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Amazing Photos of Betty White Over the Years

By Katie Amey

No matter which of Betty White’s famous roles is your favorite, 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 — 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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    1955

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

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    1955

    All you need to dress up a curly bob are a few layers of beaded necklaces.

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    1957

    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 

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    1957

    Betty was doing nautical-chic 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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    1957

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

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    1957

    Betty stole the show in a 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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    1958

    New year, new hairstyle — and we’re loving this close-cropped pixie style on Betty.

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    1972 

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

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    1976

    At the 28th Annual Emmy Awards, 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.

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    1979

    At the 30th Annual Tony Awards, 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.

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    1984

    For a night out in the mid-80s, Betty chose a polka-dot dress, statement brooch and sequined bag. 

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    1985

    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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    1986

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

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    1987

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

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    1990

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

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    1990

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

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    1990

    White is red hot in this roll-neck frock.

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    1990

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

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    1993   

    Decades later, Betty revisited her yellow and white dress and shawl pairing and we are here for it.

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    2002

    How chic is this stark white suit? Gorgeous!

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    2003

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

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    2006

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

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    2012

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

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    2012

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

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    2013

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

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    2014

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

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    2015

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

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    2015

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

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    2018

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

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