Today is Betty White’s birthday and the 99-year-old legendary actress appears to have kept the celebration low-key.
According to The Associated Press, the Golden Girls star planned to celebrate her big day by feeding a pair of ducks that regularly visit her Los Angeles home. Also included in the festivities was enjoying a birthday meal of hot dog and French fries from her longtime friend and agent Jeff Witjas.
“Since I am turning 99, I can stay up as late as I want without asking permission!” the birthday girl also told The Associated Press in an email.
A few days before Betty White’s birthday, the actress also talked to Entertainment Tonight and revealed how she was planning to spend the first day of her last year as a nonagenarian. “What am I doing for my birthday? Running a mile each morning has been curtailed by COVID, so I am working on getting The Pet Set re-released, she told the news outlet on Tuesday.
For those who are not familiar, The Pet Set is White’s long-unseen series that puts the spotlight on the comedienne’s love of animals. Aired in syndication from 1971-1972 and was produced by White and her late husband Allen Ludden, the 39 half-hour episodes of the show feature White’s fellow animal-loving celebrities and their pets. Some of the actors that appeared as guests on the series include Carol Burnett, Mary Tyler Moore, Doris Day, James Stewart, Burt Reynolds, Shirley Jones, James Brolin, and more.
To commemorate the show’s 50th anniversary, The Pet Set will be released on DVD and streaming platforms by MPI Media Group on February 23rd. It will be available on Apple TV, Google Play, and Amazon Prime Video during its initial rollout, with more platforms expected later this year.
White mentioned the upcoming re-release of The Pet Set in her celebratory birthday post, which comes with footage from the actual show. “I am also very pleased to let you know about the re-release of my long-lost series after fifty years! I am just so proud of The Pet Set,” reads a portion of the caption.
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In a separate interview with People published online a day before Betty White’s birthday, the comedienne revealed that always finding the bright side of life is one of her secrets for a long and happy life.
“I don’t like the other side. The positive side is a lot more fun,” said the Emmy-winning actress. “[It] takes up too much energy being negative.”
White also added that having a sense of humor is vital. “Don’t take yourself too seriously,” she shared. “You can lie to others — not that I would — but you cannot lie to yourself.”
Of course, Betty White’s birthday won’t be complete without social media shout-outs from her friends in the industry. Below are some of the birthday greetings she received from her fellow celebrities:
I still get warm when I see this look. Happy 99 baby. You are a testament to living life on your own terms. Sending you a great big socially distanced kiss. I love you @BettyMWhite pic.twitter.com/DWM9tTthIm
— Ed Asner (@TheOnlyEdAsner) January 17, 2021
Wishing the incomparable Betty White a very happy 99th birthday! ? What's your favorite Betty White role, friends? pic.twitter.com/vUfzO7BiiE
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) January 17, 2021
Happy birthday to my pal @BettyMWhite The sweetest, dearest kindest and funniest person I’ve ever had the good fortune to work with. #HappyBirthdayBettyWhite pic.twitter.com/q3dx41UQMU
— Craig Ferguson (@CraigyFerg) January 17, 2021
Happy birthday to the late #MohammadAli, @MichelleObama, and #BettyWhite (99 years young today!).
Each is a leader and an inspiration who inspire us all to work toward our dreams and never give up.
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) January 17, 2021
"Butterflies are like women – We may be delicate but we can fly through a hurricane" -Betty White
Today is the day a giant was born. Happy Worthday @BettyMWhite pic.twitter.com/oWD3gyC1Cu— Regina King (@ReginaKing) January 17, 2021
Betty White bloopers are the best bloopers ? #HappyBirthdayBettyWhite https://t.co/jzm2g1Ydmc
— Valerie Bertinelli (@Wolfiesmom) January 17, 2021
Happy birthday, @BettyMWhite! You’re a miracle in every way.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) January 17, 2021
Today is the anniversary of birth for Muhammad Ali & Cus D’Amato. Also happy bday to @MichelleObama , @jakepaul , Steve Harvey , @RayJ , Betty White & @JimCarrey
— Mike Tyson (@MikeTyson) January 17, 2021