Dad Said it Best
Age-Old Truths for Modern Times
“Everybody needs a passion. That’s what keeps life interesting. If you live without passion, you can go through life without leaving any footprints.”
—Betty White, from her bestselling book, “If You Ask Me (And Of Course You Won’t)”
Betty White got me thinking.
Rather, the death of comedienne Betty White on the cusp of her 100th birthday has got me thinking.
Up until December 31, 2021, she was one of just a few personalities still remaining who could have crossed paths with my father in their young years… those old enough to have lived through the Great Depression, vaudeville radio shows and World War II.
Dad was older than Betty; he would have turned 100 in 2017. Regardless, if you mentioned Betty White to Dad, he recognized her as one of those Hollywood stars who made a successful transition from radio to television entertainment. He also gave her extra credit as a high-achieving woman of Greek descent — the only child of a Greek-American woman. He admired Betty and shared her drive to live out his passions and leave behind strong footprints.
But Dad was confounded by the characters White played. Did they reflect her true nature or did they represent the flip side? Betty White kept him guessing. She didn’t win seven Emmys for nothing.
Sue Ann Nivens from “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” was the character I was familiar with. Throughout the ‘70s when I was a child, this show was a staple in our home. Conscientious Mary Richards reminded me of my mom. My dad could be like the grumpy old softie, Lou Grant.
But Sue Ann Nivens? This player was a troubling stranger. Certainly, I didn’t know anyone like that… Or did I? That Betty White got me thinking even back then.
This trickster character was a snake in the grass who’d lure you in on false pretenses, wrapped in socially-appropriate packaging. But then, quick as a flash, she’d turn on you with a cutting putdown or an unexpectedly raunchy punchline. She taught me to pay attention, to proceed with caution, to not always take people at face value, to be more discerning. Could this person be trusted? Or were they feigning interest in me, just to turn their back when they got the chance to trample me underfoot?
Betty White also taught me about resilience and adaptability, both of which kept her relevant for over 80 years with hit shows, from game shows to sitcoms… even a stint in a memorable Super Bowl ad and a gig hosting “Saturday Night Live” in her 80s. The “Guinness Book of World Records” recognized her as having the longest TV career for a female entertainer.
Above all, Betty White demonstrated how to live well, not just live long. She was as dedicated to animal welfare as she was to show business, she refused to take herself or anyone else too seriously, she spoke her mind without apology. She found joy along her journey because she made a decision to “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 also had a healthy outlook on aging. In her bestselling 2011 book,” If You Ask Me (And of Course You Won’t)” she wrote, “So, you may not be as fast on your feet, and the image in your mirror may be a little disappointing, but if you are still functioning and not in pain, gratitude should be the name of the game.”
That Betty White has left behind indelible footprints! She’s still got me thinking…
Image courtesy pexels.com
