Betty White turns 99 on Sunday, and the landmark birthday has fans wondering – what's her secret to a long, healthy life?White has been a beloved a
Betty White turns 99 on Sunday, and the landmark birthday has fans wondering – what’s her secret to a long, healthy life?
White has been a beloved actress in Hollywood for decades with roles on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” to “The Golden Girls” and more. Like a fine wine, she continues to awe and inspire with age, becoming a national treasure for her wit and longstanding career.
In an interview with People Wednesday, she said some of the secret is just in her genes.
“I am blessed with good health,” she said, “so turning 99 is no different than turning 98.”
She also noted that she’s spending this year’s milestone in quarantine due to the coronavirus pandemic, but looks forward to “visiting with close friends and bringing food to my animal friend” once life returns to normal.
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In celebration of her near-centennial birthday, we’re rounding up the beloved actress and comedian’s best quotes on longevity and happiness. From humorous to serious, here are the longstanding legend’s best tips on living your best life.
Laugh
In her interview with People, White, who has starred in comedies throughout her career, said “a sense of humor” is also what keeps her going. “Don’t take yourself too seriously. You can lie to others — not that I would — but you cannot lie to yourself,” she added.
Stay positive
In 2018, she told Parade that the key is to “enjoy life. Accentuate the positive, not the negative. It sounds so trite, but a lot of people will pick out something to complain about, rather than say, ‘Hey, that was great!’ It’s not hard to find great stuff if you look.”
Avoid complaining
“I know it sounds corny, but I try to see the funny side and the upside, not the downside. I get bored with people who complain about this or that. It’s such a waste of time,” she told Parade in the same interview.
Vodka and hot dogs?
She also told Parade that she loves vodka and hot dogs, “probably in that order.”
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Persevere
Although White’s earliest acting credits date back to 1945, she didn’t stop there. Her later work, notably for her role as Rose Nylund in “The Golden Girls,” earned her four Golden Globe nominations. “You just keep plugging away… You don’t give up,” she told Parade.
Do what you love
“I just love to work, so I’ll keep working until they stop asking,” she told Parade. Her long list of projects certainly proves how much she loves the work she does, with more than 120 acting credits.
Keep busy
“First of all, keep busy,” she told Katie Couric in a 2017 interview. “Don’t focus everything on you, that wears out pretty fast. It’s not hard to find things you’re interested in, but enjoy them and indulge them, and I think that can keep you on your toes.”
Exercise your mind
“Crossword puzzles!” she told Couric in the same interview. “I’m addicted. An admitted addict. I just can’t put ’em down.”
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