAY more attention.)

But, not knowing Betty on a personal level, nor most of the actors/ actresses that she mentions due to my age I felt that this was hard to get into. I also hadn’t watched any of the shows she mentions besides The Golden Girls, so again, hard to connect with. However, I feel like for some this could be a wonderful trip down memory lane.

I wanted way more of her humor and less storytelling.

I find it hard to rate a book based on someone’s life story, so I’m choosing to leave this at an average of 3.

You were absolutely wonderful & will be missed Betty.

This was far too monotone for me. If you want some classic Betty with quick wit and fun, I highly recommend the audio book “ Betty White: If You Ask Me ( And of course you won’t!)

[Debbie Zapata · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this 1995 book Betty White talks about the television industry. She was involved at the very beginning, and through the years was part of many incredible, even historic programs.

It has been a joy to read; one of those books that make you feel you are sitting face to face with the author and giggling over old memories.

I mentioned the book to Mom, not entirely sure she would know who Betty was, since she has never spent much time in front of the television until the last few years. But she did know and is now very eager to read the book herself.

As for me, I am feeling a major urge to watch The Golden Girls so I will get busy setting myself up with some episodes for Dinner Theater this week.

Thanks for this book, Betty! And Happy 98th Birthday (on January 17, 2020)!!

You go, girl!!

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved listening to Betty White tell her story. If you love autobiographies and/ or Betty White I would highly recommend this audiobook. Betty has such a wonderful, inspiring story. She truly is a Golden Girl ❤️

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rather than a lengthy, precise review this is going to be more a stream of consciousness style as to what stood out most in the book...

I had a bit of trouble getting traction at first with Betty's (as per her birth certificate, not Elizabeth) early life. However, I came to see it as relevant that her parents encouraged her to be herself; also, she used the time working on variety shows to learn about getting into character before moving on to sitcoms. Decades later she was assailed at a panel for being part of the female stereotyping era, responding "Those shows had women as the lead, not just background, secondary characters to a man."

I'm going to cut to what I consider her most recognizable work: Mary Tyler Moore and Golden Girls. These are covered well, but not really focuses as such. I had not realized Betty and Mary were good friends long before working together. Betty basically has nothing at all unkind to say about anyone, so the closest I could feel on that was perhaps she resented Bea Arthur for pulling the plug on Golden Girls when the others were willing to continue the series; I've never seen a episode of its sequel, The Golden Palace.

Besides her series work, there's quite a bit about her marriage to Allen Ludden, so of course Password and game shows in general. I believe it was Fred Astaire who was in awe of Betty, being a Password addict, as much as she was awed in meeting him.

I don't share her enthusiasm for animals, but it was a very important part of her life. Consider that aspect a plus if it's your thing.

In summary: I'd rank this one as Definitely Recommended - just allow a bit of time to get through it.

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good read about Betty Whites time in hollywood.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow -- if I thought I liked Betty White before, I'm now in love with her. This autobiography reads like a conversation -- just as I imagined Betty to write and to be. I mean, I felt like i was talking to my grandmother, my great aunt, and my best friend all rolled into one.

Her humor, positivity, and effervescence radiates throughout the entire book.

I couldn't put it down -- in fact, I read all but 40 pages in a weekend of travel.

If you are even REMOTELY interested in old television, buy this immediately. Who else can brag about being on TV for 50+ years and being best friends with Lucille Ball AND Mary Tyler Moore????

Read it. You'll be glad you did.

[Rebecca · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't like this book as much as I thought I would. This book is more of a chronology of her work in television (which the title very obviously states). I guess I just expected a little more of her sassy personality to come through - but I found the read to be mostly name dropping accompanied by some pictures. Maybe my expectations were too high, but I would only recommend this book if someone was genuinely interested in hearing about every single project she worked on 'back in the day' and with whom she worked. I love Betty White, so I'm willing to try one of her other books.

[Apoorv Moghe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here We Go Again: My Life in Television | Betty White | 17Jan2022
-------------------------
One-Sentence Review
Thank you for being a friend, Betty! Happy 100th!
You are terribly missed and deeply loved.
---------------------------
Published/Pages : 01Sep1995 | 320 pages
Location: Los Angeles (California), New York City (New York), Chappaqua (New York), Dennis (Massachusetts), Maine
Genre: Non-Fiction, Memoir
TW: passing reference to misogyny (from the 50s)

Characters: Betty White, Allen Ludden, Lane Allen, Al Jarvis, George Tibbles, Jack Paar, Carol Burnett, Mary Tyler Moore, Bea Arthur, Rue McClanaghan, Estelle Getty
-------------------------------
Rating Analysis (Non-Fiction Criteria)

Premise : 8/10
Introduction : 8/10
Narration/Writing Quality : 7/10
Content Authenticity : 7/10
Knowledge Quality : 7/10
Length : 8/10
Personality Reflection : 8/10
Author Neutrality : 8/10
Climax : 7/10
Impact it made : 7/10

TOTAL: 75/100 (7.5 Stars = 3.75 Stars ~ ★★★★)
--------------------------------
Review

"“No matter what major concerns may be going on in your life on the outside, you have to leave them at the door when you come to work, because you will be forced to concentrate on something other than yourself to get the job done. And somehow there is often an inordinate amount of laughter in the process for anyone who thrives on that sort of thing, which serves to replenish the strength you need to pick up your problems again as you leave. That is it as frivolous as it sounds. It works.”

Oh Dear Betty,

And work it did. Not one, not two, but for 9 long decades! And boy did you make us laugh, all through that journey! How did you manage to reinvent yourself with just vigor every single decade? How did you mold yourself to the gigantic technological changes around you without ever visibly wincing on screen with discomfort? You are that force of nature that just does not wish to abate - and how thankful we are to have you with us (even now!). This read was especially difficult, I couldn't bring myself to read it for the last 17 days - but, today, it was all about you. Happy 100th, my darling Betty!

And thank you for this book. While I have scoured your filmography and work in television like a fiend ever since I first saw you on The Golden Girls, it was especially poignant to hear you talk about your early days. Girl, you were active from 1939 to 2019, and now had a release in 2022. That is 83 years!! People don't even live that long! How did you manage to keep that fountain of mirth going? Was it that effervescent laugh of yours that helped? Or did that insatiable love of animals push you? Maybe it was a sharp wit and that self-deprecating humor that made you irresistible?! I guess you never looked at age as anything but a random number, and see how beautifully it worked out. 99 years of pure unadulterated joy!

You always used to call yourself the "lucky old broad" - No Betty, we are the lucky ones!! From Dear Ruth in the 30s, to Hollywood on Television in the 40s, to Life with Elizabeth in the 50s, to the Tonight Show with Jack Paar and Password in the 60s, to the The Mary Tyler Moore Show in the 70s, to The Golden Girls in the 80s. This book stops at 1994 when you wrote it, but do you know that you kept going with The Ladies Man in the 90s to the The Proposal and Boston Legal in the 00s, and Hot in Cleveland in the 10s. I am gasping for breath while just typing this - you did all this, every single decade for the last 9 of them!!

Thank you for being the first woman to make waves in front and behind the camera in America, thank you for standing up for racial equality without caring for how that may affect your career when the bigwigs of your network showed their true colors, thank you for being relentless in your pursuits for animal welfare and coming with shows surrounding animals when no one cared. I know, your four-legged friends miss you more than anyone of us ever could.

You are in The Guinness Book of World Records, but you are also in the hearts of people from absolutely all generations. Do you even realize how far-reaching was that love that people had for you? And that is purely because you managed to put a smile on our faces every time you showed up. That is best gift you could ever give anyone. So, thank YOU!

I miss you and that childlike enthusiasm and razor-sharp wit of yours that barely dimmed with age. My eyes are beginning to cloud up now, but I know that through your life, you have indirectly but consistently reminded me to laugh at life and that is what I will do.

You will always be loved, Betty.
Thank you for being the source of eternal happiness - thank you for being a friend!

Reaction Section

[Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Betty White is an amazing lady! I already thought she was but this book confirmed it! I love her writing style. It's so honest, direct, and humorous. There is no hopping around in time to confuse you and the pictures are in close proximity to what she is talking about. I can't wait to read the next book!

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hoopla Audio

Betty White is a national treasure. This book does not dive deep into the why’s and how’s of her life. But it does give a delightful overview of her life and career in television. She would make a great addition to any dinner party or game night.

[Alexa Bernabo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting hearing about her early career. BETTY IS AN ANGEL ❤️

[Cyndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The magnificent Betty White! She was a wonderful force of nature and we were gifted with her!
This is a book about some of her adventures in television, and they were definitely adventures! Her wit and kindness shines through every page.

[Freda Mans-Labianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned so much about Betty from reading this book. I knew she had been around showbiz forever, but had no idea what a true pioneer of television she really is.
I also learned things about her love life that I had no idea about. Not that I was supposed to know such intimate details, but it was eyebrow raising information.
Fans of all walks of life will enjoy this book. Told in her own words, you can hear her voice when reading. Not literally, but figuratively.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read! Betty White is such a witty, cheerful and hard-working person! It was fun to learn about her experiences with television over many decades and see how the business has changed through her eyes. She is such a charismatic person, and the book made me want to watch more of her shows other than Golden Girls!

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nicely written memoir !! At almost 100 years young, Betty sure had a beautiful life. I enjoyed listening to the audiobook, however I did skim through about 30% of it,as it got a bit slow in certain chapters.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars !!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Betty White has been an ever-present part of my television viewing pleasure for the majority of my life. I can remember spending weekends at my Grandmother’s house watching first-run episodes of The Golden Girls on Saturday nights. While I was too young to fully appreciate the show as a five-year old, I was reintroduced to the seemingly timeless comedy in college when reruns were shown on the Lifetime network. Eight years since being reintroduced to the show, I can still watch The Golden Girls almost every day (and night) thanks to the WE and Hallmark networks. Call me a fanatic, but I just do not get sick of watching and re-watching the show. Watching the show now, it amazes me how progressive the writers were. The Golden Girls boldly tackled controversial issues such as race, sexuality, and ageism in a time when addressing such topics could have threatened the show’s popularity.

As a result, Betty White, for me, will forever be Rose Nylund, the naïve Golden Girl from St. Olaf, Minnesota. White played the character with the perfect mix of humor, thoughtfulness and gullibility. The audience could not help but embrace her, even in her more dumbfounding moments. When I found out that White was initially tapped to play Blanche, the character known for her promiscuity, and Rue McLanahan was to play Rose, I was shocked. I could not imagine an actress playing Rose Nylund better than White and to McLanahan’s credit I could not imagine an actress playing the role of Blanche better than she.

Of course, the fame of The Golden Girls came well into White’s storied career. White, as I came to learn in reading Here We Go Again: My Life in Television, actually began her career in 1949. In Here We Go Again: My Life in Television White addressed her radio and acting career spanning from 1949-1995 (when the book was initially published) and while doing so, provided insight into her personal life. For anyone who knows Betty White as an actress, the book was definitely written in her voice. Funny and sincere, White knew how to speak to her audience. As I was breezing through the pages, I felt like I was reading the story of an old friend.

What surprised me most in reading Here We Go Again: My Life in Television was how many projects Betty White had been a part of throughout the years. From radio to stage to television to film, White was a workhorse to say the least. Even when her plate was full with projects, she would still welcome another opportunity if it presented itself. Talk about a person who truly loved what she was doing. In reading the book, I also came to realize that while I will always know Betty White as Rose Nylund, earlier generations may always know her as Sue Ann Nivens from The Mary Tyler Moore Show. Even earlier generations might know her from all her game show appearances and/or from the various inceptions of The Betty White Show.

Sixty years after beginning her career, White is still enjoying a successful career. In her 80s now, White continues to play in memorable roles such as Grandma Annie in The Proposal and Grandma Bunny in You, Again (which, as a side note, is a movie that gets better with additional viewings). She is also still doing situational comedy, playing Elka on the show Hot In Cleveland Through these roles, White is introducing herself to entirely new generations.

The fact that White has been able to stay relevant throughout all of these years is truly amazing. It is hard to think there could ever be another actor or actress that could replicate her long-lasting, successful, and impactful career. Moreover, her passion for all of her endeavors – from acting to animal rights – is inspiring. I highly recommend this book if you are a fan of White’s and/or want a prime example on how one should ideally live life. While White has had her ups and downs in her life (everyone has) she never lost her optimistic spirit or her zest for living. We should all be so lucky.

[Joanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was written back in 1995 (right before her show with Marie Osmond debuted. Did you know Betty did a series with Marie Osmond? Me neither.) But it is amazing just for the sheer volume of work that Betty has contributed to television since it’s beginning, even when measured only up to 25 years ago.

When you think of tv pioneers, Betty White should be mentioned in the same tiers as Milton Berle and Jack Parr and Steve Allen-and probably would be if she was a man. Instead she supported about every show that came along, and did not look down on any opportunities-especially not game shows or shows where dogs were the stars.
She’s the patron saint of work ethic.

I listened to the audiobook, which was read by Betty herself. Delivered actually-it never sounded like she was reading anything-in that charming voice we know so well. You can hear her dimples through the speaker. I believe it’s abridged from the print book though, so if you want even more shows she starred in 😂, I’d go that route.

[Ghoul Von Horror · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everybody get your hot cocoa, blanket, and pillows because Grandma Betty is going to tell us a story. She's going to tell us about how television became a thing. I seriously loved listening to her talk about all the movies she was in and plays but she had done. How she had got her start on the radio. And at one point she even mentioned how she came to the town next to where I lived. Of course I was never even a thought my parents weren't even born when she went there so still that was interesting. I adored this book. Betty White is such a refreshing person.

[Chris Alex Stoica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this book narrated by Betty herself and I absolutely adored it! A perfect blend between her career in television and her private life, it really helped me through a tough time. To hear that such a legend had been married three times, twice before finding the love of her life gave me hope, just as much as her choices to get a divorce from a husband who didn’t agreed nor supported her having a career and not to have children.
I have always loved Betty White. After this book, I adore and respect her too! 💙

[Koko · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m totally biased and I adore Betty White. I probably wouldn’t have enjoyed this book as much if it weren’t written by Betty. At first I wasn’t sure if I’d enjoy it as I am not excited by the history and evolution of television. However, this history and evolution of television grew on me quickly. It’s a quick and light read or listen if you want to hear it narrated by Betty herself. I truly love Betty’s spirit and this really captures it beautifully.

[Corey · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable read by one of the great ladies on earth! Informative and fun to learn about Betty White's early career.

[Jenn ~ Smalltown Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and sweet audiobook. Really. I think it was maybe 3 hours tops. Lovely to listen to it in Betty White's voice. Now to listen to more biographies read by their authors.

[Deb✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Betty White. It was delightful getting to listen to her narrate this autobiography about her life and times in television. She also talks a lot about her life with her true love, Alan Ludden. Of course, she also included her love of animals as usual. I've listened to another of her books in the past. She is always so upbeat and just has such fun with life. She was quite a woman. This was a fun book. If you loved Betty White as much as I did, you will love this book!

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

3.5/5 for Here We Go Again by Betty White!

This is how to start a new year, by reading a biography by the late Betty White, a legend in her own right. It was so lovely to listen to the audiobook and hear her voice retelling a long, rich history of her career and personal life.

The early years of her career were a little over my head as I didn’t know of her until the 90s watching reruns of The Golden Girls with my mom. Even though many names, events, lists of shows and accomplishments were unfamiliar, it was truly interesting to hear her account and her enthusiasm regarding Television (and her love for animals)!!

I’d recommend this for those who enjoy memoirs and of course for fans of Betty White. The world feels a little dimmer now that she’s passed on. Let’s hope her memory continues to live on.

Happy Reading! 📚

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was honestly hoping for a bit more humor in this. While it is there, it is very toned down from what I'd expect from Betty White. Although I must admit her story is interesting. She is an incredible woman and I admire her even more after listening to this. I enjoyed her perspective on show business. Especially her earlier years in it. It is a bit sporadic and doesn't follow much of an easy continuum of events. While not so much humorous, it is still easy to enjoy Betty's wit and easy banter. It is down to Earth. She doesn't over glam the good, or cover up the bad. It just is what it is.

[Danielle Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick listen via audio by none other than Betty, herself. I loved the audio version because it gave you the way she wanted it to be heard. She was still witty throughout. I liked that it spoke about different aspects of her life and the choice not to have children of her own.
The only part that bothered me was the ending. It ended too abruptly.
I will be reading another. Boy, Betty will be missed!