Friday, December 31, 2021

Betty White Is Dead at 99


The day we've been dreading is finally here, with news that Betty White has died less than three weeks shy of her 100th birthday. For fans of "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" her passing is of particular significance, as she was the last living member of the main cast, which saw Ed Asner, Gavin MacLeod and Cloris Leachman join Mary in WJM heaven earlier this year. (White was also the last living cast member of "The Golden Girls.") I had a bad feeling when People magazine put her on its cover, as if a 99-year-old reaching 100 were a fait accompli. But with a catalog of work that would take a decade to watch -- Buzzer is running a marathon of her delightful appearances on "Password," "Match Game," et al. and "Hot in Cleveland" is a must-see, currently streaming on Paramount+) -- we must give thanks and marvel at a woman who brought us so much joy, yet somehow managed to leave us wanting more. xo


And then there were none


Ted Knight: December 7, 1923 – August 26, 1986 (62)
Mary Tyler Moore: December 29, 1936 – January 25, 2017 (80)
Georgia Engel: July 28, 1948 – April 12, 2019 (70)
Valerie Harper: August 22, 1939 – August 30, 2019 (80)
Cloris Leachman: April 30, 1926 – January 27, 2021 (94)
 Gavin MacLeod: February 28, 1931 – May 29, 2021 (90)
Ed Asner: November 15, 1929 – August 29, 2021 (91)
Betty White: January 17, 1922 – December 31, 2021 (99)




I think the gods are trying to console me by having this episode of "Match Game '74" -- featuring Mrs. Murray Slaughter in Betty's seat -- on this afternoon. 

3 comments:

Myk said...

Well God bless her. Thanks for all the laughs, Betty.

Anonymous said...

She was the very definition of what a kind and generous human is.

The Polar Beast said...

Kenneth, I know this must have been a hard post to create despite your training and experience as a journalist. I knew where to come to share my sorrow. With you and the community you have created. Ringo (my rescue dog) and I send you, Damian and Harvey all the best for 2022.