Emmy award winner and best known for her roles on Golden Girls , the Mary Tyler Moore Show and now the NBC hit show Off their Rockers opens up her Brentwood home and chats about her lifelong commitment in supporting animal health and well-being. This animal enthusiast can charms the pants off any animal…
AF: Who is this beautiful golden retriever?
BW: Pontiac . He was a puppy raised to be a guide dog, but then he had a bum knee, so I snagged him. He’s a little mouthy at this point. He killed my bedroom slippers yesterday and I’m a couple pairs of shoes short. He’ll be really good and then suddenly, it’s too quiet. I find him off somewhere and a snow storm has hit. That’s youth for you!
AF: You’ve worked tirelessly to raise money for animal health issues. Tell us about your journey.
BW: I have loved animals all my life. In the womb, I think! I’ve been with Morris Animal Foundation since 1970. It’s an international group dedicated to improving the health and well-being of companion animals and wildlife. We’ve made wonderful strides. The first year I was with them, we founded $780,000 worth of studies and this year we are funding 4.5 million! We are very proud. I also served on the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association Board of Trustees since 1974 and as a Zoo Commissioner from 1997 to 2005. Animals are my passion. I’m the luckiest old broad on two feet. My life is divided into two halves~ show business and animal business. You can’t do better than that!
AF: What is your favorite animal?
BW: I love anything with a leg on each corner. It doesn’t matter to me. Actually, they don’t always have legs on each corner. I love birds, I even love snakes.
AF: Loved you personally on Boston Legal. Tell us about it!
BW: Had the best time being a terrible woman. I committed murder and got away with it. I robbed two convenient stores and got away with it. I had a wonderful time. The crew and the cast and the writing… it was such a blessing! I love acting.
AF: Do you love comedy more than drama?
BW: I’ve been in the comedy business most of my life. Comedy is much harder. With drama, you can act up a bit. You have to say it like a straight line and believe it. Then, it’s funny.
AF: Was everyone in your family funny?
BW: My mother and father were absolute animal nuts,I’m deeply grateful that they passed that passion on to me. It’s what life is all about, as far as I’m concerned.
A comedic genius and cultural icon, Betty White has also served as the President Emeritus of The Morris Animal Foundation, where she’s been a trustee since 1971. She has worked with a variety of other organizations, including the American Humane Association, Los Angeles Zoo Commission and Actors & Others for Animals. Her passionate voice has helped carry the spirit of animal activism from generation to generation.
On March 10, 2012 the Petco Foundation gala recognized Betty White and Actors and Other for Animals who share the foundation‘s mission to improve the quality of life for animals and people who love and need them. This year, the Petco Foundation HOPE Award was presented to Ms. Betty White. As one of the first entertainers to use her fame to showcase the important role that animals play in our lives and the need to protect and care for them, today Ms. White remains one of the most admired and inspiring voices on behalf of animals. Learn more about Betty, Actors and Others for Animals and the Petco Foundation!
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Originally published on Animal Fair, May 2012.
