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29 Photos of Betty White Over the Years in Honor of Her 99th Birthday

By Katie Amey

Betty White celebrated her 99th birthday over the weekend — and there’s no denying that Hollywood just wouldn’t be the same without this living legend. Not only was she one of the first female actors to be both in front and behind the camera, but White was also the first woman to produce a sitcom. In fact, she’s had the longest career of any entertainer in Hollywood — more than 80 years! 

Alongside her decades of success, which includes five Primetime Emmy Awards and two Daytime Emmy Awards, White’s style has likewise evolved every step of the way. Whether she was embracing 1950s glamour — including a show-stopping bold lip — or her now infamous white coif, Betty White’s beauty is as timeless as her talent. 

Take a look at some of our favorite Betty White moments from over the years.

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    What’s not to love about this side-parted pinned-up hairstyle from 1955? The epitome of 1950s style, we also adore White’s bold, glossy lip.

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    All you need to dress up a curly bob are a few layers of beaded necklaces, which Betty proved perfectly in 1955.

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    Who says that golf is a man’s game? Betty, in a striped, collared dress, shows that she’s one to challenge the boys on the links in 1957.

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    Betty was doing nautical-chic in 1957 before it was even a trend. We’ll also be wearing a ribbed knit and red lip on our next sailing trip.

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    Talk about a glamour girl! In a sequined, tulle gown, Betty is the picture of Old Hollywood perfection in 1957.

  9. Betty stole the show in 1957 with this pastel-hued gown, fur stole and plenty of diamonds back when she was 35 — and she continues to do so to this day.

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    She went into 1958 with a new hairstyle — and we’re loving this close-cropped pixie style on Betty.

  11. At home with husband Allen Ludden in 1972, Betty manages to look effortless, yet elegant in a light blue top and natural makeup.

  13. At the 28th Annual Emmy Awards in 1976, Betty took home one of what would become many honors. And her intricately beaded gown, diamond drop earrings and lush lashes are totally outfit goals.

  14. At the 30th Annual Tony Awards in 1979, Betty posed with Ted Knight in a rather low-cut, white chiffon top and a bit of a smoky eye. Quite a daring look for the comedienne, if we do say so ourselves.

  15. For a night out in 1984, Betty chose a polka-dot dress, statement brooch and sequined bag. 

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    For one of her most iconic roles, Rose Nylund, this Golden Girl embraced a more traditional style — like this coat-inspired dress for a photo call in 1985.

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    Betty is an absolute ray of sunshine in this bright, sparkly gown at the 12th Annual People’s Choice Awards in 1986. 

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    With long-time friend — and former co-star — Mary Tyler Moore in 1987, Betty opted to match her earrings with her outfit. And we love it.

  21. For her book signing in 1990, Betty opted for a painterly printed top in a variety of colors.

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    Never one to shy away from head-to-toe color, this light blue ensemble is an elegant, yet playful choice in 1990.

  23. White is red hot in 1990 with this roll-neck frock.

  25. For her red-carpet appearance at the 42nd Annual Emmy Awards in 1990, Betty was a vision in a champagne, embroidered gown.

  26. Decades after the snap from 1957, Betty revisited her yellow and white dress and shawl pairing in in 1993 — and we are here for it.

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    How chic is this stark white suit from 2002? Gorgeous!

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    At the 54th Annual Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards in 2003, Betty went back to one of her signature looks: an all-blue ensemble with statement brooch.

  30. A long-time animal lover, this adorable pooch proves to be White’s ultimate accessory in 2006. Though we’re loving her green blouse, too.

  31. At a 2012 signing for her book, Betty and Friends, the elegant actress piled on the pearls — and wildly-patterned top.

  33. What’s not to love about a perennially classic black and white outfit from 2012? Kick it up a notch with a pop-of-color lipstick. 

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    Actor Alex Pettyfer sure is lucky to escort the beautiful Betty on stage at the 24th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in 2013 — and check out that blazer! What a show-stopper.

  35. The actress took a fashion risk in lime green, posing alongside a gorgeous parrot at the 44th Annual Beastly Ball in 2014.

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    Betty is positively glowing at The Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association's (GLAZA) 45th Annual Beastly Ball in 2015. 

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    At a media preview in 2015, Betty mixes and matches shades of her favorite hue — blue, of course. 

  39. Shimmer and shine, just like Betty did onstage during the 70th Emmy Awards in 2018 wearing a statement jacket and bright blue earrings. 

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